Average
#1195 of 1,851 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
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,243
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#1,195 of 1,851
In Amherst
#4 of 5
public schools
In district
#6 of 9
Amherst County Public Schools
Equity
7.3 / 10
Very Good
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Amherst County High
High School in Amherst · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Amherst Elementary
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Central Elementary
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Amherst County High
Amherst County High is a public high school in Amherst, VA, part of Amherst County Public Schools. Amherst County High serves approximately 1,243 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Amherst County High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,195 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for Amherst County High show 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 85% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- VA avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
Amherst County High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
38% of students at Amherst County High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
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Amherst County High — Students at Amherst County High score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).
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 27 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: 6.4/10.
How Amherst County High Compares
See how Amherst County High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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 8.0/10, 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 | 7.4 |
| Central Elementary Amherst | 1.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Amherst Middle Amherst | 1.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Amelon Elementary Madison Heights | 7.6 mi | 4.9 |
| Temperance Elementary Amherst | 8.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Monelison Middle Madison Heights | 8.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Elon Elementary Madison Heights | 8.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Madison Heights Elementary Madison Heights | 10.4 mi | 5.6 |
| 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 | 5.6 |
| Dearington Elementary/Innovation Lynchburg | 12.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Robert S. Payne Elementary Lynchburg | 12.5 mi | 3.9 |
| Paul Munro Elementary Lynchburg | 11.6 mi | 9.4 |
| E.C. Glass High Lynchburg | 12.7 mi | 8.0 |
| William M. Bass Elementary Lynchburg | 13.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Bedford Hills Elementary Lynchburg | 12.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Tye River Elementary Arrington | 12.5 mi | 6.2 |
| T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation Lynchburg | 13.3 mi | 4.8 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bassett High Bassett, VA | 5.5 |
| Huguenot High Richmond, VA | 5.5 |
| I.C. Norcom High Portsmouth, VA | 5.5 |
| John Handley High Winchester, VA | 5.5 |
| Manassas Park High Manassas Park, VA | 5.5 |
| Waynesboro High Waynesboro, VA | 5.5 |
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 ranks #1,195 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is Amherst County High's MySchoolScout rating?
Amherst County High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Amherst County High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Amherst County High has 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 85% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 38.3%
- Phone
- (434) 946-2898
- 4-Year Graduation
- 93.0%
Resources & Links
District
Amherst County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,965
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,301
- District Rank
- #6 of 9
Other Schools in This District
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