For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 3,892 students in Smyth County, VA (there are 1 private school, serving 299 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Smyth County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Smyth County, VA are Marion Senior High School, Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smyth County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Smyth County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Smyth County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Marion Senior High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
848 Stage St
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4731
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4731
Gr: 9-12 | 596 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Chilhowie High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1160 East Lee Hwy
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8966
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8966
Gr: 9-12 | 400 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Chilhowie Middle School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1162 East Lee Hwy
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-3942
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-3942
Gr: 6-8 | 295 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Saltville Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1013 E Main St
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-4751
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-4751
Gr: PK-5 | 190 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Northwood High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
305 Panther Ln
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-7751
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-7751
Gr: 9-12 | 230 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #66.
Northwood Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
156 Long Hollow Rd
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 624-3341
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 624-3341
Gr: 6-8 | 164 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #77.
Marion Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
188 Star Mountain Dr
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-3021
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-3021
Gr: PK-5 | 309 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #88.
Sugar Grove Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
242 Teas Rd
Sugar Grove, VA 24375
(276) 677-3311
Sugar Grove, VA 24375
(276) 677-3311
Gr: PK-5 | 100 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #99.
Rich Valley Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
196 Long Hollow Rd
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 624-3314
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 624-3314
Gr: PK-5 | 129 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #1010.
Atkins Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5903 Lee Hwy
Atkins, VA 24311
(276) 783-3366
Atkins, VA 24311
(276) 783-3366
Gr: PK-5 | 171 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Marion Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
134 Wilden St
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4466
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4466
Gr: 6-8 | 389 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1212.
Chilhowie Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
130 East Lee Hwy
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8220
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8220
Gr: PK-5 | 544 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #1313.
Oak Point Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
138 Oak Point Dr
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-2609
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-2609
Gr: PK-5 | 375 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Smyth County Career & Technical Center
Vocational School
147 Fox Valley Rd
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 646-8117
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 646-8117
Rank: n/an/a
Southwestern Va Mental Health Institute
Special Education School
340 Bagley Circle
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-1222
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-1222
Gr: 6-12
Smyth County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Marion Correctional Treatment Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
110 Wright St
Marion, VA 24354
(540) 783-7154
Marion, VA 24354
(540) 783-7154
848 Stage St
Sugar Grove, VA 24375
(276) 783-2459
Sugar Grove, VA 24375
(276) 783-2459
Gr: PK-8 | 177 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Smyth County, VA?
The top ranked public schools in Smyth County, VA include Marion Senior High School, Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Smyth County?
15 public schools are located in Smyth County.
What percentage of students in Smyth County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Smyth County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Smyth County?
Smyth County public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Smyth County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Smyth County include: Marion Middle School vs. Chilhowie Middle School, Northwood High School vs. Chilhowie High School, Marion Senior High School vs. Chilhowie High School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
