For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,163 students in Essex County, VA (there are 2 private schools, serving 29 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Essex County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA are Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex County, VA public 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). Schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% 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 Essex County (2026)
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 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
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 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
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 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
Chesapeake Bay Governor's School
Magnet School
303 Queen Street, Suite C
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VA include Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate.
How many public schools are located in Essex County?
4 public schools are located in Essex County.
What percentage of students in Essex County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Essex County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County?
Essex County public schools minority enrollment is 73% 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 Essex County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Essex County include: James H. Cary Intermediate vs. Essex High School
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