VIRGINIA - Virginia's educational landscape is vast and varied, ranging from some of the nation's largest suburban school districts in Northern Virginia to small, rural systems tucked away in the mountains. In a state with over 130 school divisions, one stands out for its incredibly small size: Highland County Public Schools, the smallest school district in the Commonwealth of Virginia by student enrollment.
A Guide to Virginia's Smallest School District: Highland County Public Schools
A School District in "Virginia's Switzerland":
- Location: Highland County Public Schools is located in the beautiful and remote Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia. The county itself is the least populous in the state, with a population of just over 2,200 people, and is often called "Virginia's Switzerland" for its stunning, high-elevation mountain scenery.
- Enrollment: The district's enrollment is exceptionally small, consistently numbering just around 200 students across all grades from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Schools: The entire district is comprised of just two schools located in the county seat of Monterey: Highland Elementary School and Highland High School.
A Unique Educational Environment:
The small size of Highland County Public Schools creates a one-of-a-kind learning environment.
- Incredibly Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio: With a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 7 to 1, the district boasts one of the most personalized educational settings imaginable. This allows for a level of individual attention that is impossible in larger districts.
- A Close-Knit Community: The school system is the heart of the tight-knit Highland County community. The small class sizes foster a family-like atmosphere among students, teachers, and administrators.
The Highland County Public Schools district holds the unique distinction of being the smallest in Virginia. Its tiny student population is a direct reflection of its location in the state's most sparsely populated county. More than just a statistic, this small school system represents a unique and deeply committed approach to community-based education in the heart of Virginia's beautiful mountain landscape.
Sources:
- Virginia Department of Education
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
- Ballotpedia
- Niche.com
- U.S. Census Bureau
