Summary
Moneta Elementary is a small PK–5 elementary school in Moneta, Virginia, serving 218 students as part of Bedford County Public Schools. The school currently holds a 4-star state rating and ranks 241st out of 1,111 Virginia elementary schools, placing it in the 78th percentile statewide. What makes Moneta truly distinctive is its trajectory: in 2015–2016, it ranked near the bottom of Virginia schools at the 2nd percentile with zero stars. A decade later, it sits comfortably in the top quarter of elementary schools in the state, earning 4-star ratings in four of the last six reported school years.
Moneta achieves strong results despite serving a high-poverty population, with 87% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Its economically disadvantaged students rank in the top 10% statewide, earning a 5-star rating in each of the last two years. SOL test scores are consistently above state averages, with standout results in 3rd grade math (96.3%) and 4th grade Virginia Studies (93.1%). Reading proficiency is strong across all grade levels, outperforming the state by double digits in most tested areas. Among nearby schools, Moneta ranks third overall behind Otter River Elementary and Windy Gap Elementary, but it outperforms several larger Bedford County schools including Bedford Elementary, Montvale, Stewartsville, and Huddleston.
Moneta has also made dramatic progress in chronic absenteeism, dropping from 27.4% in 2022–2023 to roughly 11% — now better than both district and state averages. The school is cost-effective, spending about $9,350 per student, less than several comparable schools like Windy Gap ($10,283) and Otter River ($10,506), while delivering stronger results than many schools with higher spending. The main area to watch is 5th grade math and science, which trail the county average. Closing that gap could push Moneta from a strong school into the top 10% statewide.
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