For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,279 students in Amherst, VA.
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA are Amherst County High School, Amherst Elementary School and Temperance Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Amherst, 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 Amherst have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Amherst, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Amherst County High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
139 Lancer Lane
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2898
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2898
Gr: 9-12 | 1,240 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Amherst Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
156 Davis St
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9704
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9704
Gr: PK-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Temperance Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1981 Lowesville Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2811
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-2811
Gr: PK-5 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Amherst Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
165 Gordons Fairground Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-0691
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-0691
Gr: 6-8 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
575 Union Hill Rd
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9700
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 946-9700
Gr: PK-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Amherst, VA include Amherst County High School, Amherst Elementary School and Temperance Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Amherst?
5 public schools are located in Amherst.
What is the racial composition of students in Amherst?
Amherst public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Amherst are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Amherst include: Amherst Elementary School vs. Central Elementary School, Central Elementary School vs. Amherst Elementary School, Temperance Elementary School vs. Amherst Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.