| Metric | Roanoke City Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 13,597 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 26 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,816/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke City Public Schools (this district) | NR | — | 13,597 |
| Surry County Public Schools | 7/10 | 66th | 681 |
| Fairfax County Public Schools | 8/10 | 78th | 180,000 |
| Arlington Public Schools | 9/10 | 81st | 28,000 |
About Roanoke City Public Schools
Roanoke City Public Schools serves zip code 24015, covering Roanoke, Virginia with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Roanoke City Public Schools spent $13,816 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 2% above Virginia’s statewide $13,500 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 908 students, an estimated 79% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 26 schools, Roanoke City Public Schools operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 13,597 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Roanoke City Public Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Virginia’s SOL (Standards of Learning) English Reading & Mathematics assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Virginia is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Roanoke City Public Schools holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Virginia on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 24015
Children in zip code 24015 are assigned to Roanoke City Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 24015, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Roanoke City Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Virginia districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Roanoke
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Roanoke City Public Schools serves zip code 24015, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 24015. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Virginia, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Roanoke City Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 24015.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Roanoke City Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 24015 data.