Very Good
#591 of 1,851 schools in VA
Top 32% in state
Big Island Elementary
Elementary School · Bedford County Public Schools
1114 Schooldays Rd, Big Island, VA 24526
Enrollment
148
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
148
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
7.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#591 of 1,851
In district
#8 of 19
Bedford County Public Schools
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Big Island Elementary?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Big Island Elementary
Elementary School in Big Island · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Natural Bridge Elementary
7.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Otter River Elementary
11.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Big Island Elementary
Big Island Elementary is a public elementary school in Big Island, VA, part of Bedford County Public Schools. Big Island Elementary serves approximately 148 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Big Island Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #591 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for Big Island Elementary show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.3 · Very Good
- District avg 7.2
- VA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
At 148 students, Big Island Elementary 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.
Big Island Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Big Island Elementary — Students at Big Island Elementary score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 33 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.0/10.
How Big Island Elementary Compares
See how Big Island Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1114 Schooldays Rd, Big Island, VA 24526
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Island Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Paul Munro Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Lynchburg), which scores notably higher. Another option is Enderly Heights Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Buena Vista), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Otter River Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Goode), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Big Island, see our Big Island schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Bridge Elementary Natural Bridge Station | 7.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Otter River Elementary Goode | 11.5 mi | 8.6 |
| Boonsboro Elementary Lynchburg | 10.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Liberty Middle Bedford | 11.9 mi | 7.9 |
| Liberty High Bedford | 11.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Enderly Heights Elementary Buena Vista | 12.9 mi | 9.0 |
| Forest Elementary Forest | 12.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Jefferson Forest High Forest | 12.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Forest Middle Forest | 12.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Parry McCluer High Buena Vista | 13.3 mi | 7.1 |
| JAMES RIVER DAY SCHOOL Lynchburg | 12.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Parry McCluer Middle Buena Vista | 14.6 mi | 9.2 |
| Thomas Jefferson Elementary Forest | 14.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Elon Elementary Madison Heights | 12.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Bedford Primary Bedford | 14.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Paul Munro Elementary Lynchburg | 12.7 mi | 9.4 |
| Bedford Hills Elementary Lynchburg | 12.9 mi | 5.1 |
| BLUE RIDGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Lynchburg | 13.7 mi | 7.3 |
| F.W. Kling Jr. Elementary Buena Vista | 15.4 mi | 2.7 |
| Bedford Elementary Bedford | 15.6 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24526 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,475
Median Home Value
$201,100
Median Rent
$850/mo
Population
1,374
College Educated
23.4%
Homeownership
79.4%
Poverty Rate
4%
Median Age
44.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| EDLIN SCHOOL Reston, VA | 7.3 |
| ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL Hampton, VA | 7.2 |
| ST PIUS X SCHOOL Norfolk, VA | 7.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Newport News, VA | 7.2 |
| Dudley Elementary Wirtz, VA | 7.4 |
| Speedwell Elementary Wytheville, VA | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Island Elementary
What grades does Big Island Elementary serve?
Big Island Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Big Island Elementary?
Big Island Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 148 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Island Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Island Elementary is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Island Elementary rank in VA?
Big Island Elementary ranks #591 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is Big Island Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Island Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 Big Island Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Big Island Elementary has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Big Island Elementary a charter school?
No, Big Island Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Island Elementary a Title I school?
No, Big Island Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Island Elementary?
81.8% of students at Big Island Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 148
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Bedford County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.0%
- Phone
- (434) 299-5863
Resources & Links
District
Bedford County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 9,059
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,519
- District Rank
- #8 of 19
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.