For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 5,076 students in Orange County, VA (there are 2 private schools, serving 160 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Orange County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Orange County, VA are Orange County High School, Gordon-barbour Elementary School and Locust Grove Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Orange County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Orange County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Orange County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Orange County High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
201 Selma Road
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4300
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,477 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
Gordon-barbour Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 W Baker Street
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 661-4500
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 661-4500
Gr: PK-5 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Locust Grove Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
31208 Constitution Highway
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4440
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4440
Gr: 3-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Orange Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
230 Montevista Avenue
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4450
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4450
Gr: PK-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Locust Grove Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6368 Flat Run Road
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4480
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4480
Gr: 6-8 | 685 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
Prospect Heights Middle School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 Dailey Drive
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4400
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 661-4400
Gr: 6-8 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #77.
Lightfoot Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
11360 Zachary Taylor Hwy
Unionville, VA 22567
(540) 661-4520
Unionville, VA 22567
(540) 661-4520
Gr: 3-5 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: n/an/a
31230 Constitution Highway
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4420
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 661-4420
Gr: PK-2 | 500 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
10285 Zachary Taylor Hwy
Unionville, VA 22567
(540) 661-4540
Unionville, VA 22567
(540) 661-4540
Gr: PK-2 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Orange County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Orange County, VA include Orange County High School, Gordon-barbour Elementary School and Locust Grove Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Orange County?
10 public schools are located in Orange County.
What percentage of students in Orange County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Orange County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Orange County?
Orange County public schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Orange County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Orange County include: Locust Grove Middle School vs. Prospect Heights Middle School, Prospect Heights Middle School vs. Locust Grove Middle School, Lightfoot Elementary School vs. Locust Grove Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.