For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 753 students in Essex County, VA.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Essex County, VA are Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex County, VA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public elementary school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Essex County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tappahannock Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Elementary School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Grades: PK-4
| 422 students
Rank: #22.
James H. Cary Intermediate
(Math: 16% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
912 Intermediate School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Grades: 5-8
| 331 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Essex County, VA?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Essex County, VA include Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate.
How many public elementary schools are located in Essex County?
2 public elementary schools are located in Essex County.
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County?
Essex County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Can Naviance Succeed Improve College and Career Readiness?
Learn about a new student assessment system, Naviance Succeed, which provides tools and support to increase student college and career readiness. A number of school districts are using the tool this year in hopes of improving student performance through more accurate assessment process than are currently available.
Do You Need After School Day Care? Public Schools May Be the Solution
Learn about how your child's public school may be the best source of after school and vacation day care.
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.