For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,163 students in Essex County, VA (there are 2 private schools, serving 24 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Essex County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA are Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex 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 55% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Essex County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Essex High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
833 High School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Gr: 9-12 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #22.
Tappahannock Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 Elementary School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Gr: PK-4 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
James H. Cary Intermediate
(Math: 54% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
912 Intermediate School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Gr: 5-8 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
Chesapeake Bay Governor's School
Magnet School
303 Queen Street, Suite C
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA include Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate.
How many public schools are located in Essex County?
4 public schools are located in Essex County.
What percentage of students in Essex County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Essex County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County?
Essex County public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Essex County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Essex County include: James H. Cary Intermediate vs. Essex High School, Essex High School vs. James H. Cary Intermediate
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.