For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,279 students in Amherst, VA.
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA are Amherst County High School, Amherst Elementary School and Temperance Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Amherst, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Amherst have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Amherst, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Amherst County High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
139 Lancer Lane
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2898
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2898
Gr: 9-12 | 1,240 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Amherst Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
156 Davis St
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9704
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9704
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Temperance Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1981 Lowesville Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2811
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2811
Gr: PK-5 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Amherst Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
165 Gordons Fairground Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-0691
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-0691
Gr: 6-8 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
575 Union Hill Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9700
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9700
Gr: PK-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA include Amherst County High School, Amherst Elementary School and Temperance Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Amherst?
5 public schools are located in Amherst.
What is the racial composition of students in Amherst?
Amherst public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Amherst are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Amherst include: Temperance Elementary School vs. Amherst Elementary School, Amherst Elementary School vs. Central Elementary School, Amherst Elementary School vs. Temperance Elementary School
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