Best High Schools in Zip Code 22520

Zip code 22520 in Montross, Virginia is served by one high school, Westmoreland High, which enrolls students in grades 9 through 12 and is part of Westmoreland County Public Schools. Because this is the only high school in the area, the school’s performance essentially mirrors the district’s high school results, making it the central focus for any family considering the area.

Westmoreland High posts some very encouraging outcomes. The graduation rate is strong at 95.3% (compared to the state average of 92.3%), and the dropout rate is just 0.7%, far below the state’s 5.0%. The school also shines in specific subjects: 9th-grade Geometry proficiency reaches 96.3% versus 85.88% statewide, and Earth Science proficiency is 87.5% compared to 74.79% statewide. However, there are notable academic gaps. Algebra I proficiency for 9th graders is only 64.04% versus 80.21% statewide, and history/social studies results are particularly concerning—just 16% of 11th graders are proficient in VA and US History, while 9th-grade Geography proficiency is only 34.78% against a state average of 72.24%. These mixed results help explain the school’s declining state ranking: it fell from 229th out of 328 high schools (2 stars) in 2024-2025 to 262nd out of 331 (1 star) in 2025-2026.

The broader context matters for parents. Every student at Westmoreland High qualifies for free or reduced lunch (100%), indicating a high-poverty population, and chronic absenteeism is elevated at 20.3% versus the state’s 14.8%. The school spends $12,256 per student and maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, which may reflect efforts to support a high-need community. While the school’s graduation and dropout metrics are excellent, the low proficiency in history and introductory algebra, combined with rising absenteeism, are challenges worth investigating. For parents, the school offers a safe path to graduation with standout math and science moments, but families should be prepared for inconsistent academic proficiency across core subjects.