Average
#748 of 1,850 schools in VA
Top 40% in state
Essex High
High School · Essex County Public Schools
PO Box 1006, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Enrollment
410
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
410
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Tappahannock
#2 of 3
public schools
Virginia high schools
#159 of 323
In district
#2 of 3
Essex County Public Schools
Academic growth
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Essex High
Essex High educates 410 students in grades 9-12 in the rural community of Tappahannock, Virginia. This public high school has earned an impressive 8.2 out of 10 rating and ranks 158th among Virginia's 1,856 schools, placing it in the 92nd percentile statewide. With 29 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a manageable 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for more individualized attention.
Academically, Essex High demonstrates strong performance with 72% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 58% meet proficiency standards in mathematics. These results reflect the school's commitment to student achievement despite serving a community where only 15% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The school serves families in a community with a median household income of $49,631 and median home values around $215,300.
While 17.1% of the area experiences poverty, Essex High's academic success shows how dedicated educators can make a meaningful difference in student outcomes. Essex High is situated in Virginia's remote rural Essex County, providing students with a close-knit educational environment where teachers and staff can build strong relationships with students and families in this tight-knit community of fewer than 7,000 residents.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Essex 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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Essex High — Students at Essex High score 85% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.8%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 10.0/10.
How Essex High Compares
See how Essex High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 60% (2019) to 84% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 86% (2025).
Location
PO Box 1006, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Essex High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Westmoreland High (rated 6.7/10, 12.2 miles away, in nearby Montross), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Central High (rated 6.5/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby King and Queen C H), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tappahannock, see our Tappahannock schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| James H. Cary Intermediate Tappahannock | 0.4 mi | 8.6 |
| Tappahannock Elementary Tappahannock | 0.9 mi | 5.6 |
| ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL Tappahannock | 1.0 mi | 8.0 |
| TAPPAHANNOCK JUNIOR ACADEMY Tappahannock | 1.6 mi | — |
| Richmond County Elementary Warsaw | 7.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Rappahannock High Warsaw | 7.4 mi | 4.9 |
| AYLETT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Bruington | 8.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Montross Middle Montross | 11.5 mi | 9.4 |
| Westmoreland High Montross | 12.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Lawson-Marriott Elementary St. Stephens Church | 12.3 mi | 2.3 |
| Cople Elementary Hague | 15.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Central High King and Queen C H | 17.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Hamilton Holmes Middle King William | 18.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Acquinton Elementary King William | 18.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Cool Spring Primary King William | 18.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Washington District Elementary Colonial Beach | 19.3 mi | 8.4 |
| MONROE BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Colonial Beach | 21.1 mi | — |
| King William High King William | 18.8 mi | 5.4 |
| King & Queen Elementary Mattaponi | 22.0 mi | 2.1 |
| Colonial Beach High Colonial Beach | 23.6 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 22560 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,357
Median Home Value
$247,100
Median Rent
$969/mo
Population
6,523
College Educated
18.2%
Homeownership
63%
Avg Commute
34.9 min
Poverty Rate
15%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Essex High has a median household income of $65,357. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $247,100, with a median rent of $969/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.0%. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Eastside High Coeburn, VA | 6.8 |
| George Wythe High Wytheville, VA | 6.8 |
| Grayson County High Independence, VA | 6.8 |
| Northampton High Eastville, VA | 6.8 |
| VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Lynchburg, VA | 6.7 |
| Westmoreland High Montross, VA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Essex High
What grades does Essex High serve?
Essex High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Essex High?
Essex High has an enrollment of approximately 410 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Essex High?
The student-teacher ratio at Essex High is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Essex High rank in VA?
Essex High is ranked #748 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Essex High's MySchoolScout rating?
Essex High has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Essex High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Essex High has 58.7% math proficiency and 71.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Essex High a charter school?
No, Essex High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Essex High a Title I school?
No, Essex High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Essex High?
98.8% of students at Essex 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,705/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tappahannock). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 410
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Essex County
- Phone
- (804) 443-4301
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Essex County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,163
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,613
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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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