Essex High School is a high school located in the town of Tappahannock, in Essex County, Virginia, United States.
Serving 393 students in grades 9-12, Essex High 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 60-64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 393 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Essex High's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Tappahannock, VA, encompassing approximately 286 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 20.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Essex High School's student population of 393 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
393 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1978
School Calendar
School Rankings
Essex High 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 Essex High School is 0.61, 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
#989 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60-64%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35-39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
7%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
56%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
26%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
5%
Showing 2013–2022. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Mascot
Trojan
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Essex High School's ranking?
Essex High School is ranked #989 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Essex High School often compared to?
Essex High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rappahannock High School, James H. Cary Intermediate, Central High 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 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Essex High School?
The graduation rate of Essex High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Essex High School?
393 students attend Essex High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Essex High School students are Black, 26% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Essex High School?
Essex High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Essex High School offer ?
Essex High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Essex High School part of?
Essex High School is part of Essex County School District.
School Reviews
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