Summary:
ZIP code 20166 in Sterling, Virginia, is served by a single public school — Elaine E. Thompson Elementary — which covers grades PK through 5 within Loudoun County Public Schools. With 756 students, it is a sizable elementary school, and since no middle or high schools exist in this ZIP code, families will need to look outside 20166 for secondary school options.
Elaine E. Thompson Elementary is academically strong across nearly every tested subject and grade level. In the 2025–2026 school year, the school exceeded both the district and Virginia state averages on every reported SOL test. Notable results include 84.4% proficiency in 3rd grade reading (8.68 points above the district and 16.79 above the state), 87.32% in 3rd grade math, and 88.89% in 4th grade Virginia Studies. The school also benefits from favorable resources: a low student–teacher ratio of 11.5, a free/reduced lunch rate of just 18.25%, and spending of $13,618 per student. It has earned 4-star ratings from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years and consistently ranks in the top 20% of Virginia elementary schools.
Year-over-year SOL results show gains in 5th grade science (+3.10 points), 3rd grade reading (+6.04 points), and 5th grade math, but declines in 4th grade reading (−4.71 points) and 5th grade reading (−2.76 points) are worth watching. Chronic absenteeism stands at 12.8%, below both the district (14.1%) and state (14.8%) averages, supporting strong attendance and academic outcomes. While reading in grades 4 and 5 slipped slightly, the school remains a top performer in its district and across Virginia, making it an excellent elementary option within 20166.
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