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 564 students in grades 9-12, Union High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). 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 9% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 564 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Union High's attendance zone covers the entire school district of Big Stone Gap, VA, encompassing approximately 405.2 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 14 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 26.2 miles.
- 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
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Union High School's student population of 564 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
564 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2011
School Calendar
School Rankings
Union High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Union High School is 0.17, 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
#251 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75-79%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70-74%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
91%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥95%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.4%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
6%
Showing 2010–2021. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue, Orange
School Mascot
Bear
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union High School's ranking?
Union High School is ranked #251 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Union High School often compared to?
Union High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central High School, Eastside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% 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 88.8%.
How many students attend Union High School?
564 students attend Union High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Union High School students are White, 4% 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 10/10/2025
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.
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