Best Dayton Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 919 students in Dayton, VA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dayton, VA are Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dayton, VA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 67%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dayton have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Dayton, VA (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
375 Bowman Road
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2535
Gr: 6-8 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Ottobine Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8646 Waggys Creek Rd
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2091
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Dayton, Virginia

Dayton, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
290 Mill St
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2033

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dayton, VA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dayton, VA include Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dayton?
2 public elementary schools are located in Dayton.
What is the racial composition of students in Dayton?
Dayton public elementary schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.

Quick Links