Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 24293

Elementary schools in zip code 24293 consist of a single school, Wise Primary, which serves grades PK through 4 in the town of Wise, Virginia, within the highly regarded Wise County Public Schools district. Despite having a student population where over 87% qualify for free or reduced lunch, Wise Primary has established itself as a strong academic performer, earning consistent 4-star ratings and ranking in the 88th–89th percentile of Virginia elementary schools in recent years. The school's enrollment of 603 students benefits from a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.4 to 1, which supports individualized attention and a positive learning environment.

Academically, Wise Primary outperforms the Virginia state average by substantial margins across all reported subjects and grade levels. For the 2025–2026 school year, 3rd grade mathematics proficiency reached 85.71% versus the state's 74.04%, while 4th grade reading hit 90% compared to the state's 73.70%. Similarly, Virginia Studies proficiency was 90%, far above the state's 70.52%. However, the school generally trails the exceptional district averages, particularly in math, where Wise Primary sits about 5–9 points below the district. Reading is a relative strength, with 3rd grade reading in 2024–2025 actually surpassing the district average (88.64% vs. 87.21%). State rankings improved dramatically from 240th in 2023–2024 to 120th in 2024–2025, then settled slightly to 138th in 2025–2026—still an elite performance statewide.

Wise Primary also excels in attendance, with a chronic absenteeism rate of 11.9% compared to 15.0% for the district and 14.8% for the state. This consistency in attendance likely contributes to the school's strong test scores despite high economic need. The school spends $8,901 per student, a moderate investment that yields well-above-average results. In summary, Wise Primary is a standout school in a top-ranked district, achieving remarkable academic success with a high-poverty population. Its low student-teacher ratio, low absenteeism, and particularly strong reading outcomes make it an excellent choice for families in the area, while the only challenge is keeping pace with the truly elite performance of the surrounding district.