Jefferson Forest High School is one of the three high schools in Bedford County, Virginia. Jefferson Forest High School was first opened in 1972. The school's Principal is Ben Martin, and the assistant principals are Kim Morris, Ryan Wood, and Katie Wood.
Serving 1,282 students in grades 9-12, Jefferson Forest High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-59% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,282 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Jefferson Forest High serves the northeast part of Forest, VA, encompassing an area of approximately 152.7 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest point in the attendance zone located about 10.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Jefferson Forest High School's student population of 1,282 students has declined by 36% over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has declined by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
1,282 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
1972
School Rankings
Jefferson Forest High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Jefferson Forest High School is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#921 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)81%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
7%
20%
Black
7%
21%
White
75%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
71%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11.2%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Mascot
Sir Jefferson Of Forest
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jefferson Forest High School's ranking?
Jefferson Forest High School is ranked #921 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Jefferson Forest High School often compared to?
Jefferson Forest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Liberty High School, Staunton River High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Jefferson Forest High School?
The graduation rate of Jefferson Forest High School is 71%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Jefferson Forest High School?
1,282 students attend Jefferson Forest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Jefferson Forest High School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Jefferson Forest High School?
Jefferson Forest High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Jefferson Forest High School offer ?
Jefferson Forest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Jefferson Forest High School part of?
Jefferson Forest High School is part of Bedford County School District.
School Reviews
Review Jefferson Forest High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
