Needs Improvement
#1785 of 1,850 schools in VA
Natural Bridge Elementary
Elementary School · Rockbridge County Public Schools
P. O. Box 280, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
10.3:1
Score
3.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
10.3:1
Score
3.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia elementary schools
#1,085 of 1,147
In district
#6 of 6
Rockbridge County Public Schools
School environment
8.3 / 10
Very strong
About Natural Bridge Elementary
Natural Bridge Elementary serves 247 students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Natural Bridge Station, a rural community in Rockbridge County. With 24 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an impressive 10.3:1 student-teacher ratio, providing opportunities for more personalized attention and support. The school has earned recognition for its performance, achieving a 7.3 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #267 out of 1,856 Virginia elementary schools, placing it in the 86th percentile statewide.
This strong standing reflects the dedication of the school community to student success. Natural Bridge Elementary serves families in a close-knit rural area where the median household income is $41,542 and the poverty rate is relatively low at 9.6%. The surrounding ZIP code has a population of just over 1,100 residents, with median home values around $147,600.
While only 11% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, the school works to provide quality educational opportunities for all students. The school's rural setting in Rockbridge County offers students a peaceful learning environment surrounded by Virginia's natural beauty, fostering a strong sense of community among students, families, and educators.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Natural Bridge 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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Natural Bridge Elementary — Students at Natural Bridge Elementary score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
74.9%
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: 1.5/10.
How Natural Bridge Elementary Compares
See how Natural Bridge Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 57% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 82% (2019) to 47% (2025).
Location
P. O. Box 280, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Natural Bridge Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Harrington Waddell Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Lexington), which scores notably higher. Another option is Otter River Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 18.0 miles away, in nearby Goode), which scores notably higher. Additionally, F.W. Kling Jr. Elementary (rated 7.4/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Buena Vista), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Natural Bridge Station, see our Natural Bridge Station schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Big Island Elementary Big Island | 7.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Maury River Middle Lexington | 11.0 mi | 8.1 |
| BUFFALO CREEK BOYS SCHOOL Lexington | 11.0 mi | — |
| Enderly Heights Elementary Buena Vista | 9.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Harrington Waddell Elementary Lexington | 11.5 mi | 8.8 |
| Parry McCluer High Buena Vista | 10.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Central Elementary Lexington | 11.7 mi | 5.0 |
| EARTHSONG COMMUNITY SCHOOL Lexington | 11.9 mi | — |
| Lylburn Downing Middle Lexington | 12.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Parry McCluer Middle Buena Vista | 11.4 mi | 8.3 |
| F.W. Kling Jr. Elementary Buena Vista | 11.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Rockbridge County High Lexington | 13.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Mountain View Elementary Buena Vista | 13.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Buchanan Elementary Buchanan | 13.5 mi | 6.2 |
| James River High Buchanan | 13.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Liberty High Bedford | 17.2 mi | 6.6 |
| ROCKBRIDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Lexington | 16.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Liberty Middle Bedford | 17.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Otter River Elementary Goode | 18.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Bedford Primary Bedford | 19.4 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24579 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$43,026
Median Home Value
$139,200
Population
1,037
College Educated
11.4%
Homeownership
74.5%
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Median Age
53.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Natural Bridge Elementary has a median household income of $43,026. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $139,200. The area has a poverty rate of 12.2%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Washington-Lee Elementary Bristol, VA | 3.1 |
| Highland View Elementary Bristol, VA | 3.2 |
| Montrose Elementary Richmond, VA | 3.0 |
| Pleasant Valley Elementary Harrisonburg, VA | 3.2 |
| Stanleytown Elementary Stanleytown, VA | 3.0 |
| Willis Elementary Willis, VA | 3.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Natural Bridge Elementary
What grades does Natural Bridge Elementary serve?
Natural Bridge Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Natural Bridge Elementary?
Natural Bridge Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 247 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Natural Bridge Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Natural Bridge Elementary is 10.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Natural Bridge Elementary rank in VA?
Natural Bridge Elementary is ranked #1785 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Natural Bridge Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Natural Bridge Elementary has a composite rating of 3.1 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 Natural Bridge Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Natural Bridge Elementary has 62.2% math proficiency and 54.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Natural Bridge Elementary a charter school?
No, Natural Bridge Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Natural Bridge Elementary a Title I school?
No, Natural Bridge Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Natural Bridge Elementary?
74.9% of students at Natural Bridge 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 (1,045/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 247
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 74.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Rockbridge County
- Phone
- (540) 291-2292
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rockbridge County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 2,498
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,836
- District Rank
- #6 of 6
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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