Average
#1011 of 1,850 schools in VA
Buchanan Elementary
Elementary School · Botetourt County Public Schools
255 Schoolhouse Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066
Enrollment
300
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
300
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buchanan
#1 of 2
public schools
Virginia elementary schools
#548 of 1,147
In district
#8 of 11
Botetourt County Public Schools
About Buchanan Elementary
Buchanan Elementary is a regular public school nestled in the rural community of Buchanan, Virginia. With an enrollment of 300 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school provides a personalized learning environment that caters to each child's needs. The dedicated staff consists of 23 full-time equivalent teachers who work tirelessly to support their students' academic and personal growth.
At Buchanan Elementary, students excel in reading and math, with 82% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts (ELA) and an impressive 80% achieving proficiency or higher in mathematics. These numbers reflect the school’s commitment to fostering a strong foundation in core subjects. The MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 places Buchanan Elementary around the 53rd percentile among Virginia schools, indicating there is room for continued academic growth and development.
Buchanan Elementary stands as an integral part of its rural community, providing a nurturing educational setting where students can thrive both academically and socially.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Buchanan Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Buchanan Elementary — Students at Buchanan Elementary score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
47.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 12 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: 5.8/10.
How Buchanan Elementary Compares
See how Buchanan Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 80% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 81% (2025).
Location
255 Schoolhouse Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Buchanan Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Bonsack Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 15.8 miles away, in nearby Roanoke), which scores notably higher. Another option is Troutville Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Troutville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Colonial Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Troutville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Buchanan, see our Buchanan schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| James River High Buchanan | 2.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Montvale Elementary Montvale | 9.4 mi | 4.2 |
| Central Academy Middle Fincastle | 8.7 mi | 8.9 |
| Troutville Elementary Troutville | 9.3 mi | 8.6 |
| Breckinridge Elementary Fincastle | 9.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Eagle Rock Elementary Eagle Rock | 11.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Colonial Elementary Troutville | 13.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Natural Bridge Elementary Natural Bridge Station | 13.5 mi | 3.1 |
| Lord Botetourt High Daleville | 13.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Greenfield Elementary Troutville | 13.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Bedford Primary Bedford | 15.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Cloverdale Elementary Cloverdale | 14.9 mi | 7.0 |
| Liberty High Bedford | 14.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Bedford Elementary Bedford | 15.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Read Mountain Middle Cloverdale | 15.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Bonsack Elementary Roanoke | 15.8 mi | 8.7 |
| Stewartsville Elementary Goodview | 17.3 mi | 3.8 |
| Liberty Middle Bedford | 15.2 mi | 7.8 |
| MINERAL SPRINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Vinton | 17.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Goodview Elementary Goodview | 17.8 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24066 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,536
Median Home Value
$200,100
Median Rent
$947/mo
Population
5,234
College Educated
19.1%
Homeownership
84.4%
Avg Commute
31.8 min
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Median Age
50.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Buchanan Elementary has a median household income of $62,536. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $200,100, with a median rent of $947/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Flatwoods Elementary Jonesville, VA | 6.2 |
| George W. Carver Elementary Richmond, VA | 6.2 |
| Glenvar Elementary Salem, VA | 6.2 |
| Jane H. Bryan Elementary Hampton, VA | 6.2 |
| Nottoway Elementary Sedley, VA | 6.2 |
| OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL Newport News, VA | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Buchanan Elementary
What grades does Buchanan Elementary serve?
Buchanan Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Buchanan Elementary?
Buchanan Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 300 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Buchanan Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Buchanan Elementary is 13:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Buchanan Elementary rank in VA?
Buchanan Elementary is ranked #1011 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Buchanan Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Buchanan Elementary has a composite rating of 6.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Buchanan Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Buchanan Elementary has 79.8% math proficiency and 81.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Buchanan Elementary a charter school?
No, Buchanan Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Buchanan Elementary a Title I school?
No, Buchanan Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Buchanan Elementary?
47.3% of students at Buchanan 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
- County Safety
- Elevated (782/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 300
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 47.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Botetourt County
- Phone
- (540) 254-2084
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Botetourt County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,488
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,903
- District Rank
- #8 of 11
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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