In its listing of top public schools, Virginia Living magazine noted that "Smyth County Schools offer hands-on programs through Grow Your Own Initiatives, preparing students for careers in education. Students earn college credits while in high school and can continue their education with tuition discounts at local colleges and universities, fostering career readiness and higher education opportunities."
The magazine also noted Saltville Elementary School's selection by the Virginia Department of Education as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. Saltville Elementary was also honored by the federal Department of Education earlier this school year as a Blue Ribbon School.