Serving 531 students in grades 6-8, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation 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 57% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 531 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 52% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation's student population of 531 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
531 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Purple and Gold
School Calendar
Campus Size
10 acres
School Motto
Raise The Bar! No excuses.
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation 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 Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is 0.67, 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
#1239 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)66%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)52%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
12%
20%
Black
47%
21%
White
31%
44%
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.1%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is ranked #1239 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovationis often viewed alongside schools like Linkhorne Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation?
531 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation students are Black, 31% of students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is part of Lynchburg City School District.
In what neighborhood is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation located?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is located in the Diamond Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg, VA. There are 1 other public schools located in Diamond Hill.
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