For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 858 students in Dayton, VA (there are , serving 130 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Dayton, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA are Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dayton, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Dayton have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dayton, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
375 Bowman Road
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2535
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2535
Gr: 6-8 | 669 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Ottobine Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8646 Waggys Creek Rd
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2091
Dayton, VA 22821
(540) 879-2091
Gr: PK-5 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Dayton, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Dayton, VA include Wilbur S. Pence Middle School and Ottobine Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dayton?
2 public schools are located in Dayton.
What percentage of students in Dayton go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Dayton are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dayton?
Dayton public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.
Restorative Justice in Schools: What the Data Shows
Explore restorative justice in schools, including discipline data, outcomes, and implementation insights for educators and families.
Year-Round School Calendars: Pros, Cons, Research
Explore year-round school calendars, including benefits, drawbacks, and what academic research says about student outcomes.
