For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,857 students in 24401, VA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 24401, VA are Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School, Riverheads Elementary School and Arthur R. Ware Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 24401 have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 67%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in 24401, VA have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 24401, VA Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1101 N Coalter St
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3936
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3936
Gr: K-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Riverheads Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
239 Don Hanger Circle
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 337-2535
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 337-2535
Gr: PK-5 | 714 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Arthur R. Ware Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
330 Grubert Avenue
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3938
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3938
Gr: K-5 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Bessie Weller Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 Greenville Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3940
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3940
Gr: K-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #55.
Shelburne Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 Grubert Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3930
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3930
Gr: 6-8 | 583 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
240 Don Hanger Circle
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 414-0630
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 414-0630
Gr: 6-8 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
24401, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
116 Cedar Green Rd
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 885-8024
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 885-8024
Gr: PK-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Shenandoah Valley Regional Alternative Ed/genesis (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
1825 Richmond Road
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 213-6507
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 213-6507
Gr: Inquire with school
Staunton Correctional Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
301 Greenville Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-7500
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-7500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 24401, VA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 24401, VA include Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School, Riverheads Elementary School and Arthur R. Ware Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 24401?
6 public elementary schools are located in 24401.
What is the racial composition of students in 24401?
24401 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.