For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 6,593 students in Petersburg, VA (there are 5 private schools, serving 287 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Petersburg, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Petersburg, VA are Petersburg High School, Matoaca Elementary School and Ettrick Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Petersburg, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Petersburg have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Petersburg, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Petersburg High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3101 Johnson Road
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7096
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7096
Gr: 9-12 | 1,215 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #22.
Matoaca Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6627 River Rd
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3100
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 676 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
Ettrick Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
20910 Chesterfield Ave.
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 520-6005
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 520-6005
Gr: PK-5 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Matoaca Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Hickory Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3130
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3130
Gr: 6-8 | 775 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #55.
Walnut Hill Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 S Boulevard
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7005
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7005
Gr: K-5 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Vernon Johns Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3101 Homestead Drive
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7020
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 862-7020
Gr: 6-8 | 949 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #77.
Cool Spring Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1450 Talley Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7002
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7002
Gr: K-5 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #88.
Pleasants Lane Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 Pleasants Lane
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7013
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7013
Gr: K-5 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #99.
Lakemont Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
51 Gibbons St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7007
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7007
Gr: K-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
Magnet School
512 W Washington St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 722-0200
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 722-0200
Rank: n/an/a
Central St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.
Special Education School
West Washington St Extended, B
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7676
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7676
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Petersburg Regional Alternative
Alternative School
455 Old Wagner Rd., Keys Acade
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 863-2191
Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 863-2191
Rank: n/an/a
1100 Patterson Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7010
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7010
Gr: PK | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Petersburg, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Southside Va Training Center (Closed 2025)
Special Education School
Bldg 120, Warehouse West Wash
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7340
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7340
Gr: PK-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Petersburg, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Petersburg, VA include Petersburg High School, Matoaca Elementary School and Ettrick Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Petersburg?
14 public schools are located in Petersburg.
What percentage of students in Petersburg go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Petersburg are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Petersburg?
Petersburg public schools minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Petersburg are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Petersburg include: Walnut Hill Elementary School vs. Cool Spring Elementary School, Pleasants Lane Elementary School vs. Cool Spring Elementary School, Cool Spring Elementary School vs. Walnut Hill Elementary School
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