Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1728 of 1,850 schools in VA

Riverheads Elementary

Elementary School · Augusta County Public Schools

239 Don Hanger Circle, Staunton, VA 24401

Enrollment

721

Student-Teacher

16.4:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Staunton

#9 of 10

public schools

Virginia elementary schools

#1,034 of 1,147

In district

#15 of 18

Augusta County Public Schools

About Riverheads Elementary

Riverheads Elementary, nestled in a rural area near Staunton, Virginia, is an elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 721 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.4:1, the school benefits from a supportive learning environment with 44 full-time equivalent teachers. Academically, Riverheads Elementary has room for growth; its MySchoolScout Rating is 3.3 out of 10, placing it at the 15th percentile among Virginia schools.

However, in ELA and reading, 69% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 72% meet this benchmark. Despite the current academic standing, Riverheads Elementary focuses on student development with a dedicated teaching staff committed to nurturing young minds. The school's setting in a rural area offers a unique backdrop for learning, fostering a close-knit community where families and educators work together to support children’s education.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Riverheads Elementary 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

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.1Fair50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.2 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency69%
Reading/ELA Proficiency66%
Math vs. State Avg-4.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-9.7 pts
Overall Proficiency68%
Expected (poverty-adj.)76%
vs. Expected-8.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,961

Riverheads Elementary — Students at Riverheads Elementary score 68% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

65.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 71.8%
School
State
73.5%
ELA Proficiency 69.3%
School
State
72.2%

Based on 12 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
87%
ELA
75%
2021*
Math
70%
ELA
76%
2025
Math
68.5%
ELA
66.3%

* 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: 3.1/10.

How Riverheads Elementary Compares

See how Riverheads Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
7th percentile in VA
Academic
4.4/10
4.4/10
Growth
3.1/10
Below average
Environment
2.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
44 teachers

Location

239 Don Hanger Circle, Staunton, VA 24401

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Riverheads Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Bessie Weller Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 8.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Arthur R. Ware Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 8.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Stuarts Draft Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Stuarts Draft), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Staunton, see our Staunton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Riverheads High Staunton 0.2 mi 7.3
PILGRIM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Stuarts Draft 4.9 mi 3.8
Guy K. Stump Elementary Stuarts Draft 5.8 mi 3.4
KEYS ACADEMY - AUGUSTA/STUARTS DRAFT Stuarts Draft 5.9 mi
RIDGEVIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Stuarts Draft 6.2 mi 5.7
Beverley Manor Middle Staunton 7.9 mi 3.4
Bessie Weller Elementary Staunton 8.0 mi 8.3
C.F. RICHARDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Staunton 7.8 mi 5.9
Stuarts Draft High Stuarts Draft 7.0 mi 5.9
Shelburne Middle Staunton 8.8 mi 8.4
STUART HALL SCHOOL Staunton 8.7 mi 7.9
Arthur R. Ware Elementary Staunton 8.9 mi 7.3
Stuarts Draft Middle Stuarts Draft 7.2 mi 5.6
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Staunton 8.7 mi 5.7
Stuarts Draft Elementary Stuarts Draft 7.3 mi 6.9
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE Staunton 9.0 mi 5.8
ELK HILL STAUNTON SCHOOL Staunton 8.9 mi 6.2
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind High Staunton 9.0 mi 5.7
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Middle Staunton 9.0 mi
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Elementary Staunton 9.0 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 24401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,746

Median Home Value

$253,700

Median Rent

$1,002/mo

Population

37,720

College Educated

32.2%

Homeownership

63.6%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

11.3%

Median Age

44.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Riverheads Elementary has a median household income of $63,746. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $253,700, with a median rent of $1,002/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.3%. The average commute for residents is 23 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
Coates Elementary Herndon, VA 3.4
Elizabeth Vaughan Elementary Woodbridge, VA 3.4
Guy K. Stump Elementary Stuarts Draft, VA 3.4
Herndon Elementary Herndon, VA 3.4
Hopkins Road Elementary North Chesterfield, VA 3.4
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary Stafford, VA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Riverheads Elementary

What grades does Riverheads Elementary serve?

Riverheads Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Riverheads Elementary?

Riverheads Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 721 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Riverheads Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Riverheads Elementary is 16.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Riverheads Elementary rank in VA?

Riverheads Elementary is ranked #1728 out of 1,850 schools in VA.

What is Riverheads Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Riverheads Elementary has a composite rating of 3.4 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 Riverheads Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Riverheads Elementary has 71.8% math proficiency and 69.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Riverheads Elementary a charter school?

No, Riverheads Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Riverheads Elementary a Title I school?

No, Riverheads Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Riverheads Elementary?

65.2% of students at Riverheads Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,690/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Staunton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
721
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
44
Free/Reduced Lunch
65.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Augusta County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Augusta County Public Schools
District Enrollment
10,139
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,991
District Rank
#15 of 18

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 methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.