For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,523 students in Southampton County, VA (there are 1 private school, serving 377 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Southampton County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA are Southampton High School, Capron Elementary School and Nottoway Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Southampton County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Southampton County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% 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 Southampton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southampton High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
23350 Southampton Pkwy
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-2751
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-2751
Gr: 9-12 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Capron Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18414 Southampton Pky
Capron, VA 23829
(434) 658-4348
Capron, VA 23829
(434) 658-4348
Gr: PK-5 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Nottoway Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13093 Ivor Rd.
Sedley, VA 23878
(757) 859-6539
Sedley, VA 23878
(757) 859-6539
Gr: PK-5 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Meherrin Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
28600 Grays Shop Rd.
Newsoms, VA 23874
(757) 654-6461
Newsoms, VA 23874
(757) 654-6461
Gr: PK-5 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #55.
Riverdale Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
31023 Camp Parkway
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 562-3007
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 562-3007
Gr: PK-5 | 533 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #66.
Southampton Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
23450 Southampton Pkwy
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-9250
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-9250
Gr: 6-8 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Southampton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Deerfield Cor Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
21360 Deerfield Dr
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4368
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4368
Divers Center For Womensouthamp (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14516 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Correctional Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14545 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Intensive Treat Ct (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14380 Terrapin Dr
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Recep. & Classif. (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
15172 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4171
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4171
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA include Southampton High School, Capron Elementary School and Nottoway Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Southampton County?
6 public schools are located in Southampton County.
What percentage of students in Southampton County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Southampton County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Southampton County?
Southampton County public schools minority enrollment is 45% 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 Southampton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Southampton County include: Nottoway Elementary School vs. Meherrin Elementary School, Meherrin Elementary School vs. Nottoway Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School vs. Meherrin Elementary School
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.