Best Public Schools in Zip Code 23410

Zip code 23410, located in the rural community of Melfa, Virginia, is served by a single public elementary school, Pungoteague Elementary, which enrolls 452 students in grades PK–5. As the only school in this zip code, there are no middle or high schools nearby, so families with older students typically look to other schools within Accomack County Public Schools. Pungoteague Elementary stands out as a rising school, improving its statewide percentile from the 42nd (2023–2024) to the 52nd (2025–2026) and earning a 3-star rating, up from 2 stars. It also outperforms its district in every subject and grade level with reported test scores, making it a relative bright spot within Accomack County.

Academically, the school shows notable strengths in upper elementary math, with 5th grade math proficiency reaching 86.49% in 2025–2026—well above the state average of 72.39%. Fourth grade reading also surged by 27 percentage points year-over-year to 85% proficiency, and VA Studies rose to 83.33%. However, 3rd grade reading and math remain below state averages, and both declined sharply compared to the prior year. Chronic absenteeism is a major positive at just 8.4%, far better than the state average of 14.8%. The school spends $10,323 per student and has a student–teacher ratio of 13.6. The free/reduced lunch percentage is reported at 101.11%, an unusual figure that likely reflects a community eligibility program or data quirk, but it still points to a very high level of economic need among the student population.

For parents, Pungoteague Elementary offers a supportive and improving environment, especially for students in 4th and 5th grade, where test scores often exceed state averages. The strong attendance and upward ranking trend suggest a school on the right track, despite the challenges of serving a high-poverty community. The main concern is early elementary performance, particularly in 3rd grade, which will be an important area to watch. Overall, this is a school that is outperforming its district and making steady progress, making it a solid choice for families with elementary-aged children in the Melfa area.