For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,809 students in 23803, VA (there are 3 private schools, serving 217 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 23803, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 23803, VA are Matoaca Elementary School, Ettrick Elementary School and Matoaca Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 23803 have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 23803, VA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 23803, VA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Matoaca Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6627 River Rd
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3100
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 636 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Ettrick Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
20910 Chesterfield Ave.
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 520-6005
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 520-6005
Gr: PK-5 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Matoaca Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
6001 Hickory Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3130
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 590-3130
Gr: 6-8 | 806 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Cool Spring Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1450 Talley Avenue
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7002
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7002
Gr: K-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Pleasants Lane Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 Pleasants Lane
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7013
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7013
Gr: K-5 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Lakemont Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
51 Gibbons St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7007
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7007
Gr: K-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: n/an/a
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
Magnet School
512 W Washington St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 722-0200
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 722-0200
Rank: n/an/a
Central St. Hosp. Ed. Pr.
Special Education School
West Washington St Extended, B
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7676
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7676
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
1100 Patterson Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7010
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7010
Gr: PK | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
23803, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1450 Talley Ave
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7016
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7016
Gr: K-5 | 218 students
Blandford Program For Mathematics And Humanities (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
816 E Bank St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7078
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7078
725 Wesley St
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7075
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-7075
Gr: 6-8 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Southside Va Training Center (Closed 2025)
Special Education School
Bldg 120, Warehouse West Wash
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7340
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 524-7340
Gr: PK-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 23803, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in 23803, VA include Matoaca Elementary School, Ettrick Elementary School and Matoaca Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 23803?
10 public schools are located in 23803.
What percentage of students in 23803 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 23803 are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 23803?
23803 public schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.
