Rural Retreat Middle

Q: Is Rural Retreat Middle a good school?

Rural Retreat Middle ranks 46 th of 417 Virginia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Rural Retreat Middle is a public middle school serving 231 students in grades 6-8 in the Wythe County Public Schools district in Rural Retreat, Virginia. This predominantly white school consistently outperforms state and district averages on academic assessments, particularly in mathematics and Algebra I.

Rural Retreat Middle's strong academic performance is evident in its high proficiency rates, with 100% of 8th-grade students proficient or better in Algebra I, compared to 92.08% statewide. The school also excels in mathematics, with 86% of 8th-grade students proficient or better, significantly higher than the 50.1% state average. This academic excellence is achieved despite the school having a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with 75.32% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, higher than nearby Fort Chiswell Middle (74.37%) and Scott Memorial Middle (72.64%).

The school's small student-teacher ratio of 12 students per teacher, lower than the nearby Fort Chiswell Middle (14 students per teacher) and Scott Memorial Middle (12.8 students per teacher), may contribute to its strong academic performance. While Rural Retreat Middle's student population is predominantly white, the nearby Scott Memorial Middle has a more diverse student body, with 83.33% white students, 7.55% African American, and 3.14% Hispanic.

Detail:

Public 6-8

325 E. Buck Ave.
Rural Retreat, VA 24368

(276) 686-5200

District: Wythe County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
46^th of 417 Virginia Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $6,734

Students who attend Rural Retreat Middle usually attend:

High:

Rural Retreat High

Feeder schools for Rural Retreat Middle:

Elementary:	Rural Retreat Elementary
	Speedwell Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 12.0

Number of students: 231

Racial breakdown:

White:

95.2%

African American:

1.7%

Hispanic:

1.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 75.3%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Rural Retreat Middle ranks better than 89% of middle schools in Virginia. It also ranks first among 3 ranked middle schools in the Wythe County Public Schools District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 81.52. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Rural Retreat Middle has the largest middle school student body size in the Wythe County Public Schools District. (See more...)

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Teachers

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Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Rural Retreat Middle is $6,734. 1 middle schools in the Wythe County Public Schools District spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Rural Retreat Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Rural Retreat Middle 46^th of 417 Virginia public middle schools. (See Rural Retreat Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

Wythe County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Wythe County Public Schools 13^th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Rural Retreat Middle

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Rank History for all students at Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	VA State Percentile
2005	61.44	146^th	340	57.1%
2006	50.06	188^th	383	50.9%
2007	38.14	291^st	387	24.8%
2008	32.93	307^th	391	21.5%
2009	27.33	328^th	390	15.9%
2010	29.04	337^th	408	17.4%
2011	34.94	318^th	413	23.0%
2012	34.40	311^th	413	24.7%
2013	48.78	199^th	416	52.2%
2014	50.78	197^th	416	52.6%
2015	62.99	121^st	412	70.6%
2016	73.97	63^rd	409	84.6%
2017	71.94	67^th	415	83.9%
2018	77.67	42^nd	413	89.8%
2019	74.82	63^rd	424	85.1%
2021	78.83	36^th	419	91.4%
2022	87.94	11^th	415	97.3%
2023	86.29	21^st	422	95.0%
2024	81.52	46^th	417	89.0%

See the entire list of Virginia Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	86.57	22^nd	402	94.5%

See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	91.31	7^th	411	98.3%
2024	88.32	11^th	407	97.3%

See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	81.80	42^nd	409	89.7%
2024	73.43	89^th	407	78.1%

See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	75.67	60^th	402	85.1%
2024	70.24	90^th	396	77.3%

See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Virginia Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Rural Retreat Middle

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2002	288	3	0	3	1	n/a	n/a	0	295
2003	288	3	0	3	1	n/a	n/a	0	295
2004	267	2	0	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	271
2005	243	0	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	245
2006	254	1	2	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	257
2007	266	4	2	1	1	n/a	n/a	2	276
2008	276	3	2	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	284
2009	246	3	1	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	253
2010	232	2	1	2	0	n/a	n/a	1	238
2011	220	3	0	3	0	0	2	0	228
2012	257	4	0	4	1	0	6	0	272
2013	255	2	0	6	0	0	4	0	267
2014	261	2	0	4	0	0	5	0	272
2015	249	1	0	5	0	0	4	0	259
2016	258	4	0	5	0	0	4	0	271
2017	274	2	0	2	0	0	2	0	280
2018	243	3	0	4	0	0	0	0	250
2019	233	4	0	6	0	0	1	0	244
2020	224	7	1	7	0	0	1	0	240
2021	219	6	1	5	0	0	2	0	233
2022	213	4	2	2	0	0	5	0	226
2023	220	4	1	4	0	0	2	0	231

