For the 2026 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 57% (versus the Virginia public elementary school average of 67%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 67% statewide average). Elementary schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 2/10, 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tappahannock Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 Elementary School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Gr: PK-4 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
James H. Cary Intermediate
(Math: 54% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
912 Intermediate School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Gr: 5-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
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).