Below Average
#1579 of 1,850 schools in VA
Amherst County High
High School · Amherst County Public Schools
139 Lancer Lane, Amherst, VA 24521
Enrollment
1,243
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,243
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Amherst
#4 of 5
public schools
Virginia high schools
#319 of 323
In district
#7 of 9
Amherst County Public Schools
About Amherst County High
Amherst County High serves 1,243 students in grades 9-12 in the rural community of Amherst, Virginia. With 83 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.0:1, providing reasonable class sizes for high school students navigating their academic and career preparation. The school ranks #1,188 out of 1,856 Virginia high schools, placing it in the 36th percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10.
While this indicates room for academic growth, the school serves as the central educational hub for families throughout Amherst County's rural landscape. The surrounding community reflects a mix of working families and established residents, with a median household income of $64,700 and median home values around $206,900. About 26% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 12.2% among the ZIP code's nearly 10,000 residents.
As a comprehensive public high school, Amherst County High provides essential educational services to teenagers across this rural Virginia county, preparing students for their next steps whether in higher education or entering the workforce. The school's rural setting offers students a close-knit community atmosphere while serving families throughout the broader Amherst County area.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Amherst County High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Amherst County High — Students at Amherst County High score 71% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
77%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.4/10.
How Amherst County High Compares
See how Amherst County High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 85% (2019) to 62% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 83% (2019) to 80% (2025).
Location
139 Lancer Lane, Amherst, VA 24521
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Amherst County High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. E.C. Glass High (rated 8.6/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Lynchburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Lynchburg), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Amherst, see our Amherst schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Elementary Amherst | 1.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Central Elementary Amherst | 1.2 mi | 3.5 |
| Amherst Middle Amherst | 1.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Amelon Elementary Madison Heights | 7.6 mi | 3.3 |
| Temperance Elementary Amherst | 8.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Monelison Middle Madison Heights | 8.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Elon Elementary Madison Heights | 8.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Madison Heights Elementary Madison Heights | 10.4 mi | 4.3 |
| SOLID ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH Madison Heights | 10.9 mi | — |
| FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Madison Heights | 10.9 mi | — |
| VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Lynchburg | 10.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation Lynchburg | 12.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Dearington Elementary/Innovation Lynchburg | 12.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Robert S. Payne Elementary Lynchburg | 12.5 mi | 3.1 |
| Paul Munro Elementary Lynchburg | 11.6 mi | 6.6 |
| E.C. Glass High Lynchburg | 12.7 mi | 8.6 |
| William M. Bass Elementary Lynchburg | 13.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Bedford Hills Elementary Lynchburg | 12.4 mi | 7.4 |
| Tye River Elementary Arrington | 12.5 mi | 7.8 |
| T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation Lynchburg | 13.3 mi | 2.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24521 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,077
Median Home Value
$233,600
Median Rent
$830/mo
Population
10,101
College Educated
26.9%
Homeownership
78%
Avg Commute
26.9 min
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Median Age
44.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Amherst County High has a median household income of $69,077. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $233,600, with a median rent of $830/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.4%. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Caroline High Milford, VA | 4.3 |
| Staunton River High Moneta, VA | 4.9 |
| Powhatan High Powhatan, VA | 5.0 |
| Heritage High Lynchburg, VA | 5.1 |
| Hermitage High Richmond, VA | 5.1 |
| Alleghany High Covington, VA | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Amherst County High
What grades does Amherst County High serve?
Amherst County High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Amherst County High?
Amherst County High has an enrollment of approximately 1,243 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Amherst County High?
The student-teacher ratio at Amherst County High is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Amherst County High rank in VA?
Amherst County High is ranked #1579 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Amherst County High's MySchoolScout rating?
Amherst County High has a composite rating of 4.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Amherst County High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Amherst County High has 68.0% math proficiency and 81.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Amherst County High a charter school?
No, Amherst County High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Amherst County High a Title I school?
No, Amherst County High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Amherst County High?
77.0% of students at Amherst County High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,243
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 83
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 77.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Amherst County
- Phone
- (434) 946-2898
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Amherst County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,965
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,301
- District Rank
- #7 of 9
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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