For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,965 students in Amherst County, VA (there are 3 private schools, serving 344 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Amherst County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst County, 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 County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Amherst County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% 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 County (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.
Elon Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
147 Younger Dr
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 528-6496
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 528-6496
Gr: PK-5 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Amelon Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
132 Amer Court
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 528-6498
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 528-6498
Gr: PK-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #77.
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%
Rank: #88.
Monelison Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
257 Trojan Rd
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-1307
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-1307
Gr: 6-8 | 469 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #99.
Madison Heights Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
287 Learning Lane
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-2151
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-2151
Gr: PK-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Amherst County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst County, VA include Amherst County High School, Amherst Elementary School and Temperance Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Amherst County?
9 public schools are located in Amherst County.
What percentage of students in Amherst County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Amherst County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Amherst County?
Amherst County public schools minority enrollment is 37% 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 County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Amherst County include: Temperance Elementary School vs. Amherst Elementary School, Amelon Elementary School vs. Madison Heights Elementary School, Amherst Elementary School vs. Central Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.