Summary:
Zip code 24416 is home to 5 public schools serving about 1,040 students — three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school — split between Buena Vista City Public Schools and Rockbridge County Public Schools. Despite roughly 93% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, chronic absenteeism is just 9% overall, well below the state average of 14.8%. Class sizes are favorable at an 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio, and per-student spending averages $10,627, though it ranges from $7,008 at F.W. Kling Junior Elementary to $13,246 at Parry McCluer Middle.
Parry McCluer Middle is the standout school, earning 4 stars and ranking in the 79th percentile of Virginia middle schools. Its 7th grade math proficiency is 87.93% versus 51.11% statewide, and it has the best attendance in the area. Mountain View Elementary is another bright spot: despite the zip code's highest poverty rate (97.4% free/reduced lunch), it ranks in the 69th percentile of elementary schools and jumped 17 percentile points in the last year, with 94.44% proficiency in 4th grade math and 89.47% in 5th grade reading. Enderly Heights Elementary earns 3 stars with strong 5th grade math (88.41%) but struggles in 3rd grade math (51.56%). Parry McCluer High ranks in the 51st percentile and is improving, excelling in Algebra I and Biology.
The biggest academic challenges are in literacy. Writing proficiency at Parry McCluer High is 69.49% versus 79.89% statewide, and both Enderly Heights Elementary and Mountain View Elementary have 3rd grade reading below the state average. The high school graduation rate (90%) trails the state (92.3%), with a dropout rate of 5.7% versus 5.0% statewide. One unique feature here is the grade configuration: F.W. Kling Junior Elementary serves PK–1, Enderly Heights Elementary serves 2–5, Parry McCluer Middle serves 6–7, and Parry McCluer High starts at 8th grade. No alternative schools exist in the zip code, which could be a gap for students needing non-traditional pathways.
Thank you for your feedback!