Serving 435 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Robert S. Payne Elementary 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 43% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 435 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Robert S. Payne Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Robert S. Payne Elementary School's student population of 435 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
435 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1925
Campus Size
4 acres
School Motto
Every Child, By Name and By Need, to Graduation and Beyond.
School Rankings
Robert S. Payne Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Robert S. Payne Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#1514 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)50-54%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
8%
20%
Black
64%
21%
White
18%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Lynchburg City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert S. Payne Elementary School's ranking?
Robert S. Payne Elementary School is ranked #1514 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Robert S. Payne Elementary School?
435 students attend Robert S. Payne Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Robert S. Payne Elementary School students are Black, 18% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Robert S. Payne Elementary School?
Robert S. Payne Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Robert S. Payne Elementary School offer ?
Robert S. Payne Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Robert S. Payne Elementary School part of?
Robert S. Payne Elementary School is part of Lynchburg City School District.
In what neighborhood is Robert S. Payne Elementary School located?
Robert S. Payne Elementary School is located in the Diamond Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg, VA. There are 1 other public schools located in Diamond Hill.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
a. Okay but a bit segregated as to who gets the help and how much help
b. Again a little segregated not as much variety given to the Bay area of the school (the majority), versus what is open to the Go-Center Children
c. Pencils are given to the k-1st graders (not sure aboout the rest.) Certificates should be given.
d. Facilities are so-so
e. mid-high frequency positively and proactively involved
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