Independence High School (West Virginia)

Independence High School is a consolidated high school in rural Raleigh County, West Virginia, located in the town of Coal City, West Virginia. The school, along with sister school and rival Liberty High School was built in 1976, and the name is a reflection of that. The school consolidated the former Stoco and Sophia high schools.

The school has over 600 students, currently placing it in class "AA" for sports. It has moved from "AAA" to "AA" status several times. School colors are Red, White and Blue, and the mascot and knickname is "Patriots".

Independence has been recognized several times by the WV Secretary of State for winning the Jennings Randolph Award. In 2018, they were congratulated by Congressman Evan Jenkins and Senator Joe Manchin. They are the first school in the state to win the award three times in a row. For this achievement, Student Body President Kyle Saunders was named WV Honorary Secretary of State by WV Secretary of State Mac Warner. This is the first time an Independence student received this honor.

Independence High School is also home to five wrestling state championships and one baseball championship and their Girls Softball team the Lady Patriots made an appearance in the 2019 West Virginia Softball state Championship. Also beginning in the 2018 football season the Independence Patriots took on the Liberty Raiders in the “Battle of 76” which refers to the two schools both being built in 1976 this was the inaugural game the patriots won the game and the two teams will play for the game every year.

"Independence High School - Administration". wv01919578.schoolwires.net. Retrieved 10 March 2018.</ref>