The Roanoke County School System

The Roanoke County School System is one of the best in the country. In 2007 Expansion Management Magazine awarded the school system a Gold Medal (School districts ranking in the upper 17 percent in the nation), with an EQ (Education Quotient) of 89 (out of a total score of 100). The EQ is a composite score of school districts based upon such factors as community education attainment and income levels, per pupil expenditures, teacher salaries, student-teacher ratios, graduation rates and college board scores.

Education Quotient Ratings:

School System	EQ
Asheville-Buncombe Co., NC	58
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Co., NC	33
Chattanooga-Hamilton Co. TN	26
Greensboro-Guilford Co., NC	36
Greenville-Greenville Co., SC	29
Huntsville, AL	68
Knoxville-Knox Co., TN	45
Marietta-Cobb Co., GA	48
Roanoke County	89

How Roanoke County Measures Up:

Total Enrollment: 2007-08 school year 14,931
Full-Time Staff: (2007-08) 2,328
Student/Teacher Ratio: (2007-08) 19:1

Number of High School Graduates (2007): 1,175
Graduation Rate: 90%
High School Graduates Continuing Education (2007): 83%
Per Pupil Expenditures (2007-08): $9,253    

Roanoke County students outscore the state and national averages for SAT Scores:

2007	Verbal	Mathematics	Writing
Roanoke County	522	523	507
State	510	501	498
National	506	514	494

The Roanoke County School System has a total of 17 elementary schools, 5 junior high/middle schools, 5 senior high schools, 1 vocational technical center, and 2 alternative education centers.

All schools are accredited by the State Board of Education, with elementary and high schools accredited by, or affiliated with, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The rate of full accreditation by the state for schools in Roanoke County is 100%, exceeding the state average of 92%.

Administration / Involvement

Appointed by the Roanoke County School Board, the chief executive officer of the Roanoke County School System is the superintendent. Serving under the superintendent is a deputy  superintendent of personnel,  two assistant superintendents, and directors in areas of  instruction, operations,  technology, pupil personnel services and special education, personnel/staff development, and career and technical education.

The Roanoke County School System's commitment to staff development has resulted in an outstanding organization of school administrators, instructors, guidance and support personnel, who are dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve success.

There are strong Parent Teacher Association (PTA) programs in each school with varied volunteer opportunities for parents to assist during the school day as well as outside of school hours. Parent advisory committees and other programs are in effect in our schools, allowing parents the opportunity to actively participate in their children's education.

(Source: Roanoke County Public Schools, Virginia Department of Education)

Education Alternatives

The Arnold R. Burton Technology Center - An extension of the five county high schools, the center provides extensive high-tech training for both students and adults looking to further their education or begin a new career.

Blue Ridge Technical Academy - Serves at-risk secondary school students, focusing on technical fields with a strong career orientation. Career tracks options include: manufacturing technology, health/medical services, e-commerce and business services, computer science and electronics and fiber optics.

Magnet Schools - Focused on developing individual talents and interests in specific academic groupings. Program options include computer science, high technology, science, mathematics and computers, aviation, performing arts, visual arts, communications, Back to Basics, Montessori, and aerospace. Operated by Roanoke City Public Schools, Magnet Schools have programs for all grade levels, and are open to all students in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.

The Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology - Serves highly motivated secondary school students from the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas in science, mathematics, computer science and technology. Supplements the efforts of area school systems through rigorous and unique curriculum. All students in the program are college bound, and many enter college with advanced placement toward their bachelor's degrees. The Governor's School is located on the campus of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke City, and is operated by seven school systems.

 Private Education

School	Grades	Enrollment	Tuition
Faith Christian School	K-12	286	$4,000-$7,450
North Cross School	K-12	500	$6,575-$11,250
Roanoke Catholic School	PK-12	545	$7,025-$8,775
Roanoke Valley Christian	PK-12	381	$4,770-$5,330

(Source: Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, school or program website)