Best Public Schools in Goode, VA

Goode, Virginia is home to one public elementary school, Otter River Elementary, which serves grades PK–5 with 167 students as part of Bedford County Public Schools, a district ranked 35th out of 131 districts in Virginia (73rd percentile, 4 stars). The data covers state ranking history, SOL proficiency rates across Mathematics, English Reading, Science, and Virginia Studies, chronic absenteeism, economic disadvantage indicators, per-student spending, and student-to-teacher ratio, providing a complete picture of this single standout school.

Otter River Elementary distinguishes itself with elite academic performance, exceeding district and state proficiency rates in every tested subject and grade level for both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Its state ranking has climbed rapidly from the 68th percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 83rd percentile (4 stars) in 2024-2025, and finally to the 91st percentile (5 stars) in 2025-2026 — an improvement of 257 positions that places it in the top 10% of Virginia elementary schools. In 2025-2026, 96% of 3rd graders scored proficient in Mathematics versus 74% statewide, and 5th-grade Science proficiency reached 89.66% compared to the state's 68.75%. English Reading proficiency ranged from 85.71% to 88% across grades 3 through 5, all well above state averages. Virginia Studies was the school's lowest-scoring subject at 80.95%, though still roughly 10 points above the state average.

The school's success extends beyond test scores. Chronic absenteeism is just 7.8%, far below the district's 11.8% and the state's 14.8% — a rate about 47% lower than the Virginia average. With a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.6, students receive more individualized attention, which likely supports strong learning outcomes. Approximately 36.53% of students qualify for free/reduced-price lunch, yet the school achieves top-decile results, and per-student spending of $10,506 appears to be used efficiently. Overall, Otter River Elementary is a rapidly improving, top-performing school with healthy attendance and strong instruction, positioning it well for continued success in the years ahead.