Alleghany Highlands Schools Shine in Regional Rankings   Low Moor, VA (Nov. 3, 2026) - Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is celebrating a year of significant progress, with several schools ranking among the region's top performers for academic growth and achievement. Jeter-Watson Elementary School earned the No. 1 spot among all K-12 schools in Superintendents' Region 6 for gains in overall performance, while Covington Middle School led regional middle schools in growth. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of students, teachers and the entire school community. The latest results build on the recent recognition of Alleghany High School, Callaghan Elementary School and Sharon Elementary School as Distinguished Schools by the Virginia Department of Education. Announced last month, the distinction recognizes schools that exceeded expectations in student achievement, attendance and other measures of school quality. Further highlighting the division's progress, the Virginia Department of Education's School Performance and Support Framework results show three Alleghany Highlands elementary schools among the top 10 in Region 6 for gains in overall performance. Jeter-Watson Elementary School led all K-12 schools in the region with a 13.48-point increase in its overall performance score. Sharon Elementary School ranked fourth with an 11.31-point gain, while Callaghan Elementary School ranked sixth with an 11.03-point gain. Together, the three schools represent an impressive showing for Alleghany Highlands in a region that includes school divisions such as Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and Salem City. The success extends beyond the elementary level. Covington Middle School recorded the largest gain in overall performance among middle schools in Region 6, earning the No. 1 spot in its category. Alleghany High School also ranked among the region's top five high schools for gains in overall performance. “These results give our entire community something to be proud of,” said Superintendent Kim Halterman. “Our students and staff are working hard every day, and it is exciting to see that work reflected in these results. From our elementary schools to our middle and high schools, we are seeing progress across the division.” The rankings are part of Virginia's School Performance and Support Framework, which provides a broader picture of how schools are serving students. Rather than focusing only on test scores, the framework considers areas such as student learning, academic growth, attendance and preparation for the future. It recognizes schools for their accomplishments while also identifying areas where continued improvement and support may be needed. The progress reflects a strong commitment to education throughout the Alleghany Highlands. The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division was formed in 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools and Jackson River Technical Center. The merger brought local resources together under one division with a shared focus on serving students and families throughout the community. As a joint school division supported by both Alleghany County and the City of Covington, AHPS benefits from the continued partnership of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors and Covington City Council. The Alleghany Highlands School Board also plays an important role in providing leadership and supporting the division's mission. Teachers, administrators, support staff, families and community partners are equally important to the success of schools. Their support helps create opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed. Halterman said that while there is always more work to do, the latest results are an encouraging sign of the division's progress. She said Alleghany Highlands Public Schools remains committed to building on these accomplishments and providing students with the opportunities, resources and support they need to reach their full potential. “Our schools are an important part of what makes this community special,” Halterman said. “We are proud of our progress, thankful for the people who make it possible and excited to keep building on this momentum. Our focus remains on providing every student with the opportunities, support and education they need to be successful.”

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