Summary:
Zip code 24201 in Bristol, Virginia, is home to one middle school: Virginia Middle, which serves 452 students in grades 6 through 8 as part of Bristol City Public Schools. The school serves a student population with very high economic need, as reflected by a free/reduced lunch participation rate just above 100%, and it maintains a notably low student-to-teacher ratio of 8.9 to 1.
Academically, Virginia Middle presents a split profile. The school is a standout in advanced coursework: 100% of 8th graders scored proficient or better on the Algebra I SOL exam, and 97.14% were proficient in World History I. It also exceeds state averages in 7th-grade math (68.03% vs. 51.11% statewide) and 7th-grade reading (78.69% vs. 73.01% statewide). However, performance lags in 6th-grade math (58.39% vs. 63.19% statewide), 8th-grade science (61.87% vs. 64.72% statewide), and 7th-grade civics (62.90% vs. 70.10% statewide). This pattern was consistent the previous year, with strong algebra and world history results but weaker general math and science scores. The school has earned a 2-star state rating for three consecutive years, ranking in the 45th to 48th percentile among Virginia middle schools.
The most significant concern is chronic absenteeism: 34.4% of Virginia Middle students were chronically absent in 2024-2025, more than double the state rate of 14.8% and well above the district rate of 27.0%. This likely helps explain why the school, despite excellent results in some subjects, remains mid-pack overall. The school spends $11,306 per student and enjoys a favorable student-teacher ratio, yet overall achievement has not reached the upper tier. Parents should view Virginia Middle as a school with genuine strengths in advanced math and history, but one where attendance and foundational math and science instruction are clear areas for improvement.
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