Virginia is the #17 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,243,958 students across the 2,132 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 1,024 private schools, serving 150,567 students). 89% of all K-12 students in Virginia are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Virginia is 54%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 70%.
The top ranked public schools in Virginia are Old Donation School, Kingston Elementary School and Graham High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 54% (majority Black and Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(VA) School Average
Asian
7%
Hispanic
18%
Black
22%
White
46%
Two or more races
7%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Virginia (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Old Donation School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-8
4633 Honeygrove Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
(757) 648-3240
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
(757) 648-3240
Rank: #22.
Kingston Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
3532 Kings Grant Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 648-2840
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 648-2840
Rank: #33.
Graham High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
210 Valleydale
Bluefield, VA 24605
(276) 326-1235
Bluefield, VA 24605
(276) 326-1235
Rank: #44.
Poplar Tree Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
13440 Melville Ln
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 633-7400
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 633-7400
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Madison's Trust Elementary School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
42380 Creighton Rd
Ashburn, VA 20148
(571) 252-1018
Ashburn, VA 20148
(571) 252-1018
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Wolftrap Elementary School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1903 Beulah Rd
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 319-7300
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 319-7300
Rank: #77.
Haycock Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
6616 Haycock Rd
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 531-4000
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 531-4000
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Greenfield Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
10751 Savoy Rd.
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 560-2720
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 560-2720
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Kent Gardens Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
1717 Melbourne Dr
Mc Lean, VA 22101
(703) 394-5600
Mc Lean, VA 22101
(703) 394-5600
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Galileo Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
230 S. Ridge St.
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 773-8186
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 773-8186
Best Virginia Public Schools by County (2024)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Virginia?
The top ranked public schools in Virginia include Old Donation School, Kingston Elementary School and Graham High School.
How many public schools are located in Virginia?
2,132 public schools are located in Virginia.
What percentage of students in Virginia go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Virginia are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Virginia?
Minority enrollment in Virginia is 54% (majority Black and Hispanic)
Recent Articles
Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
From ensuring academic standards to assessing student readiness for college and career, readers will gain insights into the potential benefits of these exams. However, the article also delves into concerns such as increased stress on students, potential biases in testing, and the limitations of standardized assessments in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities. With a balanced perspective and expert analysis, this resource offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public school exit exams, empowering them to engage in informed discussions and decision-making regarding education policy and practice.
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
Discover how all-girl public high schools are making waves in education, fostering confidence and enhancing college success among young women. This article explores the unique benefits of single-gender education, from creating a supportive environment free from gender stereotypes to offering tailored academic programs that empower girls to excel. Learn how these schools cultivate leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community, setting students on a path to thrive in college and beyond. With insights from educators and success stories from graduates, uncover the transformative impact of all-girl public high schools on female empowerment and educational attainment.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.