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Rural Retreat Middle

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	295	22.0	13.4	42
2003	295	22.0	13.4	42
2004	271	22.0	12.3	39.9
2005	245	18.0	13.6	42
2006	257	23.0	11.2	37.7
2007	276	19.4	14.2	43.4
2008	284	15.0	18.9	41.9
2009	253	15.0	16.9	40.3
2010	238	14.1	16.7	45.6
2011	228	14.7	15.4	47.4
2012	272	17.7	15.3	46.7
2013	267	18.9	14.0	47.2
2014	272	18.8	14.3	46
2015	259	16.0	16.1	47.1
2016	271	14.0	19.3	47.6
2017	280	14.8	18.9	39.3
2018	250	18.1	13.8	47.6
2019	244	18.9	12.8	45.1
2020	240	18.9	12.6	48.8
2021	233	19.2	12.1	n/a
2022	226	19.4	11.6	51.8
2023	231	19.2	12.0	75.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Rural Retreat Middle

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	295	22.0	13.4	42
2003	295	22.0	13.4	42
2004	271	22.0	12.3	39.9
2005	245	18.0	13.6	42
2006	257	23.0	11.2	37.7
2007	276	19.4	14.2	43.4
2008	284	15.0	18.9	41.9
2009	253	15.0	16.9	40.3
2010	238	14.1	16.7	45.6
2011	228	14.7	15.4	47.4
2012	272	17.7	15.3	46.7
2013	267	18.9	14.0	47.2
2014	272	18.8	14.3	46
2015	259	16.0	16.1	47.1
2016	271	14.0	19.3	47.6
2017	280	14.8	18.9	39.3
2018	250	18.1	13.8	47.6
2019	244	18.9	12.8	45.1
2020	240	18.9	12.6	48.8
2021	233	19.2	12.1	n/a
2022	226	19.4	11.6	51.8
2023	231	19.2	12.0	75.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Rural Retreat Middle

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$108 (1.7%)	$6,167 (98.3%)	$6,274
2020	$125 (2.1%)	$5,891 (97.9%)	$6,017
2021	$31 (0.5%)	$6,703 (99.5%)	$6,734

Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Retreat Middle

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 63^rd of 424 Middle schools	Ranks 21^st of 422 Middle schools	9.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Rural Retreat Middle)	90	86.6	3.4%
6th Grade Mathematics (Wythe County Public Schools)	89	78	11%
6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)	78	57.8	20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Rural Retreat Middle)	86	86.6	0.6%
6th Grade English Reading (Wythe County Public Schools)	86	84.2	1.8%
6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)	77	70.4	6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Rural Retreat Middle)	89	92.8	3.8%
7th Grade Mathematics (Wythe County Public Schools)	65	81.1	16.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)	78	51.4	26.6%
7th Grade English Reading (Rural Retreat Middle)	91	89.9	1.1%
7th Grade English Reading (Wythe County Public Schools)	86	82	4.1%
7th Grade English Reading (Virginia)	79	70.3	8.7%
8th Grade Writing (Rural Retreat Middle)	71	70.5	0.5%
8th Grade Writing (Wythe County Public Schools)	71	59.2	11.8%
8th Grade Writing (Virginia)	70	55.5	14.5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Rural Retreat Middle)	92	87.7	4.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Wythe County Public Schools)	89	76.6	12.4%
8th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)	77	48.4	28.6%
8th Grade Science (Rural Retreat Middle)	90	85.9	4.1%
8th Grade Science (Wythe County Public Schools)	88	73.8	14.2%
8th Grade Science (Virginia)	78	60.7	17.3%
8th Grade English Reading (Rural Retreat Middle)	83	76.9	6.1%
8th Grade English Reading (Wythe County Public Schools)	82	71.5	10.5%
8th Grade English Reading (Virginia)	76	70.7	5.3%
End of Course Algebra I (Rural Retreat Middle)	100	100
End of Course Algebra I (Wythe County Public Schools)	96	92	4%
End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)	86	80	6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	244	231	5.3%
African American	4	4
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	1
Hispanic	6	4	33.3%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	233	220	5.6%
Two or More Races	1	2	100%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	45.1%	75.3%	30.2%

