Nelson County High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school located within the Nelson County Public Schools School District. It has an enrollment of 540 students in grades 9–12. Instruction is provided by 51 professional staff members.
Serving 486 students in grades 9-12, Nelson County High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 486 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Nelson County High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Lovingston, VA, covering approximately 474.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone reaching up to 21.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nelson County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Nelson County High School's student population of 486 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
486 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Nelson County High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nelson County High School is 0.48, 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
#158 out of 1773 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)80-84%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)50-54%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
Hispanic
11%
20%
Black
14%
21%
White
70%
44%
Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
88.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.4%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green, Gold
School Mascot
Governors
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nelson County High School's ranking?
Nelson County High School is ranked #158 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Nelson County High School often compared to?
Nelson County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Nelson Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Nelson County High School?
The graduation rate of Nelson County High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Nelson County High School?
486 students attend Nelson County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Nelson County High School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nelson County High School?
Nelson County High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Nelson County High School offer ?
Nelson County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Nelson County High School part of?
Nelson County High School is part of Nelson County School District.
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