Summary:
ZIP code 24090, located in the Fincastle area of Botetourt County, Virginia, is home to one public middle school, Central Academy Middle, serving grades 6 through 8 with an enrollment of 364 students.
Central Academy Middle is an elite performer, earning a 5-star rating in each of the past three school years and ranking in the top 6–9% of Virginia middle schools. It is part of the highly ranked Botetourt County Public Schools, which places 7th among 131 districts in the state. The school’s biggest academic strength is advanced mathematics: 100% of 8th graders taking Algebra I and Geometry scored proficient in both 2024–25 and 2025–26. Grade-level math results are also outstanding, with 7th grade math proficiency at 97.4% in 2025–26 versus 51.1% statewide. In every reported subject across both years, the school beat the Virginia state average—a remarkable consistency given that about one-third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Attendance and resources further support success. Chronic absenteeism is just 8.6%, well below the state’s 14.8% rate, and the student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1 with per-student spending of $12,653 indicates a well-supported learning environment. However, there are a few areas to watch. In 2025–26, 8th grade science (79.8%), reading (78.8%), and civics & economics (82.7%) dipped below the district average, even though they remain above state averages. Reading proficiency also varies by grade level, with only 78.8% of 8th graders proficient versus 92.1% of 7th graders. Overall, Central Academy Middle stands out as a top-tier school in Virginia, with exceptional math performance, strong attendance, and consistent district leadership, while 8th grade reading and related subjects merit continued monitoring.
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