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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Staunton Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 4,304 students in Staunton, VA (there are 7 private schools, serving 881 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Staunton, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Staunton, VA are Riverheads High School, Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School and Staunton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Staunton, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Staunton have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Staunton, VA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riverheads High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
19 Howardsville Rd
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 337-1921
Gr: 9-12 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1101 N Coalter St
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3936
Gr: K-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Staunton High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1301 N Coalter St
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3926
Gr: 9-12 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #44.
Riverheads Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
239 Don Hanger Circle
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 337-2535
Gr: PK-5 | 714 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Arthur R. Ware Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
330 Grubert Avenue
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3938
Gr: K-5 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #66.
Bessie Weller Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Greenville Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3940
Gr: K-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #77.
Shelburne Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Grubert Ave
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3930
Gr: 6-8 | 583 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #88.
Virginia School For The Deaf And The Blind
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
104 Vsdb Dr.
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-9014
Gr: PK-12 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
Commonwealth Ctr For Children & Adolescents
Special Education School
1355 Richmond Road
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Riverheads Middle School
240 Don Hanger Circle
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 414-0630
Gr: 6-8 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention Home
Alternative School
110 Montgomery Ave.
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 886-6241
Rank: n/an/a
Staunton City School Preschool Programs
1751 Shutterlee Mill Road, Dix
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 332-3934
Gr: PK | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
Western St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.
Special Education School
1301 Richmond Avenue
Staunton, VA 24402
(540) 332-2126
Gr: PK-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Staunton, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Staunton, VA include Riverheads High School, Thomas C. Mcswain Elementary School and Staunton High School.
How many public schools are located in Staunton?
13 public schools are located in Staunton.
What percentage of students in Staunton go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Staunton are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Staunton?
Staunton public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Staunton are often viewed compared to one another?

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