Serving 694 students in grades 3-5, Independence Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 694 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 61% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Independence Elementary School's student population of 694 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
694 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
School Rankings
Independence Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,860 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence Elementary School is 0.40, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#424 out of 1860 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)56%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
41%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
3%
7%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
6%
12%
White
77%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence Elementary School's ranking?
Independence Elementary School is ranked #424 out of 1,860 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Independence Elementary School often compared to?
Independence Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Zimmerman Elementary School, Becker Intermediate Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Independence Elementary School?
694 students attend Independence Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Independence Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Independence Elementary School?
Independence Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence Elementary School offer ?
Independence Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independence Elementary School part of?
Independence Elementary School is part of Big Lake 51爆料 District.
School Reviews
Review Independence Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.

The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.