Summary:
Zip code 23824 is served by a single elementary school—Blackstone Primary—which enrolls 371 students in grades PK through 4 and operates within the Nottoway County Public Schools district in Blackstone, Virginia.
Blackstone Primary is a high-poverty school, with 99.73% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, yet it is showing clear signs of progress. Its statewide rank has improved for three straight years, rising from the 9th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 25th percentile in 2025-2026. The school’s standout subject is 4th grade Virginia Studies, where 77.19% of students scored proficient—well above the state average of 70.52% and a dramatic jump from 54.55% the previous year. Reading also improved across both tested grades, with 4th grade reading rising to 62.50% proficiency and 3rd grade reading reaching 56.52%. Chronic absenteeism sits at a modest 14.6%, nearly identical to the state average and lower than the district’s 17.5%, which is an encouraging sign for a school serving such a high-poverty population.
Math remains the main concern, especially in 3rd grade, where proficiency fell from 59.38% to 43.48%—more than 30 points below the state average. Fourth grade math, however, improved significantly to 64.91%. With a favorable 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio and per-student spending of $6,962, the school has a solid foundation for supporting individualized learning. While reading and math still trail state averages in most areas, the overall upward trend, strong Virginia Studies performance, and controlled absenteeism suggest that Blackstone Primary is making meaningful gains under challenging conditions. Continued focus on early math intervention and reading fundamentals will be key to closing the remaining gap with state averages.
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