Essex High School is a high school located in the town of Tappahannock, in Essex County, Virginia, United States.
Serving 393 students in grades 9-12, Essex High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 393 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Essex High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Essex High School's student population of 393 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 38% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
393 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1978
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Essex High 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 Essex High School is 0.61, 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
#989 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60-64%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35-39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
7%
20%
Black
56%
21%
White
26%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Trojan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Essex High School's ranking?
Essex High School is ranked #989 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Essex High School often compared to?
Essex High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central High School, Rappahannock High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Essex High School?
The graduation rate of Essex High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Essex High School?
393 students attend Essex High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Essex High School students are Black, 26% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Essex High School?
Essex High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Essex High School offer ?
Essex High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Essex High School part of?
Essex High School is part of Essex County School District.
School Reviews
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