For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,523 students in Southampton County, VA (there are , serving 377 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Southampton County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA are Southampton High School, Capron Elementary School and Nottoway Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Southampton County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Southampton County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Southampton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southampton High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
23350 Southampton Pkwy
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-2751
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-2751
Gr: 9-12 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Capron Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18414 Southampton Pky
Capron, VA 23829
(434) 658-4348
Capron, VA 23829
(434) 658-4348
Gr: PK-5 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #33.
Nottoway Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13093 Ivor Rd.
Sedley, VA 23878
(757) 859-6539
Sedley, VA 23878
(757) 859-6539
Gr: PK-5 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Meherrin Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
28600 Grays Shop Rd.
Newsoms, VA 23874
(757) 654-6461
Newsoms, VA 23874
(757) 654-6461
Gr: PK-5 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #55.
Riverdale Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
31023 Camp Parkway
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 562-3007
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 562-3007
Gr: PK-5 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Southampton Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
23450 Southampton Pkwy
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-9250
Courtland, VA 23837
(757) 653-9250
Gr: 6-8 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Southampton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Deerfield Cor Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
21360 Deerfield Dr
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4368
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4368
Divers Center For Womensouthamp (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14516 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Correctional Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14545 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Intensive Treat Ct (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
14380 Terrapin Dr
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4174
Southampton Recep. & Classif. (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
15172 Old Belfield Rd
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4171
Capron, VA 23829
(804) 658-4171
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in Southampton County, VA include Southampton High School, Capron Elementary School and Nottoway Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Southampton County?
6 public schools are located in Southampton County.
What percentage of students in Southampton County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Southampton County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Southampton County?
Southampton County public schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Southampton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Southampton County include: Nottoway Elementary School vs. Meherrin Elementary School, Meherrin Elementary School vs. Nottoway Elementary School, Riverdale Elementary School vs. Meherrin Elementary School
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.