Average
#1252 of 1,850 schools in VA
Fort Defiance High
High School · Augusta County Public Schools
195 Fort Defiance Rd, Fort Defiance, VA 24437
Enrollment
737
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
737
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fort Defiance
#1 of 3
public schools
Virginia high schools
#278 of 323
In district
#7 of 18
Augusta County Public Schools
Academic performance
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Fort Defiance High
Fort Defiance High is a regular public high school located in the rural setting of Fort Defiance, Virginia. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 737 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.4:1 with 48 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Fort Defiance High stands out with its strong performance in English Language Arts (ELA), where 85% of students are proficient or above, and Math, with 81% proficiency.
The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 6.8 out of 10, placing it at the 71st percentile among Virginia schools, reflecting a solid academic standing with room for growth. Fort Defiance High is situated in a quiet rural area near a small town, offering students a close-knit community atmosphere and a supportive learning environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Fort Defiance High 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Fort Defiance High — Students at Fort Defiance High score 86% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 81%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.5/10.
How Fort Defiance High Compares
See how Fort Defiance High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 89% (2019) to 81% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 87% (2019) to 90% (2025).
Location
195 Fort Defiance Rd, Fort Defiance, VA 24437
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Fort Defiance High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. STUART HALL SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Staunton High (rated 7.7/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Turner Ashby High (rated 6.8/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Bridgewater), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fort Defiance, see our Fort Defiance schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24437 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,397
Median Home Value
$298,400
Population
1,625
College Educated
28.8%
Homeownership
100%
Poverty Rate
11%
Median Age
55.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Fort Defiance High has a median household income of $88,397. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $298,400. The area has a poverty rate of 11.0%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Achievable Dream Middle/High Newport News, VA | 5.6 |
| Brentsville District High Nokesville, VA | 5.5 |
| James River High Buchanan, VA | 5.7 |
| Gate City High Gate City, VA | 5.4 |
| King William High King William, VA | 5.4 |
| Waynesboro High Waynesboro, VA | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Defiance High
What grades does Fort Defiance High serve?
Fort Defiance High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Fort Defiance High?
Fort Defiance High has an enrollment of approximately 737 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Fort Defiance High?
The student-teacher ratio at Fort Defiance High is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Fort Defiance High rank in VA?
Fort Defiance High is ranked #1252 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Fort Defiance High's MySchoolScout rating?
Fort Defiance High has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Fort Defiance High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fort Defiance High has 80.7% math proficiency and 84.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Fort Defiance High a charter school?
No, Fort Defiance High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Fort Defiance High a Title I school?
No, Fort Defiance High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fort Defiance High?
44.2% of students at Fort Defiance High 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 (820/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 737
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Augusta County
- Phone
- (540) 245-5050
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Augusta County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 10,139
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,991
- District Rank
- #7 of 18
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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