James River High School is a Group-2A-size public high school in Buchanan, Virginia. It serves the northern part of Botetourt County, including the towns of Buchanan, Eagle Rock, Fincastle, and Springwood. James River was founded in 1959 with the consolidation of the Buchanan, Eagle Rock, and Fincastle high schools.
Serving 464 students in grades 9-12, James River High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥95% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 464 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James River High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
James River High School's student population of 464 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
464 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1959
Colors
White, Black, Scarlet
School Calendar
School Rankings
James River High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James River High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#42 out of 1773 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)85-89%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75-79%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
2%
20%
Black
2%
21%
White
92%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James River High School's ranking?
James River High School is ranked #42 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are James River High School often compared to?
James River High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lord Botetourt High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥95% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of James River High School?
The graduation rate of James River High School is 95%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend James River High School?
464 students attend James River High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of James River High School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James River High School?
James River High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does James River High School offer ?
James River High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is James River High School part of?
James River High School is part of Botetourt County School District.
School Reviews
Review James River High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
