For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 919 students in Dayton, VA (there are 1 private school, serving 100 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Dayton, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA are Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dayton, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Dayton have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dayton, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
375 Bowman Road
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2535
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2535
Gr: 6-8 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Ottobine Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8646 Waggys Creek Rd
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2091
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2091
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA include Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dayton?
2 public schools are located in Dayton.
What percentage of students in Dayton go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Dayton are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dayton?
Dayton public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.