For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 9,557 students in Chester, VA (there are 3 private schools, serving 240 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Chester, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, VA are Thomas Dale High School, Elizabeth Scott Elementary School and Enon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chester, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Chester have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chester, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Thomas Dale High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3626 W. Hundred Rd.
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6245
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6245
Gr: 9-12 | 2,582 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #22.
Elizabeth Scott Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
813 Beginners Trail Loop
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 541-4660
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 541-4660
Gr: PK-5 | 729 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #33.
Enon Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2001 E. Hundred Rd.
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 530-5720
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 530-5720
Gr: PK-5 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
Ecoff Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5200 Ecoff Ave.
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6185
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6185
Gr: PK-5 | 764 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #55.
Elizabeth Davis Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
601 Corvus Court
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 541-4700
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 541-4700
Gr: 6-8 | 1,364 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #66.
Harrowgate Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4000 Cougar Trail
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 520-6015
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 520-6015
Gr: PK-5 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #77.
C.c. Wells Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
13101 S. Chester Rd.
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6265
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6265
Gr: PK-5 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #88.
C.e. Curtis Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3600 W Hundred Rd
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6175
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6175
Gr: PK-5 | 767 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #99.
Carver College And Career Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
12400 Branders Bridge Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6156
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-6156
Gr: 9-12 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #1010.
Carver Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3800 Cougar Trail
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 524-3620
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 524-3620
Gr: 6-8 | 970 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
155501 Harrowgate Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 748-1405
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 748-1405
Gr: PK | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chester, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, VA include Thomas Dale High School, Elizabeth Scott Elementary School and Enon Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Chester?
11 public schools are located in Chester.
What percentage of students in Chester go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Chester are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chester?
Chester public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Chester are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chester include: Elizabeth Scott Elementary School vs. Enon Elementary School, Enon Elementary School vs. Elizabeth Scott Elementary School, Elizabeth Davis Middle School vs. Carver Middle School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
