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Average

#831 of 1,851 schools in VA

Top 45% in state

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

6.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#831 of 1,851

In Fort Defiance

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 18

Augusta County Public Schools

Academic performance

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Fort Defiance High

6.6/10

High School in Fort Defiance · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Edward G. Clymore Elementary

5.5/10

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

S. Gordon Stewart Middle

5.5/10

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

About Fort Defiance High

Fort Defiance High is a public high school in Fort Defiance, VA, part of Augusta County Public Schools. Fort Defiance High serves approximately 737 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Fort Defiance High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #831 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Fort Defiance High show 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 87% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 6.6 · Average
  • District avg 7.1
  • VA avg 6.9

What Parents Should Know

Fort Defiance High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.6Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency82% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency90% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg+6.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+14.3 pts
Overall Proficiency86% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)78% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected+7.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile78th
College Readiness5.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate94%
AP Participation6.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,991
Chronic Absenteeism14.9%

Fort Defiance High — Students at Fort Defiance High score 86% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 78%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

44.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 84.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.4% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 87.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.7% (2025 SOL)

Based on 27 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
98%
ELA
93%
2010
Math
97%
ELA
94%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
83%
ELA
91%
2013
Math
84%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
86%
ELA
87%
2015
Math
85%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
81%
ELA
89%
2017
ELA
88%
2018
Math
89%
ELA
87%
2019
Math
89%
ELA
87%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2025
Math
82%
ELA
90%

* 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: 7.2/10.

How Fort Defiance High Compares

See how Fort Defiance High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
55th percentile in VA
Academic
8.6/10
Excellent
Growth
7.2/10
Very Good
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.9
Sports
18
9 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
48 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
6.2% participation·State avg: 2.9 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics18sports offered
9 boys'·9 girls'·26 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

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 Wilson Memorial High (rated 7.2/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Fishersville), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind High (rated 7.2/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Fort Defiance, see our Fort Defiance schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Edward G. Clymore Elementary Fort Defiance 0.1 mi 5.5
S. Gordon Stewart Middle Fort Defiance 0.3 mi 5.5
Staunton High Staunton 7.1 mi 7.0
Thomas C. McSwain Elementary Staunton 7.3 mi 9.1
North River Elementary Mount Solon 7.4 mi 5.9
Wilson Memorial High Fishersville 8.7 mi 7.2
Wilson Middle Fishersville 8.8 mi 5.3
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind High Staunton 8.3 mi 7.2
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Middle Staunton 8.3 mi
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Elementary Staunton 8.3 mi
ELK HILL STAUNTON SCHOOL Staunton 8.4 mi 6.2
Wilson Elementary Fishersville 9.2 mi 4.5
Staunton City School PreSchool Programs Staunton 7.9 mi 3.3
BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bridgewater 9.4 mi 5.3
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Staunton 8.5 mi 5.7
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE Staunton 8.5 mi 5.8
STUART HALL SCHOOL Staunton 8.7 mi 7.9
C.F. RICHARDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Staunton 9.4 mi 5.9
Bessie Weller Elementary Staunton 9.2 mi 8.8
Turner Ashby High Bridgewater 10.3 mi 6.8

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Broadway High Broadway, VA 6.6
Chatham High Chatham, VA 6.6
Dan River High Ringgold, VA 6.6
Staunton River High Moneta, VA 6.6
Strasburg High Strasburg, VA 6.6
Brentsville District High Nokesville, VA 6.5

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 ranks #831 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Fort Defiance High's MySchoolScout rating?

Fort Defiance High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 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 Fort Defiance High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Fort Defiance High has 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 87% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
7 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.9%
4-Year Graduation
94.0%

District

Augusta County Public Schools
District Enrollment
10,139
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,991
District Rank
#4 of 18

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