Schools in Zip Code 24520

Zip code 24520 in Alton, VA is served by a single public elementary school, Cluster Springs Elementary, which enrolls students in grades PK through 5 as part of Halifax County Public Schools.

Cluster Springs Elementary stands out for its strong and rapidly improving math performance. In the 2025–2026 school year, 5th grade math proficiency reached 91.7%, up from 75% the previous year, while 4th grade math rose to 86.1%—both well above district and state averages. Upper-grade reading also shows gains, with 4th grade reading jumping from 63.6% to 78.5%, now above the state average. However, 3rd grade reading remains a weakness at 61.3% compared to the state's 67.6%. Science scores dropped notably in 5th grade, falling from 77.8% to 66.7%, now below both district and state averages. On the other hand, 4th grade VA Studies improved dramatically, from 53.4% to 73.4%, surpassing the state average. The school maintains a low chronic absenteeism rate of 13.1%, far better than the district's 21.4% and even below the state's 14.8%—an impressive feat given that the free/reduced lunch rate is 100.7%, indicating extremely high economic need.

Cluster Springs Elementary is on a clear upward trajectory. Its state ranking improved from the 40th percentile in 2023–2024 to the 56th percentile in 2025–2026, earning 3 stars for the first time. Despite the challenges of high poverty, the school outperforms its district in multiple subjects and has shown academic resilience. For parents, this is a school where math is a definite strength, upper-grade reading is improving, and attendance is strong. The main areas to watch are 3rd grade reading and 5th grade science, where recent scores slipped. Overall, Cluster Springs Elementary appears to be a steadily improving school that is making meaningful progress for its students.