Union High School

322 Powell Valley Road
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
(School attendance zone shown in map)
7/
10
Top 50%
Union High School, located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, is part of Wise County Public Schools. Union High School is a consolidated school, serving students from Appalachia and Big Stone Gap.
Serving 567 students in grades 9-12, Union High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 567 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : ≥95% (Top 20% in VA)
  • : Top 50%
  • : 55-59% (Top 50%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Union High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Union High School's student population of 567 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
567 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
2011
Colors
Navy Blue, Orange

School Rankings

Union High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Union High School is 0.19, 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.
This School
State Level (VA)
#635 out of 1792 schools
(Top 50%)
(20-21)
55-59%
54%
(20-21)
75-79%
69%
(20-21)
70-74%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
2%
19%
Black
5%
22%
White
90%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
0.19
≥95%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
6%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Bear
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union High School's ranking?
Union High School is ranked #635 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Union High School often compared to?
Union High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eastside High School, Central High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Union High School?
The graduation rate of Union High School is 95%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Union High School?
567 students attend Union High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Union High School students are White, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Union High School?
Union High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Union High School offer ?
Union High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Union High School part of?
Union High School is part of Wise County School District.

School Reviews

2   1/17/2015
This past Friday night while attending a varsity boys game I was shocked to hear the music being played during the warm up.The foul mouth rap artist which was singing four letter words completely unsuitable for a crowd coming to a school sporting event. I was offended by having to listen to this garbage. Please consider what I am saying and use more respect to the people in the audience coming to your sporting events.
- Posted by Parent - bobsp

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 567 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : ≥95% (Top 20%)
  • : Top 50%
  • : 55-59% (Top 50%)
  • : 75-79% (Top 30%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

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