Serving 671 students in grades 6-8, Wilbur S. Pence Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 671 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wilbur S. Pence Middle School serves the western part of its school district in Dayton, VA, covering an area of approximately 225.7 square miles. Families in this zone can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 11.8 miles from the school to the edges of the attendance area, extending up to 17.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School's student population of 671 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
671 students
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Rankings
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wilbur S. Pence Middle School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1124 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)64%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)57%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
19%
20%
Black
3%
21%
White
72%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Knights
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilbur S. Pence Middle School's ranking?
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School is ranked #1124 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Wilbur S. Pence Middle School?
671 students attend Wilbur S. Pence Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Wilbur S. Pence Middle School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wilbur S. Pence Middle School?
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Wilbur S. Pence Middle School offer ?
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Wilbur S. Pence Middle School part of?
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School is part of Rockingham County School District.
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