Once upon a time a small school system in Virginia found that student test scores placed it closer to the bottom of Standards of Learning (SOL) test score rankings.
But, a schools superintendent made it his goal for that school system’s students to improve test scores. As an elementary school in the school system became accredited again after seven years, SOL scores enabled the school system to move up in state rankings.
And now Staunton Schools is now No. 35 of 131 school systems in the Commonwealth, having moved 70 places in seven years with the persistence of previous Superintendent Dr. Garett Smith, who retired in June. The new ranking reveals the highest growth in SOL test scores for a Virginia school system.
“This achievement is a testament to years of intentional, hard work by our students, staff, and families, and it reflects the strong leadership and vision that has guided this division, I am honored to be in this role at such a pivotal moment, to carry forward a tradition of high expectations and the audacious belief that there is nothing our learning community can’t accomplish together,” said Dr. Eric Irizarry, who became superintendent of Staunton Schools July 1, 2025.
ICYMI: Staunton Schools SOL rankings
- Bessie Weller Elementary’s state performance award highlights success of Staunton Schools
- Staunton Schools ranks 43rd in Virginia school divisions
In just the last school year, the school system advanced eight places in the state rankings and held a ranking among the top 1/3 of school systems in Virginia for student achievement.
Despite serving a higher percentage of economically-disadvantaged students than most Virginia school systems, Staunton students increased to their highest passing rate as of 2025 and also surpassed the state average in every tested subject (reading, math and science). In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of learning loss for all Virginia students, Staunton students earned a 73.3 percent pass rate. In 2021, the pass rate had fallen to 56.2 percent, then slightly up to 57.6 percent in 2022. Scores made the leap to above 70 percent in 2023 and steadily increased to 75.2 percent as of 2025.
ICYMI: Staunton Schools Superintendent news
- Dr. Garett Smith announces retirement from Staunton Schools
- BWP and Associates leads search for next Staunton Schools Superintendent
- Staunton Schools superintendent Dr. Eric Irizarry ‘best choice’ for schools, community
“These results come from the collective efforts of every SCS staff member working together toward a common goal of student achievement. We set high expectations for ourselves and our students, believing they can and will achieve. Our staff are continuously learning and working together to strengthen strategies for impacting student achievement. We are so incredibly proud of our students and the progress they continue to make over time,” Staunton Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Stephanie Haskins said.
Full data of tests scores is available on the Virginia Department of Education’s School Quality Profile website.
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Rebecca Barnabi
