Summary:
Zip code 24517, covering Altavista, Virginia, is served by two schools in Campbell County Public Schools: Altavista Elementary and Altavista High, which together provide a PK–12 pathway with no standalone middle school.
Both schools serve predominantly lower-income families, with 78% of elementary students and 72% of high school students eligible for free or reduced lunch. Attendance is a positive for both: chronic absenteeism is 9.5% at the elementary and 10.8% at the high school, well below the 14.8% state average. The high school spends more per student ($9,160 vs. $8,303) and has a lower student-teacher ratio (10.4 vs. 13.9), yet Altavista Elementary earns the stronger state ranking. After dipping to the 43rd percentile in 2024–2025, it rebounded to the 61st percentile (432 of 1,111) with a 3-star rating in 2025–2026. A remarkable 3rd grade turnaround drove much of that improvement: math proficiency jumped from 55% to 81%, and reading rose from 58% to 71%. The school also beats state averages in 5th grade math, 5th grade science, and 4th grade Virginia Studies, making it a solid choice for younger students.
Altavista High is improving steadily, climbing from the 20th percentile in 2023–2024 to the 43rd percentile (188 of 331) with a 2-star rating in 2025–2026. It posts strong scores in Algebra I, Biology, and especially 10th grade World History I (73% vs. 52% statewide). However, the picture is uneven: 8th graders in general math post just 45% proficiency while 8th graders taking Algebra I post 95%, and 11th grade reading remains weak. Graduation (90.6%) and dropout (5.6%) rates also trail the district (94.9% and 2.4%). Overall, Altavista offers a solid elementary experience and a secondary school that is heading in the right direction.
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