For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,495 students in Nelson County, VA (there are 2 private schools, serving 180 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Nelson County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, VA are Nelson County High School, Rockfish River Elementary School and Nelson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nelson County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Nelson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nelson County High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6919 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Gr: 9-12 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Rockfish River Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 Chapel Hollow Rd
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Gr: PK-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Nelson Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6925 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Gr: 6-8 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Tye River Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5198 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, VA include Nelson County High School, Rockfish River Elementary School and Nelson Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Nelson County?
4 public schools are located in Nelson County.
What percentage of students in Nelson County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Nelson County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Nelson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Nelson County include: Nelson County High School vs. Nelson Middle School, Nelson Middle School vs. Nelson County High School
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