Best High Schools in Zip Code 22560

There is one high school in zip code 22560: Essex High in Tappahannock, Virginia, serving grades 9–12 with 393 students. It is part of the Essex County Public Schools district. Because Essex High is the only high school in the area, this summary focuses on how the school compares to state averages and how its performance has changed over time.

Essex High shows clear strengths in math, science, and English. In recent testing, the school exceeded state proficiency rates in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, and English Reading. For example, Algebra II proficiency reached 100% compared to the state’s 93.75%, and Geometry reached 90% versus 84.89% statewide. Graduation outcomes are also strong: the school’s graduation rate is 94.7%, above the state average of 92.3%, while its dropout rate is just 2.0% compared to 5.0% statewide. The school also reports a low student-teacher ratio of 13.6 and per-student spending of $6,879. The main academic concern is social studies. Proficiency in World History II was 0% versus 27.54% statewide, World History I was 33.33% versus 66.63%, and Geography scores were roughly 44–51% versus state averages of 56–72%. VA/US History, at 42.86%, is actually above the state average of 34.52%.

Essex High’s state ranking has slipped from the 53rd percentile in 2023–2024 (3 stars) to the 39th–40th percentile in recent years (2 stars), which aligns with mixed test scores. Chronic absenteeism is slightly above the state average at 15.7% versus 14.8%. Nearly all students are economically disadvantaged, with a free/reduced lunch rate above 100%, reflecting a universal meal program. Despite these challenges, the school graduates students at a rate above the state average. The district itself ranks low statewide at 113th out of 131 districts, but Essex High performs better than that district ranking suggests. For parents, the key takeaway is that Essex High is a small school with strong STEM and reading outcomes, above-average graduation rates, and a clear need for improvement in social studies instruction.