Schools Near Rural Retreat Middle

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				SOL Algebra I (2024)	SOL Mathematics (2024)			SOL Science (2024)	SOL English Reading (2024)			SOL Geography (2024)	SOL Civics and Economics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2021)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	SOL Algebra I 8th Grade	SOL Mathematics 6th Grade	SOL Mathematics 7th Grade	SOL Mathematics 8th Grade	SOL Science 8th Grade	SOL English Reading 6th Grade	SOL English Reading 7th Grade	SOL English Reading 8th Grade	SOL Geography 8th Grade	SOL Civics and Economics 7th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Rural Retreat Middle	Public	6-8	325 E. Buck Ave.	Rural Retreat	24368	Wythe County	Wythe County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(276) 686-5200	231	19	12.0	75.3%	220 (95.2%)	4 (1.7%)	4 (1.7%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.9%)	81.5	46^th of 417 public middle schools	89.0%		86.3	21^st of 422 public middle schools	95.0%	25	100.0	70.4	79.7	86.0	85.5	77.5	82.4	87.0		86.5	$6,734	$31	$6,703
Scott Memorial Middle	Public	6-8	950 S. Seventh St.	Wytheville	24382	Wythe County	Wythe County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(276) 228-2851	318	25	12.8	72.6%	265 (83.3%)	24 (7.5%)	10 (3.1%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (5.7%)	80.4	55^th of 417 public middle schools	86.8%		78.7	69^th of 422 public middle schools	83.6%	14	100.0	83.9	79.4	63.0	80.2	82.6	79.4	84.2		82.6	$6,533	$216	$6,317
Marion Middle	Public	6-8	134 Wilden St	Marion	24354	Smyth County	Smyth County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(276) 783-4466	431	36	12.0	96.5%	401 (93.0%)	10 (2.3%)	12 (2.8%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (1.4%)	39.6	277^th of 417 public middle schools	33.6%		43.4	261^st of 422 public middle schools	38.2%	16	100.0	70.0	45.0	28.7	63.9	72.9	61.1	68.0	72.4	62.1	$6,942	$645	$6,297
Fort Chiswell Middle	Public	6-8	101 Pioneer Trail	Max Meadows	24360	Wythe County	Wythe County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(276) 637-4400	316	23	14.0	74.4%	301 (95.3%)	3 (0.9%)	4 (1.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.2%)	70.6	113^th of 417 public middle schools	72.9%		61.4	161^st of 422 public middle schools	61.8%	48	100.0	66.1	88.7	78.8	68.4	71.3	85.6	71.4		81.4	$7,456	$276	$7,181
Northwood Middle	Public	6-8	156 Long Hollow Rd	Saltville	24370	Smyth County	Smyth County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(276) 624-3341	151	18	8.3	86.1%	144 (95.4%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (3.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.3%)	62.8	157^th of 417 public middle schools	62.4%		72.1	114^th of 422 public middle schools	73.0%	43	100.0	86.2	35.1	75.0	90.2	72.3	61.8	90.2	89.7	69.1	$12,288	$819	$11,469

Frequently Asked Questions about Rural Retreat Middle

Is Rural Retreat Middle a good school?

Rural Retreat Middle ranks 46^th of 417 Virginia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Rural Retreat Middle?

In the 2022-23 school year, 231 students attended Rural Retreat Middle.

What is the racial makeup of Rural Retreat Middle?

Students at Rural Retreat Middle are 95% White, 2% African American, 2% Hispanic.

What high school do graduates of Rural Retreat Middle attend?

Students who attend Rural Retreat Middle usually go on to attend Rural Retreat High

What district is Rural Retreat Middle in?

Wythe County Public Schools

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.