Below Average
#260 of 280 schools in VT
Otter Valley Union High School
High School · Otter Valley Unified Union School District #53
2997 Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733
Enrollment
493
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
4.0
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
493
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
4.0
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Brandon
#2 of 2
public schools
Vermont high schools
#42 of 46
In district
#4 of 4
Otter Valley Unified Union School District #53
About Otter Valley Union High School
Otter Valley Union High School is a regular public high school located in the rural community of Brandon, Vermont. The school serves students from seventh through twelfth grade and boasts an enrollment of 493 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11.2:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. With 44 full-time equivalent teachers, Otter Valley Union High School is committed to supporting its diverse learning needs.
Academically, the school has some work ahead but remains dedicated to continuous improvement. According to MySchoolScout's rating system, the school ranks at 3.1 out of 10 overall and in the bottom percentile among Vermont schools. In terms of test performance, only 20% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while just 12% achieve proficiency in Math.
Despite these challenges, the school is focused on student development and offering a supportive environment for all learners. Otter Valley Union High School stands out as an integral part of the rural Brandon community, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where students can thrive.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Otter Valley Union High School 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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Otter Valley Union High School — Students at Otter Valley Union High School score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 4 test records from VT 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: 5.3/10.
How Otter Valley Union High School Compares
See how Otter Valley Union High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 15% (2021) to 9% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 22% (2021) to 19% (2022).
Location
2997 Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Otter Valley Union High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MOUNT ST JOSEPH ACADEMY (rated 6.6/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Rutland), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rutland Senior High School (rated 5.4/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Rutland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Proctor Junior/Senior High School (rated 5.3/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Proctor), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Brandon, see our Brandon schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Neshobe School Brandon | 4.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Lothrop School Pittsford | 4.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Proctor Elementary School Proctor | 7.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Proctor Junior/Senior High School Proctor | 7.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Barstow Memorial School Chittenden | 6.7 mi | 7.3 |
| Rutland Town Elementary School Rutland Town | 9.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Northwest Primary School Rutland | 11.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Salisbury Community School Salisbury | 11.1 mi | 5.9 |
| RUTLAND AREA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Rutland | 11.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Rutland Middle School Rutland | 11.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Rutland Intermediate School Rutland | 11.2 mi | 4.3 |
| West Rutland School West Rutland | 11.9 mi | 4.7 |
| Northeast Primary School Rutland | 11.2 mi | 4.2 |
| Otter Creek Academy at Leicester Sudbury and Whiting Whiting | 9.8 mi | 4.1 |
| MOUNT ST JOSEPH ACADEMY Rutland | 11.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Rutland Senior High School Rutland | 11.4 mi | 5.4 |
| CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Rutland | 11.9 mi | 6.0 |
| FAY HONEY KNOPP MEMORIAL SCHOOL Rutland | 12.4 mi | — |
| SHELDON ACADEMY OF VERMONT ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Rutland | 12.5 mi | — |
| Castleton Elementary School Castleton | 13.0 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 05733 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,673
Median Home Value
$240,400
Median Rent
$1,020/mo
Population
5,970
College Educated
32.5%
Homeownership
83.5%
Avg Commute
28.1 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
50.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Otter Valley Union High School has a median household income of $65,673. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $240,400, with a median rent of $1,020/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.3%. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Bellows Free Academy Middle/High School (Fairfax) Fairfax, VT | 4.5 |
| LYNDON INSTITUTE Lyndon Center, VT | 4.5 |
| Spaulding Union High School Barre, VT | 4.5 |
| THETFORD ACADEMY Thetford Center, VT | 4.5 |
| Lamoille Union High School Hyde Park, VT | 3.3 |
| Springfield High School Springfield, VT | 3.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Otter Valley Union High School
What grades does Otter Valley Union High School serve?
Otter Valley Union High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Otter Valley Union High School?
Otter Valley Union High School has an enrollment of approximately 493 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Otter Valley Union High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Otter Valley Union High School is 11.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Otter Valley Union High School rank in VT?
Otter Valley Union High School is ranked #260 out of 280 schools in VT.
What is Otter Valley Union High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Otter Valley Union High School has a composite rating of 4.0 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 Otter Valley Union High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Otter Valley Union High School has 12.0% math proficiency and 20.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Otter Valley Union High School a charter school?
No, Otter Valley Union High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Otter Valley Union High School a Title I school?
No, Otter Valley Union High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Otter Valley Union High School?
52.7% of students at Otter Valley Union High School 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
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,317/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Brandon). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 493
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 52.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Rutland County
- Phone
- (802) 247-6833
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Otter Valley Unified Union School District #53- District Enrollment
- 1,190
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,053
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
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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