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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Petersburg Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,960 students in Petersburg, VA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Petersburg, VA are Matoaca Elementary School, Ettrick Elementary School and Matoaca Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Petersburg, VA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 67%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in Petersburg have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public elementary school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Petersburg, VA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Matoaca Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
6627 River Rd
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #22.
Ettrick Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
20910 Chesterfield Ave.
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 520-6005
Gr: PK-5 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Matoaca Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
6001 Hickory Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3130
Gr: 6-8 | 775 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
Walnut Hill Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
300 S Boulevard
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7005
Gr: K-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #55.
Vernon Johns Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3101 Homestead Drive
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7020
Gr: 6-8 | 949 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #66.
Cool Spring Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1450 Talley Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7002
Gr: K-5 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Pleasants Lane Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Pleasants Lane
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7013
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #88.
Lakemont Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
51 Gibbons St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7007
Gr: K-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Central St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.
Special Education School
West Washington St Extended, B
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7676
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Southside Va Training Center
Special Education School
Bldg 120, Warehouse West Wash
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7340
Gr: PK-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Petersburg, VA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Petersburg, VA include Matoaca Elementary School, Ettrick Elementary School and Matoaca Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Petersburg?
10 public elementary schools are located in Petersburg.
What is the racial composition of students in Petersburg?
Petersburg public elementary schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Petersburg are often viewed compared to one another?

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