Petersburg city Schools & Education
Petersburg city, Virginia
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,869
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,941
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#117
of 127 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Petersburg city
School Verdict
Petersburg city faces educational challenges with a school score of 36/100 and a graduation rate of 81.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,869 per pupil, Petersburg city operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Petersburg city is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 33% below the Virginia average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 8.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Petersburg city, Virginia
A Small-Scale Urban School Infrastructure
Petersburg city manages an education system comprising 9 total public schools, including 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. Across 3 school districts, the county serves a total enrollment of 4,272 students. The infrastructure includes specialized facilities like the Petersburg Regional Alternative school to support diverse student needs.
Closing the Gap in Academic Achievement
The city's 81% graduation rate currently trails both the Virginia state average of 89% and the national benchmark of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,869 is nearly on par with the state average, it remains significantly below the national average of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 50.7, just above the national median.
Petersburg City Public Schools Leads the Region
Petersburg City Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 7 schools and the entire student population of 4,272. No charter schools currently operate in the city, making traditional public education the primary path for local families. The district also collaborates with regional programs like the Appomattox Regional Governor's School.
A Suburban Setting with Moderate School Sizes
The educational environment is primarily suburban, with 7 schools in suburban locales and 2 in rural areas. Schools maintain an average size of 610 students, ranging from the large Petersburg High with 1,080 students to smaller primary schools like Walnut Hill Elementary. This mix provides a balance between larger secondary environments and more intimate elementary settings.
Finding Your Home Near Petersburg Schools
As you research local neighborhoods, consider how proximity to campuses like Cool Spring Elementary can impact your daily routine. Exploring homes in Petersburg allows families to find a community focused on raising academic standards and student engagement. School quality remains a vital consideration for long-term property value in this historic city.
School Overview
Total Schools
9
in Petersburg city
Total Enrollment
4,272
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Petersburg city
Petersburg City Public Schools
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
PETERSBURG REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE
9 Public Schools in Petersburg city
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETERSBURG HIGH | Petersburg City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,080 |
| VERNON JOHNS MIDDLE | Petersburg City Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 921 |
| Pleasants Lane Elementary | Petersburg City Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 540 |
| Cool Spring Elementary | Petersburg City Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 530 |
| Walnut Hill Elementary | Petersburg City Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 515 |
| Lakemont Elementary | Petersburg City Public Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 349 |
| Westview Early Childhood Education Center | Petersburg City Public Schools | PK | Other | 337 |
| Appomattox Regional Governor's School | Appomattox Regional Governor's School | — | Other | — |
| PETERSBURG REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE | PETERSBURG REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE | — | Alternative | — |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,869
State avg $7,941
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Petersburg city rate?
What is the graduation rate in Petersburg city?
How much does Petersburg city spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Petersburg city, Virginia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Petersburg city, Virginia?
Petersburg city manages an education system comprising 9 total public schools, including 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. Across 3 school districts, the county serves a total enrollment of 4,272 students. The infrastructure includes specialized facilities like the Petersburg Regional Alternative school to support diverse student needs.
How do schools in Petersburg city perform academically?
The city's 81% graduation rate currently trails both the Virginia state average of 89% and the national benchmark of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,869 is nearly on par with the state average, it remains significantly below the national average of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 50.7, just above the national median.
What are the major school districts in Petersburg city, Virginia?
Petersburg City Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 7 schools and the entire student population of 4,272. No charter schools currently operate in the city, making traditional public education the primary path for local families. The district also collaborates with regional programs like the Appomattox Regional Governor's School.
What is the school experience like in Petersburg city?
The educational environment is primarily suburban, with 7 schools in suburban locales and 2 in rural areas. Schools maintain an average size of 610 students, ranging from the large Petersburg High with 1,080 students to smaller primary schools like Walnut Hill Elementary. This mix provides a balance between larger secondary environments and more intimate elementary settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Petersburg city, Virginia?
As you research local neighborhoods, consider how proximity to campuses like Cool Spring Elementary can impact your daily routine. Exploring homes in Petersburg allows families to find a community focused on raising academic standards and student engagement. School quality remains a vital consideration for long-term property value in this historic city.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.