Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 24311

Zip code 24311 in Virginia is served by one elementary school, Atkins Elementary, which enrolls 168 students in grades PK-5 as part of Smyth County Public Schools. This small, rural school serves an exceptionally high-need population, with 99.4% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, yet it enjoys a favorable student-teacher ratio of 9.7 to one and per-pupil spending of $10,733.

Academically, Atkins Elementary shows a mix of notable strengths and areas needing attention. The school outperforms the Virginia state average in several recent assessments, including 3rd grade math (80% vs. 74.04%), 5th grade reading (83.33% vs. 72.42%), 5th grade science (70.83% vs. 68.75%), and 4th grade VA Studies (76% vs. 70.52%). Reading proficiency also shows a promising upward trend, climbing from 64% in 3rd grade to 83.33% in 5th grade, which is over 11 points ahead of the state. However, upper-grade math is a clear weak spot, with proficiency rates of 65.38% in 4th grade and 66.67% in 5th grade, lagging the district by 14.5 and 16.1 percentage points, respectively.

While the district itself is a standout performer—ranked 17th out of 131 districts in Virginia with a 4-star rating—Atkins Elementary sits in the mid-pack statewide, currently ranking 581st out of 1,111 schools (48th percentile). Its test scores have also shown significant year-over-year volatility, with swings of more than 15 points in some subjects, which is a common challenge for a school with a small student body. A key concern for parents to note is the chronic absenteeism rate of 19.9%, meaning roughly one in five students is chronically absent, a figure higher than both the district and state averages. This factor, combined with the school’s high poverty rate, likely contributes to the inconsistent academic performance despite the available resources and small class sizes. Overall, Atkins Elementary demonstrates resilience and specific academic strengths, but improving upper-grade math and reducing absenteeism remain critical areas for growth.