Summary:
The city of Hot Springs, Virginia is home to two schools - Bath County High and Valley Elementary, both part of the Bath County Public Schools district. While Bath County High consistently outperforms state and district averages on standardized tests, Valley Elementary shows more mixed results, with some grade levels exceeding benchmarks while others fall behind.
Bath County High stands out for its strong academic performance, ranking among the top 50% of Virginia high schools and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. However, the school also serves a significant economically disadvantaged population, with 77.17% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. In contrast, Valley Elementary has an even higher free/reduced lunch rate of 102.29%, suggesting deep socioeconomic challenges faced by its student body.
The per-student spending gap of $1,636 between the high school and elementary school may contribute to the observed performance differences. Additionally, the relatively low percentage of minority students at both schools, particularly Bath County High at 10% non-white, raises questions about equitable access and inclusion within the district. Addressing these disparities and ensuring all students have the resources and support they need to succeed will be crucial for the continued growth and development of Hot Springs' educational system.
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