Summary:
Zip code 24435, located in Fairfield, Virginia, contains just one school: Fairfield Elementary, a public elementary school serving grades PK–5 with 241 students as part of Rockbridge County Public Schools. As the only school in this area, Fairfield Elementary automatically stands out, but it earns attention on its own merits. The school has shown remarkable improvement in its state ranking, jumping from the 36th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 69th percentile in 2025-2026 — a climb of more than 360 spots that places it 346th out of 1,111 Virginia schools.
Despite serving a predominantly economically disadvantaged student body — nearly 80% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — Fairfield Elementary posts numbers that defy expectations. Chronic absenteeism sits at just 4.4%, roughly one-third of both the district (15.1%) and state (14.8%) averages. The school's mathematics performance is a particular strength, with 2025-2026 SOL proficiency rates of 86.96% in 3rd grade, 91.18% in 4th grade, and 80.56% in 5th grade — all well above state averages. Reading is strong in the early grades as well, with 3rd grade at 82.61% and 4th grade at 85.29%, both significantly outpacing district and state figures.
The main areas for growth are 5th grade reading and science. Reading in 5th grade falls to 66.67%, matching the district but trailing the state by nearly 6 points, while 5th grade science proficiency is 63.89%, below both district and state averages. A favorable student-teacher ratio of 11:1 and per-pupil spending of $13,163 suggest students receive solid instructional attention. Overall, Fairfield Elementary is a small, high-poverty school with strong mathematics achievement, exceptional attendance, and a very positive upward trajectory — making it a clear standout in Rockbridge County.
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