STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — Staunton City Schools has achieved the highest growth in Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores in Virginia.

The division is now ranked 35th out of 131 school divisions in the state, moving up 70 places in seven years, according to the latest SOL data released by the Virginia Department of Education.

SCS advanced eight places in the past year alone, holding its ranking among the top one-third of school divisions statewide for student achievement.

“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,” Superintendent Dr. Eric Irizarry said. “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.”

SOL pass rates in reading, math and science all increased during the 2024–25 school year, continuing Staunton’s steady growth since the pandemic. Full data can be found on the Virginia Department of Education’s School Quality Profile website.