Best Public Schools in Roanoke, VA

The city of Roanoke, Virginia is home to 41 schools, including 28 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 5 high schools, spread across two school districts - Roanoke City Public Schools and Roanoke County Public Schools. The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance, with the Roanoke County Public Schools generally outperforming the Roanoke City Public Schools across various metrics.

Among the standout schools are Cave Spring High, ranked 36th out of 328 Virginia high schools with a 4-star rating, and Hidden Valley High, ranked 30th out of 329 Virginia high schools with a 5-star rating. These schools demonstrate exceptional academic performance, with high proficiency rates, strong graduation rates, and low dropout rates. In contrast, schools like Round Hill Elementary, Westside Elementary, and Hurt Park Elementary have significantly lower proficiency rates, often below 50% in many subjects.

Across the district, there is a concerning trend of high chronic absenteeism, with all schools reporting a rate of 15.7%. Additionally, the data suggests a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic performance, as schools with higher rates of free/reduced lunch recipients tend to have lower academic achievement. These findings highlight the need to address the disparities between the two school districts and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students in the Roanoke area.