Average
#1320 of 1,850 schools in VA
S. Gordon Stewart Middle
Middle School · Augusta County Public Schools
118 Fort Defiance Rd, Fort Defiance, VA 24437
Enrollment
516
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
5.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
516
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
5.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fort Defiance
#2 of 3
public schools
Virginia middle schools
#284 of 340
In district
#9 of 18
Augusta County Public Schools
Equity
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About S. Gordon Stewart Middle
S. Gordon Stewart Middle, located in Fort Defiance, Virginia, is a regular public middle school serving students from sixth through eighth grade. With an enrollment of 516 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.6:1, the school offers personalized attention to each student.
The dedicated staff includes 38 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students' educational needs. S. Gordon Stewart Middle has a MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks at #1627 among 1,856 schools in Virginia (placing it around the 12th percentile).
The school's academic score is 3.2/10, with 70% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency levels in ELA/reading and 60% doing so in math. While these scores indicate there is room for improvement, they also suggest a solid foundation for continued growth. The setting of S.
Gordon Stewart Middle is rural yet near the town of Fort Defiance, offering students a blend of natural surroundings and community resources. This location provides a unique environment where students can benefit from both small-town charm and outdoor opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, S. Gordon Stewart Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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S. Gordon Stewart Middle — Students at S. Gordon Stewart Middle score 83% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
66.3%
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: 2.9/10.
How S. Gordon Stewart Middle Compares
See how S. Gordon Stewart Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 83% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 81% (2019) to 66% (2025).
Location
118 Fort Defiance Rd, Fort Defiance, VA 24437
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering S. Gordon Stewart Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Thomas C. McSwain Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bessie Weller Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, STUART HALL SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Staunton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fort Defiance, see our Fort Defiance schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 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 S. Gordon Stewart Middle 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 |
|---|---|
| Elko Middle Sandston, VA | 5.4 |
| James Madison Middle Roanoke, VA | 5.4 |
| Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation Lynchburg, VA | 5.4 |
| B.T. Washington Middle Newport News, VA | 5.5 |
| Brookville Middle Lynchburg, VA | 5.5 |
| Colonial Heights Middle Colonial Heights, VA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about S. Gordon Stewart Middle
What grades does S. Gordon Stewart Middle serve?
S. Gordon Stewart Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend S. Gordon Stewart Middle?
S. Gordon Stewart Middle has an enrollment of approximately 516 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at S. Gordon Stewart Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at S. Gordon Stewart Middle is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does S. Gordon Stewart Middle rank in VA?
S. Gordon Stewart Middle is ranked #1320 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is S. Gordon Stewart Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
S. Gordon Stewart Middle has a composite rating of 5.4 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 S. Gordon Stewart Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, S. Gordon Stewart Middle has 66.3% math proficiency and 69.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is S. Gordon Stewart Middle a charter school?
No, S. Gordon Stewart Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is S. Gordon Stewart Middle a Title I school?
No, S. Gordon Stewart Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for S. Gordon Stewart Middle?
66.3% of students at S. Gordon Stewart Middle 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
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 516
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 66.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Augusta County
- Phone
- (540) 245-5046
- 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
- #9 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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