Serving 410 students in grades 9-12, Essex High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 410 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Essex High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Essex High School's student population of 410 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 38% over five school years.
School Mascot
Trojan
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
410 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1978
School Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Essex High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Essex High School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1373 out of 1792 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)30-34%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60-64%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35-39%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
5%
19%
Black
55%
22%
White
30%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Essex High School's ranking?
Essex High School is ranked #1373 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Essex High School often compared to?
Essex High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like James H. Cary Intermediate, Rappahannock High School, Central High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Essex High School?
The graduation rate of Essex High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Essex High School?
410 students attend Essex High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Essex High School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Essex High School?
Essex High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Essex High School offer ?
Essex High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Essex High School part of?
Essex High School is part of Essex County School District.
School Reviews
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