Serving 350 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Varnell Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 350 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in GA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Varnell Elementary School serves the north part of Dalton, GA, covering an area of approximately 12 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.3 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, reaching up to 4.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Varnell Elementary School's student population of 350 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
350 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Valuing Educational Success
School Rankings
Varnell Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Varnell Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#918 out of 2192 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
33%
20%
Black
3%
36%
White
59%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.7%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
63%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Varnell Elementary School's ranking?
Varnell Elementary School is ranked #918 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Varnell Elementary School often compared to?
Varnell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cohutta Elementary School, Pleasant Grove Elementary School, New Hope Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
How many students attend Varnell Elementary School?
350 students attend Varnell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Varnell Elementary School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Varnell Elementary School?
Varnell Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Varnell Elementary School offer ?
Varnell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Varnell Elementary School part of?
Varnell Elementary School is part of Whitfield County School District.
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