Skip to main content

Below Average

#1588 of 1,851 schools in VA

Varina Elementary

Elementary School · Henrico County Public Schools

2551 New Market Rd, Richmond, VA 23231

Enrollment

261

Student-Teacher

12.4:1

Score

4.1

Grades

3rd – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,588 of 1,851

In Richmond

#50 of 94

public schools

In district

#42 of 67

Henrico County Public Schools

School environment

7.2 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Varina Elementary?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Varina Elementary

4.1/10

Elementary School in Richmond · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary

4.0/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Varina High

6.0/10

2.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Varina Elementary

Varina Elementary is a public elementary school in Richmond, VA, part of Henrico County Public Schools. Varina Elementary serves approximately 261 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 12.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Varina Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,588 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Varina Elementary show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.8
  • VA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Varina Elementary 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.5Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.66 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency55% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-21.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Overall Proficiency54% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected-11.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,973
Chronic Absenteeism15.3%

Varina Elementary — Students at Varina Elementary score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

92.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 60.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.5% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 61.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.2% (2025 SOL)

Based on 33 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
85%
ELA
80%
2010
Math
86%
ELA
80%
2011
Math
56%
ELA
79%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2013
Math
60%
ELA
64%
2014
Math
66%
ELA
64%
2015
Math
66%
ELA
64%
2016
Math
68%
ELA
69%
2017
ELA
71%
2018
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2019
Math
75%
ELA
66%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2025
Math
52%
ELA
54.8%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Varina Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
4.1/10
14th percentile in VA
Academic
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.2/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
93%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.3%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2551 New Market Rd, Richmond, VA 23231

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Varina Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Sandston Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Sandston), which scores notably higher. Another option is Seven Pines Elementary (rated 5.1/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Sandston), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary (rated 4.0/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Richmond, see our Richmond schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary Richmond 0.8 mi 4.0
Varina High Richmond 2.3 mi 6.0
John Rolfe Middle Richmond 2.4 mi 2.5
Henry D. Ward Elementary Richmond 2.3 mi 3.7
George F. Baker Elementary Richmond 2.7 mi 2.3
Montrose Elementary Richmond 5.3 mi 3.8
CHURCH HILL ACADEMY Richmond 5.5 mi 5.7
Seven Pines Elementary Sandston 5.7 mi 5.1
Sandston Elementary Sandston 6.0 mi 6.9
GODDARD SCHOOL-RIVERS BEND Chester 6.4 mi
Jacob L. Adams Elementary Richmond 6.4 mi 3.0
Fair Oaks Elementary Highland Springs 6.4 mi 2.4
Highland Springs High Highland Springs 6.6 mi 5.4
Bensley Elementary North Chesterfield 5.4 mi 2.0
Franklin Military Academy Richmond 6.4 mi 9.1
Summer Hill Preschool Center Richmond 5.5 mi 4.3
Highland Springs Elementary Highland Springs 6.8 mi 1.6
Fairfield Middle Richmond 7.0 mi 3.2
Bellwood Elementary North Chesterfield 6.0 mi 2.1
Oak Grove/Bellemeade Elementary Richmond 6.0 mi 2.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23231 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,245

Median Home Value

$270,400

Median Rent

$1,272/mo

Population

37,949

College Educated

28.6%

Homeownership

67.7%

Avg Commute

26.1 min

Poverty Rate

12.5%

Median Age

42.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Berkeley Glenn Elementary Waynesboro, VA 4.1
John Marshall Early Childhood Center Newport News, VA 4.1
Johnson Elementary Charlottesville, VA 4.1
Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary Richmond, VA 4.0
Burnley-Moran Elementary Charlottesville, VA 4.0
Campbell Court Elementary Bassett, VA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Varina Elementary

What grades does Varina Elementary serve?

Varina Elementary serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Varina Elementary?

Varina Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 261 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Varina Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Varina Elementary is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Varina Elementary rank in VA?

Varina Elementary ranks #1,588 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Varina Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Varina Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Varina Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Varina Elementary has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Varina Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Varina Elementary a Title I school?

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

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

92.7% of students at Varina 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

Walk Score
33 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
53 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
261
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
92.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Henrico County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.3%

District

Henrico County Public Schools
District Enrollment
50,463
Schools in District
81
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,973
District Rank
#42 of 67

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

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.