Schools in Zip Code 24479

Zip code 24479 (Swoope, VA) is served by two public schools — Buffalo Gap High (grades 9–12) and Buffalo Gap Middle (grades 6–8) — both part of Augusta County Public Schools, with no elementary schools in the immediate area.

For parents, Buffalo Gap High is the clear academic leader. It posts a 97.3% graduation rate and a 0.8% dropout rate, both far better than state averages, while serving a student body where about 58% qualify for free/reduced lunch. Math and science proficiency are strong: Geometry and Algebra I are near or above 95%, and Biology and Earth Science exceed state averages. The school’s 11th grade reading is the only notable weak spot, dropping below both district and state. However, the high school’s state ranking has slipped from the 77th percentile three years ago to the 59th percentile now, so while still above the district’s overall 43rd percentile, the trend is worth watching. Chronic absenteeism is high at 19.4%, yet it does not appear to be hurting graduation outcomes.

Buffalo Gap Middle is more of a mixed picture. It ranks in the 25th percentile statewide, but some results are excellent — Algebra I students are 100% proficient, and 7th grade math (78.1%) is far above the state (51.1%). The biggest red flag is an 8th grade math collapse: proficiency fell from 61.5% to 32.9% in one year, and 8th grade science, reading, and civics all trail district and state averages. With only 285 students, small cohorts likely drive some large year-to-year swings, but the 8th grade struggles matter because those students feed directly into Buffalo Gap High. Overall, the high school outperforms its district’s average standing, while the middle school’s advanced math track thrives even as grade-level 8th grade classes need attention.