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Very Good

#927 of 3,192 schools in MI

Top 29% in state

Buchanan Virtual Academy

School · Buchanan Community Schools

401 W CHICAGO ST, Buchanan, MI 49107

Virtual

Enrollment

54

Student-Teacher

27:1

Score

7.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Michigan schools

#927 of 3,192

In Buchanan

#2 of 5

public schools

In district

#2 of 5

Buchanan Community Schools

Academic growth

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Buchanan Virtual Academy

7.1/10

School in Buchanan · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Buchanan High School

8.1/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Buchanan Step Up

Nearby

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Buchanan Virtual Academy

Buchanan Virtual Academy is a public school in Buchanan, MI, part of Buchanan Community Schools. Buchanan Virtual Academy serves approximately 54 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 27:1 student-teacher ratio. Buchanan Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #927 of 3,192 schools in MI.

Structured state assessment records for Buchanan Virtual Academy show 22% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2021) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2021).

How it compares0.5 pts above district
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.6
  • MI avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 54 students, Buchanan Virtual Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Buchanan Virtual Academy runs 27:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Buchanan Virtual Academy is a virtual school, so instruction happens mostly online. That flexibility suits some kids and frustrates others; it asks a lot of self-discipline and a steady setup at home. Think about whether your child learns well on their own, and ask how the school keeps students engaged.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data8
Annual Change+1.88 pts/yr
Data Period2014–2021
TrendImproving
Academics7.5Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency49.5% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency40% (2021 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)34% (model expectation from 2021 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+5.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
College Readiness7.9Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate69.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio27:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,437

Buchanan Virtual Academy — Students at Buchanan Virtual Academy score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 22.3% (multi-year average, 2014-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 29.7% (multi-year average, 2014-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 16 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2016
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2017
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2018
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2019
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2020*
Math
30%
ELA
49.5%
2021*
Math
30%
ELA
49.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.9/10.

How Buchanan Virtual Academy Compares

See how Buchanan Virtual Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
71th percentile in MI
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
9.9/10
Excellent
Environment
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
27:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

401 W CHICAGO ST, Buchanan, MI 49107

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Buchanan Virtual Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Buchanan High School (rated 8.1/10), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ST MARY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Niles), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Mars Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Berrien Springs), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Buchanan, see our Buchanan schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Buchanan High School Buchanan 0.0 mi 8.1
Buchanan Step Up Buchanan 0.0 mi
Ottawa Elementary School Buchanan 0.4 mi 4.1
Moccasin Elementary School Buchanan 0.6 mi 7.0
Buchanan Middle School Buchanan 0.8 mi 6.6
Ballard Elementary School Niles 4.5 mi 5.0
NILES ADVENTIST SCHOOL Niles 5.0 mi 6.4
Career Academy High School South Bend 6.9 mi 7.6
Career Academy Middle School South Bend 6.9 mi 5.8
ST MARY SCHOOL Niles 5.4 mi 7.9
RESURRECTION LUTHERAN ACADEMY South Bend 7.2 mi 6.8
Brandywine Innovation Academy Niles 6.0 mi 5.2
Niles Comm Schools Adult Education Niles 6.0 mi
Northside Child Development Center Niles 6.3 mi
Berrien Springs Virtual Academy Berrien Springs 8.3 mi 6.8
Berrien Springs Middle School Berrien Springs 8.4 mi 6.5
Berrien Springs Discovery Academy Berrien Sprgs 8.4 mi 4.1
Berrien Springs High School Berrien Springs 8.5 mi 7.6
Mars Elementary School Berrien Springs 8.5 mi 7.7
VILLAGE SDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Berrien Springs 8.5 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49107 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,118

Median Home Value

$174,500

Median Rent

$987/mo

Population

10,351

College Educated

20.7%

Homeownership

79.2%

Avg Commute

22.1 min

Poverty Rate

5.9%

Median Age

44.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
EUPISD Learning Center Kincheloe, MI 7.1
Sanilac ISD Special Education Services Sandusky, MI 7.1
Renaissance Virtual School Clarkston, MI 7.0
HOLLAND ADVENTIST ACADEMY Holland, MI 7.2
LAKE ORION BAPTIST SCHOOL Lake Orion, MI 6.9
Oxford Crossroads Day School Oxford, MI 6.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Buchanan Virtual Academy

What grades does Buchanan Virtual Academy serve?

Buchanan Virtual Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Buchanan Virtual Academy?

Buchanan Virtual Academy has an enrollment of approximately 54 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Buchanan Virtual Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Buchanan Virtual Academy is 27:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Buchanan Virtual Academy rank in MI?

Buchanan Virtual Academy ranks #927 of 3,192 schools in MI.

What is Buchanan Virtual Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Buchanan Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Buchanan Virtual Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Buchanan Virtual Academy has 22% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2021) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2021).

Is Buchanan Virtual Academy a charter school?

No, Buchanan Virtual Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Buchanan Virtual Academy a Title I school?

No, Buchanan Virtual Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Buchanan Virtual Academy?

64.8% of students at Buchanan Virtual Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
56 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
54
Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.8%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Berrien County
4-Year Graduation
69.5%

District

Buchanan Community Schools
District Enrollment
1,558
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,437
District Rank
#2 of 5

How we rate schools

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