For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,922 students in Staunton, VA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Staunton, 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.
Staunton, VA public elementary schools 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 Staunton have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% 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 Public Elementary Schools in Staunton, VA (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: #66.
Virginia School For The Deaf And The Blind
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
104 Vsdb Dr.
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Gr: PK-12 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Commonwealth Ctr For Children & Adolescents
Special Education School
1355 Richmond Road
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Gr: PK-12
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%
Rank: n/an/a
Western St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.
Special Education School
1301 Richmond Avenue
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Gr: PK-12
Staunton, 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
Virginia School For Blind (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 New Hope Road
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Gr: K-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Virginia School For Deaf (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 New Hope Road
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Gr: PK-12 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Staunton, VA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Staunton, VA include Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School, Riverheads Elementary School and Arthur R. Ware Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Staunton?
9 public elementary schools are located in Staunton.
What is the racial composition of students in Staunton?
Staunton public elementary schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Staunton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Staunton include: Bessie Weller Elementary School vs. Arthur R. Ware Elementary School, Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School vs. Arthur R. Ware Elementary School, Arthur R. Ware Elementary School vs. Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School
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