Average
#1186 of 1,851 schools in VA
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation
Middle School · Lynchburg City Public Schools
1200 1208 Polk St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Enrollment
533
Student-Teacher
10.2:1
Score
5.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
533
Student-Teacher
10.2:1
Score
5.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#1,186 of 1,851
In Lynchburg
#11 of 21
public schools
In district
#6 of 16
Lynchburg City Public Schools
School environment
7.9 / 10
Very Good
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Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation
Middle School in Lynchburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Robert S. Payne Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
William M. Bass Elementary
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation is a public middle school in Lynchburg, VA, part of Lynchburg City Public Schools. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation serves approximately 533 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 10.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,186 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.6 · Average
- District avg 4.6
- VA avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation — Students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation score 55% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
93.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 33 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: 6.2/10.
How Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation Compares
See how Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation 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
1200 1208 Polk St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Monelison Middle (rated 4.6/10, 3.7 miles away, in nearby Madison Heights), with a comparable rating. Another option is Linkhorne Middle (rated 4.2/10, 2.6 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Sandusky Middle (rated 4.1/10, 3.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Lynchburg, see our Lynchburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Robert S. Payne Elementary Lynchburg | 0.3 mi | 3.9 |
| William M. Bass Elementary Lynchburg | 1.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Dearington Elementary/Innovation Lynchburg | 1.0 mi | 5.0 |
| E.C. Glass High Lynchburg | 1.1 mi | 8.0 |
| T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation Lynchburg | 1.3 mi | 4.8 |
| NEW VISTAS SCHOOL Lynchburg | 1.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Madison Heights Elementary Madison Heights | 1.8 mi | 5.6 |
| SOLID ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH Madison Heights | 1.6 mi | — |
| FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Madison Heights | 1.6 mi | — |
| Perrymont Elementary Lynchburg | 2.6 mi | 4.9 |
| Linkhorne Middle Lynchburg | 2.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Linkhorne Elementary Lynchburg | 2.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Monelison Middle Madison Heights | 3.7 mi | 4.6 |
| NEW COVENANT SCHOOLS Lynchburg | 3.3 mi | 5.1 |
| RIVERMONT LYNCHBURG NORTH Lynchburg | 3.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Sheffield Elementary Lynchburg | 3.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Sandusky Middle Lynchburg | 3.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Sandusky Elementary Lynchburg | 3.6 mi | 5.3 |
| VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Lynchburg | 4.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Amelon Elementary Madison Heights | 4.6 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,739
Median Home Value
$183,400
Median Rent
$998/mo
Population
9,471
College Educated
24.3%
Homeownership
53.6%
Avg Commute
21.2 min
Poverty Rate
26%
Median Age
38.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cumberland Middle Cumberland, VA | 5.6 |
| Jackson P. Burley Middle Charlottesville, VA | 5.6 |
| James H. Cary Intermediate Tappahannock, VA | 5.6 |
| Westside Elementary Smithfield, VA | 5.6 |
| S. Gordon Stewart Middle Fort Defiance, VA | 5.5 |
| Edward W. Wyatt Middle Emporia, VA | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation serve?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has an enrollment of approximately 533 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation?
The student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation is 10.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation rank in VA?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation ranks #1,186 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation's MySchoolScout rating?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 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 Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 69% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation a charter school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation a Title I school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation?
93.6% of students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 533
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 93.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Lynchburg city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 28.0%
- Phone
- (434) 515-5310
Resources & Links
District
Lynchburg City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 7,727
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,083
- District Rank
- #6 of 16
Other Schools in This District
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