Serving 373 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Bessie Weller Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 373 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessie Weller Elementary serves the southern part of Staunton, VA, covering an attendance area of approximately 7.4 square miles. Parents can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 2.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessie Weller Elementary School's student population of 373 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
373 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
The Staunton City School Board is an equal opportunity employer.
School Rankings
Bessie Weller Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessie Weller Elementary School is 0.65, 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
#1077 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)55-59%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)30-39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
12%
20%
Black
15%
21%
White
54%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
17%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessie Weller Elementary School's ranking?
Bessie Weller Elementary School is ranked #1077 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Bessie Weller Elementary School often compared to?
Bessie Weller Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Arthur R. Ware Elementary School, Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Bessie Weller Elementary School?
373 students attend Bessie Weller Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Bessie Weller Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Two or more races, 15% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessie Weller Elementary School?
Bessie Weller Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Bessie Weller Elementary School offer ?
Bessie Weller Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bessie Weller Elementary School part of?
Bessie Weller Elementary School is part of Staunton City School District.
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