Serving 561 students in grades 5-8, Union Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 82% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 561 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 82% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Powell Valley Middle serves the entire district of Big Stone Gap, VA, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 405.2 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 24.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Union Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Union Middle School's student population of 561 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
561 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Union Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Union Middle School is 0.13, 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
#572 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)56%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
2%
20%
Black
2%
21%
White
93%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Middle School's ranking?
Union Middle School is ranked #572 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
82% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Union Middle School?
561 students attend Union Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Union Middle School students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Union Middle School?
Union Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Union Middle School offer ?
Union Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Union Middle School part of?
Union Middle School is part of Wise County School District.
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