For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 1,226 students in Smyth County, VA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Smyth County, VA are Marion Senior High School, Chilhowie High School and Northwood High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smyth County, VA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Virginia public high school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 81% (versus the 81% statewide average). High schools in Smyth County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Virginia public high schools.
Smyth County, VA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the Virginia average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Chilhowie High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Virginia or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Smyth County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Marion Senior High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
848 Stage St
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4731
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4731
Gr: 9-12 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Chilhowie High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1160 East Lee Hwy
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8966
Chilhowie, VA 24319
(276) 646-8966
Gr: 9-12 | 384 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Northwood High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
305 Panther Ln
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-7751
Saltville, VA 24370
(276) 496-7751
Gr: 9-12 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
Southwestern Va Mental Health Institute
Special Education School
340 Bagley Circle
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-1222
Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-1222
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Smyth County, VA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Smyth County, VA include Marion Senior High School, Chilhowie High School and Northwood High School.
How many public high schools are located in Smyth County?
4 public high schools are located in Smyth County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smyth County?
Smyth County public high schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Smyth County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Smyth County include: Northwood High School vs. Chilhowie High School, Marion Senior High School vs. Chilhowie High School, Chilhowie High School vs. Northwood High School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.