Best Public Schools in Zip Code 24477

In ZIP code 24477 (Stuarts Draft, VA), there are 4 schools—two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school—all part of Augusta County Public Schools, serving roughly 2,284 students across a largely economically disadvantaged area (62–69% free/reduced lunch eligibility).

The clear academic leader is Stuarts Draft High, ranked #110 in Virginia (3 stars) with a 94.6% graduation rate, a 3.2% dropout rate, and standout proficiency in 9th-grade Geometry (100%), Algebra I (89.3%), and 11th-grade reading (90.1%). Stuarts Draft Middle also excels in advanced math (97.6% 8th-grade Algebra I) and science, but has the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the ZIP code at 20.4%, well above the state average of 14.8%. Among elementary schools, Guy K. Stump Elementary made the biggest improvement, jumping from 1 to 2 stars and boosting 5th-grade math from 50% to 75.4%, while also posting the lowest chronic absenteeism (11.5%). Stuarts Draft Elementary is the largest school (646 students) and has strong 3rd-grade math (81.6%), but its 5th-grade scores dropped significantly in 2025-2026, causing its ranking to slip.

Overall, the high school outperforms its 2-star district rating, showing steady rank improvement (143→124→110) over three years. A notable weakness is 10th-grade Algebra I proficiency (53.9%), likely reflecting retakes. The middle school's high chronic absenteeism stands out as the biggest opportunity for improvement, especially since its academic scores are otherwise strong. Both elementary schools show solid early-grade math, with 3rd-grade proficiency exceeding the state average, but 5th-grade results are inconsistent between them. Higher per-student spending at Stuarts Draft High corresponds with strong outcomes, but Stuarts Draft Elementary spends more than Guy K. Stump yet sees weaker 5th-grade results, suggesting factors beyond funding matter. Given the high poverty levels across all schools, these schools are performing respectably, with clear strengths in early math and high school science/reading.