Serving 559 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Waterman Elementary 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 35% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 559 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 78%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waterman Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
Waterman Elementary School's student population of 559 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
559 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Rankings
Waterman Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waterman Elementary School is 0.54, 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
#1550 out of 1792 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)35%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)45-49%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)30-34%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
64%
19%
Black
8%
22%
White
22%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
13%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waterman Elementary School's ranking?
Waterman Elementary School is ranked #1550 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Waterman Elementary School often compared to?
Waterman Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Keister Elementary School, Spotswood Elementary School, Stone Spring Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Waterman Elementary School?
559 students attend Waterman Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Waterman Elementary School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Waterman Elementary School?
Waterman Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waterman Elementary School offer ?
Waterman Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Waterman Elementary School part of?
Waterman Elementary School is part of Harrisonburg City School District.
School Reviews
Review Waterman Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.