For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,291 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 56% (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 | 1,243 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 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 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
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 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
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 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 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 | 323 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
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 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Amherst are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Amherst include: Temperance Elementary School vs. Amherst Elementary School, Amherst Elementary School vs. Central Elementary School, Amherst Elementary School vs. Temperance Elementary School
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.