For the 2025 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, Nelson Middle School and Rockfish River Elementary 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 42% (versus the Virginia public school average of 54%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 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 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Nelson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Nelson County High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6919 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Grades: 9-12
| 485 students
Rank: #22.
Nelson Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6925 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Grades: 6-8
| 359 students
Rank: #33.
Rockfish River Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 Chapel Hollow Rd
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Grades: PK-5
| 292 students
Rank: #44.
Tye River Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5198 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Grades: PK-5
| 359 students
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, Nelson Middle School and Rockfish River Elementary 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 56% (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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