Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 24260

There are two public elementary schools serving zip code 24260 in the rural communities of Honaker, Virginia, and both cover grades PK through 7 as combined elementary/middle schools. Honaker Elementary is part of Russell County Public Schools, while Council Elementary/Middle belongs to Buchanan County Public Schools. Together they serve roughly 900 students in an area marked by high poverty, with free/reduced lunch eligibility above 91% at both schools.

Honaker Elementary is the clear standout in this zip code. It ranks in the top third of Virginia elementary schools (359 out of 1,111 in 2025–26, with a 3-star rating) and posts average SOL proficiency around 79%, well above state averages in 4th grade reading, 5th grade science, and 7th grade math. This is particularly impressive given that its district ranks only 80th out of 131, and the school manages these results while spending just $7,475 per student. Council Elementary/Middle, by contrast, ranks 732nd out of 1,111 (2 stars) with an average SOL proficiency of 64%. It spends much more—$10,736 per student—and has a slightly better student-teacher ratio (12.2 vs. 13.2), yet its outcomes remain substantially lower. Council did improve from roughly 59% to 64% proficiency year over year, and its 6th grade math score of 77.8% exceeded both district and state averages.

Both schools face challenges with chronic absenteeism, with Honaker at 17.9% and Council at 20.4%, both above the state rate of 14.8%. Honaker’s ranking slipped from 4 stars to 3 stars, and its 6th grade math proficiency dropped to just 50%—a notable weak spot. Council struggles most with 5th grade reading (50% proficient vs. 72% statewide) and shows extreme volatility in small classes, such as 7th grade civics jumping from 13% to 56% in one year. For parents, Honaker offers stronger academics and more efficient spending, while Council has the benefit of smaller class sizes and higher per-student investment, though targeted help in reading and attendance is clearly needed.