High Achievement

SCS Ranks in Top One-Third in Virginia for Student Achievement

Great news: All of Staunton's schools are fully accredited, based on the 2023-2024 SOL data released by the Virginia Department of Education this fall.

Over the past six years, SCS has shown significant improvement, climbing 62 places in state rankings, the highest level of improvement in SOL results compared to any other school division in Virginia from 2018 to 2023. Out of 131 Virginia school divisions, SCS is now ranked 43rd in the state based on the most recent SOL data, placing it among the top one-third of divisions in the state for student achievement.

“Staunton City Schools is performing above expectations despite having a higher rate of poverty than the majority of school divisions,” said Dr. Garett Smith, SCS superintendent. “In fact, in every subject, SCS exceeds the state average for economically disadvantaged students. Our teachers and staff have worked hard to eliminate any potential barriers to learning by providing high-quality instruction for all students, and these results show that we’re making steady and consistent progress. We’re proud of all their smart work and look forward to continuing this positive momentum.”

We are excited to announce a new, multi-year partnership with James Madison University through a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. The seven-year renewable federal grant was awarded in August and will infuse approximately $2.3 million into supporting student readiness for college, especially for first-generation and low-income families.

The program launched in September and will follow current seventh- and eighth-grade students at Shelburne Middle School through graduation, providing tutoring, workshops, field trips, family nights, and an academic summer program called Summer Jam. All students in these cohorts can participate in the program.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers and students at Shelburne Middle School just moved into newly updated classrooms at the end of October after a six-month renovation project. The renovation enhanced STEM learning to prepare students for jobs of the future. 

Along with the upgraded CTE spaces, the administrative wing has improved security and flow, and there’s a new multipurpose room and modified cafeteria. The $7.4 million project, led by Nielsen Builders, was funded through pandemic relief and school capital reserves.

This is Phase I of a three-part project. Phases II and III remain unfunded. We look forward to the positive impact this first round of construction will have on students' learning and career exploration.

Five SCS Winners in Earth Day Poetry Contest

On the September Fall Equinox, several SCS students and a staff member were honored at the Staunton Jams Poetry for the Planet event. This celebration recognized contributors to the Earth Day Staunton Poetry Contest, hosted by Shenandoah Green in the spring.

Congratulations to the SCS winners in the elementary, middle, high and adult categories: 

• Amiya White, 12th grade, 1st place for her poem “Silent Beauty,” and the first winning entry in American Sign Language
• Kennedy Bryant, 9th grade, 3rd place for “Home
• Abigail Koska, 6th grade, 3rd place for an untitled piece
• Isaac Wislar, 11th grade, honorable mention for “The Green Room”
• Assistant Principal Brian Miller, 2nd place for “Gurahiyi”

Students received gift certificates, while adults earned cash prizes of up to $50. 

Program Provides Career Exposure to Special Education Students

A special education teacher at Staunton High School recently launched an inspiring vocational program that connects her students with valuable work experiences and community engagement.

Twice a week, Nicole Knupp's students visit local partnering organizations to develop vocational skills and discover post-high school career opportunities. This year’s program includes experiences with three organizations: Ride with Pride, Staunton-Augusta YMCA, and Project Grows.

Additional trips to the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and Blue Ridge Community College have provided other student groups with insights into future career pathways.