Average
#1337 of 1,850 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
5.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
533
Student-Teacher
10.2:1
Score
5.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lynchburg
#11 of 21
public schools
Virginia middle schools
#289 of 340
In district
#8 of 16
Lynchburg City Public Schools
School environment
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation serves 533 students in grades 6-8 in Lynchburg, Virginia. This regular public middle school maintains an impressive student-teacher ratio of 10.2:1, with 52 full-time equivalent teachers providing personalized attention to their students. The school has earned recognition for its performance, achieving a MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranking #184 out of 1,856 schools statewide, placing it in the 90th percentile among Virginia schools.
This strong ranking reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence and innovation in middle-level education. Located at 1200-1208 Polk Street, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle serves a diverse community where the median household income is $45,873 and median home values are $169,600. The surrounding neighborhood has a college-educated population of 24%, with 27% of families experiencing poverty, creating an environment where the school plays an important role in providing educational opportunities for all students.
The school operates in Lynchburg's small city setting, offering students the benefits of urban resources while maintaining a close-knit community atmosphere that supports middle school students during these crucial developmental years.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation — Students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation score 75% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).
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 12 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: 2.2/10.
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
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 80% (2019) to 93% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 57% (2025).
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. Linkhorne Middle (rated 6.1/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Sandusky Middle (rated 5.6/10, 3.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Monelison Middle (rated 5.3/10, 3.7 miles away, in nearby Madison Heights), with a very similar rating. 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 | 3.1 |
| William M. Bass Elementary Lynchburg | 1.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Dearington Elementary/Innovation Lynchburg | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| E.C. Glass High Lynchburg | 1.1 mi | 8.6 |
| T.C. Miller Elementary School for Innovation Lynchburg | 1.3 mi | 2.8 |
| NEW VISTAS SCHOOL Lynchburg | 1.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Madison Heights Elementary Madison Heights | 1.8 mi | 4.3 |
| SOLID ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH Madison Heights | 1.6 mi | — |
| FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Madison Heights | 1.6 mi | — |
| Perrymont Elementary Lynchburg | 2.6 mi | 3.6 |
| Linkhorne Middle Lynchburg | 2.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Linkhorne Elementary Lynchburg | 2.8 mi | 3.2 |
| Monelison Middle Madison Heights | 3.7 mi | 5.3 |
| NEW COVENANT SCHOOLS Lynchburg | 3.3 mi | 5.1 |
| RIVERMONT LYNCHBURG NORTH Lynchburg | 3.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Sheffield Elementary Lynchburg | 3.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Sandusky Middle Lynchburg | 3.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Sandusky Elementary Lynchburg | 3.6 mi | 5.0 |
| VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Lynchburg | 4.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Amelon Elementary Madison Heights | 4.6 mi | 3.3 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has a median household income of $50,739. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,400, with a median rent of $998/month. The area has a poverty rate of 26.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Elko Middle Sandston, VA | 5.4 |
| James Madison Middle Roanoke, VA | 5.4 |
| Laurel Park Middle Martinsville, VA | 5.4 |
| S. Gordon Stewart Middle Fort Defiance, VA | 5.4 |
| B.T. Washington Middle Newport News, VA | 5.5 |
| Brookville Middle Lynchburg, VA | 5.5 |
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 is ranked #1337 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation's MySchoolScout rating?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle for Innovation has 57.2% math proficiency and 61.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,100/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lynchburg). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (434) 515-5310
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lynchburg City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 7,727
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,083
- District Rank
- #8 of 16
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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