Top Rankings
Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,163 students in Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools. This district's average testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools in Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (VA)
# Schools
3 Schools
2,141 Schools
# Students
1,163 Students
1,257,585 Students
# Teachers
88 Teachers
92,187 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 132 school districts in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has increased from 90-94% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#106 out of 132 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)55%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)25-29%
59%
Graduation Rate
92%
89%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.62
0.72
% American Indian
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
8%
% Hispanic
5%
19%
% Black
55%
22%
% White
27%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
10%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $15,866 is higher than the state median of $15,502. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,284 is higher than the state median of $15,257. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$19 MM
$19,496 MM
Spending
$19 MM
$19,187 MM
Revenue / Student
$15,866
$15,502
Spending / Student
$16,284
$15,257
Best Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Essex High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
833 High School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Gr: 9-12 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #22.
Tappahannock Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 Elementary School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Gr: PK-4 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #33.
James H. Cary Intermediate
(Math: 54% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
912 Intermediate School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Gr: 5-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools manages 3 public schools serving 1,163 students.
What is the rank of Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools is ranked #107 out of 132 school districts in Virginia (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Virginia school districts for: Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
55% of Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools students are Black, 27% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools?
Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools has a student/teacher ratio of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What is Essex County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $16,284 is higher than the state median of $15,257. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.