Top Rankings
Nelson County School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,495 students in Nelson County School District. This district's average testing ranking is 6/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools in Nelson County School District have an average math proficiency score of 73% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (VA)
# Schools
4 Schools
2,143 Schools
# Students
1,495 Students
1,257,585 Students
# Teachers
125 Teachers
92,187 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Nelson County School District, which is ranked within the top 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 87% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#67 out of 132 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)62%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)48%
59%
Graduation Rate
87%
89%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.49
0.72
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
8%
% Hispanic
13%
19%
% Black
12%
22%
% White
70%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $17,947 is higher than the state median of $15,502. The school district revenue/student has grown by 6% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,786 is higher than the state median of $15,257. The school district spending/student has grown by 6% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$27 MM
$19,496 MM
Spending
$27 MM
$19,187 MM
Revenue / Student
$17,947
$15,502
Spending / Student
$17,786
$15,257
Best Nelson County School District ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nelson County High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6919 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-8317
Gr: 9-12 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Rockfish River Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 Chapel Hollow Rd
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Afton, VA 22920
(434) 361-1791
Gr: PK-5 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Nelson Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6925 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Lovingston, VA 22949
(434) 263-4801
Gr: 6-8 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Tye River Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5198 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Arrington, VA 22922
(434) 263-8960
Gr: PK-5 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Nelson County School District?
Nelson County School District manages 4 public schools serving 1,495 students.
What is the rank of Nelson County School District?
Nelson County School District is ranked #66 out of 132 school districts in Virginia (top 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: Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County School District?
70% of Nelson County School District students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Nelson County School District?
Nelson County School District has a student/teacher ratio of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What is Nelson County School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $17,786 is higher than the state median of $15,257. The school district spending/student has grown by 6% over four school years.
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.