Serving 809 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Union Primary ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 92% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 809 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 92% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Powell Valley Primary serves the entire school district in Big Stone Gap, VA, covering approximately 405.2 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 24.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Union Primary ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Union Primary's student population of 809 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has grown by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
809 students
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Year Founded
1975
School Calendar
School Rankings
Union Primary 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 Primary is 0.20, 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
#196 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)79%
69%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
1%
20%
Black
4%
21%
White
89%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.7%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Primary's ranking?
Union Primary is ranked #196 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Union Primary often compared to?
Union Primaryis often viewed alongside schools like Wise Primary, Duffield-pattonsville Primary, Coeburn Primary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
92% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Union Primary?
809 students attend Union Primary.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Union Primary students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Union Primary?
Union Primary has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Union Primary offer ?
Union Primary offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Union Primary part of?
Union Primary is part of Wise County School District.
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