The Roanoke County School System has a total of 18 elementary schools, 5 junior high/middle schools, 5 senior high schools, 1 vocational technical center, and 2 alternative education centers.
The Roanoke County School System is one of the best in Virginia. In 2003 Expansion Management Magazine awarded the system an EQ (Education Quotient) of 95 (out of a total score of 100), making it one of the top rated school systems in the country (ranking in the top 5 percent in the nation). The EQ is a composite score of school districts based upon such factors as community education attainment and income levels, per pupil expenditures, teacher salaries, student-teacher ratios, graduation rates and college board scores.
Education Quotient Ratings:
|
School System |
EQ |
| Roanoke County | 95 |
| Frederick-Frederick Co., MD | 89 |
| Raleigh-Wake Co., NC | 83 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Co., NC | 66 |
| Greenville-Greenville Co., SC | 46 |
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Co., NC | 40 |
| Greensboro-Guilford Co., NC | 33 |
| Nashville-Davidson Co., TN | 13 |
How Roanoke County Measures Up:
Total Enrollment: 2002 - 2003 school year 14,119
Full-Time Faculty: (2002-03) 1,133
Student/Teacher Ratio: (2002-03) 20.1:1
Number of High School Graduates (2002): 929
Graduation Rate: 98%
High School Graduates Continuing Education (2003): 87%
Per Pupil Expenditures (2001-02): $7,394
Roanoke County students outscore the state and national averages for SAT Scores:
|
2001 |
Verbal | Mathematics |
| Roanoke County |
522 |
523 |
| State |
510 |
501 |
|
National |
506 |
514 |
(Source: Virginia Department of Education)
The Roanoke County School System has a total of 18 elementary schools, 5 junior high/middle schools, 5 senior high schools, 1 vocational technical center, and 2 alternative education centers.
All schools are accredited by the State Board of Education, with elementary and high schools accredited by, or affiliated with, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The rate of full accreditation by the state for schools in Roanoke County is 100%, far exceeding the state average of 65%.
Development & New Initiatives
Roanoke County Schools adopted a new motto in 2000: "Learning For All Whatever it Takes." The school system developed a six-year School Improvement Plan that will be implemented through 2006, concentrating on lowering pupil/student ratios in math and reading in elementary schools to 20:1 by 2006.
Also in 2000, Roanoke County Schools began implementing CHARACTER COUNTS, a national program promoting ethics in education. The program teaches the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Administration / Involvement
Appointed by the Roanoke County School Board, the chief executive officer of the Roanoke County School System is the superintendent. Serving under the superintendent are two assistant superintendents and directors in areas of curriculum and instruction, operations, special education, technology, and personnel. Serving under the directors are supervisors of instructional services, pupil assignment, testing and federal programs and support services.
The Roanoke County School System's commitment to staff development has resulted in an outstanding organization of school administrators, instructors, guidance and support personnel, who are dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve success.
There are strong Parent Teacher Association (PTA) programs in each school with varied volunteer opportunities for parents to assist during the school day as well as outside of school hours. Parent advisory committees and other programs are in effect in our schools, allowing parents the opportunity to actively participate in their children's education.
Education Alternatives
The Arnold R. Burton Technology Center - An extension of the four county high schools, the center provides extensive high-tech training for both students and adults looking to further their education or begin a new career.
Blue Ridge Technical Academy - Serves at-risk secondary school students, focusing on technical fields with a strong career orientation. Career tracks options include: manufacturing technology, health/medical services, e-commerce and business services, computer science and electronics and fiber optics.
Magnet Schools - Focused on developing individual talents and interests in specific academic groupings. Program options include computer science, high technology, science, mathematics and computers, aviation, performing arts, visual arts, communications, Back to Basics, Montessori, and aerospace. Operated by Roanoke City Public Schools, Magnet Schools have programs for all grade levels, and are open to all students in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.
The Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology - Serves highly motivated secondary school students from the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas in science, mathematics, computer science and technology. Supplements the efforts of area school systems through rigorous and unique curriculum. All students in the program are college bound, and many enter college with advanced placement toward their bachelor's degrees. The Governor's School is located on the campus of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke City, and is operated by seven school systems.
The Roanoke County Career Center - Provides educational and related services to middle school students who are struggling academically in school. The Career Center offers an alternative program that meets the academic, social, personal, emotional, and vocational/career needs of students who are not seeing success in traditional schools. Students at the Career Center master the SOL's while participating in an engaging, hands-on curriculum.
International Baccalaureate Program - Available at both Salem High School and William Fleming High School in Roanoke City, the programs are rigorous, pre-university curriculum that meets international standards. Students may elect to enroll in the entire program and earn the IB diploma, or take individual classes and earn an IB certificate. Classes are team-taught by specially trained teachers, and allow students to earn college credits before they enter college. Funded by area businesses and industries, the program is free and any Roanoke Valley student may apply.
Parochial Education
|
School |
Grades |
Enrollment |
Tuition |
| Roanoke Catholic School |
K-12 |
574 |
$3,820-$6330 |
| Roanoke Valley Christian |
K-12 |
411 |
$1,800-$3,670 |
Private Education
|
School |
Grades |
Student/Teacher Ratio |
Tuition |
| Community School | Pre-K-8 |
8:1 |
$2,750-$5,775 |
| North Cross School | Pre-K-12 |
12:1 |
$4,535-$8,870 |
| The Achievement Center | Ungraded |
5:1 |
$8,531 |
(Source: Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce)