#1Lexington
Lexington city · 7,769 peopleSchools grade, graded within the state·Overall A+ · #1 of 249 in VA
Lexington, #1 on this list · Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0Virginia rankings · Schools
Towns with the best schools in Virginia
Lexington ranks first on schools among Virginia’s 250 towns of 2,500+; 62 of the 250 grade A− or better (schools are graded within each state).
The Schools grade: state test results and graduation rates of the districts serving each town, compared with the state’s other districts (U.S. Department of Education). How grades work
#1A+
#2Falls Church
Falls Church city · 15,159 peopleSchools grade, graded within the state·Overall A · #48 of 249 in VA
Bethel Manor
unincorporated, York County · 4,393 peopleSchools grade, graded within the state·Overall B− · #175 of 249 in VA
All 250 towns
Schools grade, best first (graded within Virginia). Towns with the same score share a rank (T = tied; 196 towns here); the overall grade and state rank are beside each.
250 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.
#TownGradeOverall
3Bethel Manorunincorporated, York County · 4,393 peopleA+graded within the state·Overall B− · #175 of 249
T4Mechanicsvilleunincorporated, Hanover County · 38,683 peopleA+graded within the state·Overall A · #61 of 249
T10Blue Ridgeunincorporated, Botetourt County · 2,800 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A− · #96 of 249
T10Cloverdaleunincorporated, Botetourt County · 3,208 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #74 of 249
T10Dalevilleunincorporated, Botetourt County · 3,797 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A− · #104 of 249
T13Cave Springunincorporated, Roanoke County · 25,742 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #70 of 249
T13Hollinsunincorporated, Botetourt County · 17,097 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #131 of 249
17Virginia BeachVirginia Beach city · 453,737 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #130 of 249
T19Arcolaunincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,509 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #14 of 249
T19Ashburnunincorporated, Loudoun County · 46,026 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #13 of 249
T19Belmontunincorporated, Loudoun County · 9,729 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #26 of 249
T19Brambletonunincorporated, Loudoun County · 24,537 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #8 of 249
T19Broadlandsunincorporated, Loudoun County · 14,353 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #34 of 249
T19Cascadesunincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,357 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #30 of 249
T19Countrysideunincorporated, Loudoun County · 9,661 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #67 of 249
T19Dulles Town Centerunincorporated, Loudoun County · 5,464 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #69 of 249
T19Lansdowneunincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,328 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #24 of 249
T19Loudoun Valley Estatesunincorporated, Loudoun County · 10,271 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #10 of 249
T19Lowes Islandunincorporated, Loudoun County · 11,018 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #22 of 249
T19Moorefieldunincorporated, Loudoun County · 6,123 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #3 of 249
T19One Loudoununincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,309 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #12 of 249
T19South Ridingunincorporated, Loudoun County · 34,352 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #23 of 249
T19Sterlingunincorporated, Loudoun County · 32,411 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #82 of 249
T19Stone Ridgeunincorporated, Loudoun County · 16,603 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A+ · #9 of 249
T19Sugarland Rununincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,629 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #38 of 249
T19University Centerunincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,923 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #63 of 249
T41Crozetunincorporated, Albemarle County · 9,289 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A− · #102 of 249
T41Hollymeadunincorporated, Albemarle County · 8,482 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A− · #93 of 249
T41Pantopsunincorporated, Albemarle County · 4,665 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A · #44 of 249
T41University of Virginia College campusunincorporated, Albemarle County · 9,065 peopleAgraded within the state·Overall A
47Lake Monticellounincorporated, Fluvanna County · 10,662 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall A · #51 of 249
T48North Shoreunincorporated, Franklin County · 3,638 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall C+ · #185 of 249
T50Carrolltonunincorporated, Isle of Wight County · 8,436 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall B− · #170 of 249
T53Merrimacunincorporated, Montgomery County · 2,733 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall A− · #107 of 249
56ArlingtonArlington County (county government) · 236,254 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall A · #43 of 249
62Mount Hermonunincorporated, Pittsylvania County · 4,155 peopleA−graded within the state·Overall C+ · #194 of 249
T64Annandaleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 41,705 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #120 of 249
T64Bailey's Crossroadsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 24,271 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #136 of 249
T64Belle Havenunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,570 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #25 of 249
T64Braddockunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,536 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #79 of 249
T64Bull Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,823 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #123 of 249
T64Burkeunincorporated, Fairfax County · 44,029 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #58 of 249
T64Burke Centreunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,037 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #59 of 249
T64Centrevilleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 71,706 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #85 of 249
T64Chantillyunincorporated, Fairfax County · 24,036 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #77 of 249
T64Crosspointeunincorporated, Fairfax County · 5,669 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #56 of 249
T64Difficult Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,938 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #46 of 249
T64Dranesvilleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 11,828 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #54 of 249
T64Dunn Loringunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,957 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #29 of 249
T64Fair Lakesunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,894 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #62 of 249
T64Fair Oaksunincorporated, Fairfax County · 35,545 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #60 of 249
T64Fairfax Stationunincorporated, Fairfax County · 12,566 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #72 of 249
T64Florisunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,589 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #53 of 249
T64Fort Belvoirunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,449 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #86 of 249
T64Fort Huntunincorporated, Fairfax County · 16,700 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #80 of 249
T64Franconiaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,335 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #5 of 249
T64Franklin Farmunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,736 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #16 of 249
T64George Mason College campusunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,937 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A−
T64Great Fallsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 15,228 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #66 of 249
T64Greenbriarunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,243 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #32 of 249
T64Grovetonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,931 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #133 of 249
T64Hayfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,392 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #15 of 249
T64Huntingtonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,502 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #75 of 249
T64Hutchisonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,284 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #124 of 249
T64Hybla Valleyunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,257 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B · #163 of 249
T64Idylwoodunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,559 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #41 of 249
T64Kings Parkunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,315 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #6 of 249
T64Kings Park Westunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,442 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #33 of 249
T64Kingstowneunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,360 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #40 of 249
T64Lake Barcroftunincorporated, Fairfax County · 10,973 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #81 of 249
T64Laurel Hillunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,450 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #65 of 249
T64Lincolniaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,320 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #78 of 249
T64Long Branchunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,034 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #4 of 249
T64Lortonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,991 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #116 of 249
T64Mantuaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,298 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #11 of 249
T64McLeanunincorporated, Fairfax County · 49,627 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #47 of 249
T64McNairunincorporated, Fairfax County · 22,655 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #31 of 249
T64Merrifieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,698 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #36 of 249
T64Mount Vernonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,122 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #64 of 249
T64Newingtonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,478 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #21 of 249
T64Newington Forestunincorporated, Fairfax County · 12,316 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #19 of 249
T64North Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,050 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #91 of 249
T64Oaktonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 36,528 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #18 of 249
T64Pimmit Hillsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,589 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #28 of 249
T64Restonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 64,414 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #35 of 249
T64Rose Hillunincorporated, Fairfax County · 21,066 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #20 of 249
T64Seven Cornersunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,371 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #89 of 249
T64South Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,600 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #76 of 249
T64Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 31,154 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #115 of 249
T64Tysonsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 28,936 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #55 of 249
T64Union Millunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,484 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #50 of 249
T64Wakefieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 11,930 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #37 of 249
T64West Falls Churchunincorporated, Fairfax County · 31,279 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #84 of 249
T64West Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 22,532 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A+ · #17 of 249
T64Wolf Trapunincorporated, Fairfax County · 15,858 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #52 of 249
T64Woodburnunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,503 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #87 of 249
T64Woodlawnunincorporated, Fairfax County · 21,194 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #114 of 249
T129Bealetonunincorporated, Fauquier County · 5,034 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #135 of 249
T129Marshallunincorporated, Fauquier County · 3,219 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #137 of 249
T129New Baltimoreunincorporated, Fauquier County · 11,919 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #68 of 249
T133Fishersvilleunincorporated, Augusta County · 9,484 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall C · #202 of 249
T133Stuarts Draftunincorporated, Augusta County · 11,780 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B− · #171 of 249
T133Veronaunincorporated, Augusta County · 4,165 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #57 of 249
T133Weyers Caveunincorporated, Augusta County · 2,744 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #90 of 249
T137Timberlakeunincorporated, Campbell County · 12,725 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A · #73 of 249
T142Gloucester Courthouseunincorporated, Gloucester County · 3,336 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall A− · #100 of 249
T142Gloucester Pointunincorporated, Gloucester County · 11,109 peopleB+graded within the state·Overall B · #158 of 249
T144Dahlgrenunincorporated, King George County · 3,350 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #118 of 249
T144King Georgeunincorporated, King George County · 4,851 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #127 of 249
T146Aquia Harbourunincorporated, Stafford County · 7,481 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #99 of 249
T146Falmouthunincorporated, Stafford County · 5,216 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A · #71 of 249
T152Buckhallunincorporated, Prince William County · 21,602 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #105 of 249
T152Bull Rununincorporated, Prince William County · 16,859 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #153 of 249
T152Cherry Hillunincorporated, Prince William County · 26,044 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #125 of 249
T152County Centerunincorporated, Prince William County · 3,789 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #113 of 249
T152Dale Cityunincorporated, Prince William County · 71,016 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #117 of 249
T152Gainesvilleunincorporated, Prince William County · 18,196 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #109 of 249
T152Independent Hillunincorporated, Prince William County · 10,853 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #98 of 249
T152Lake Ridgeunincorporated, Prince William County · 46,049 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #83 of 249
T152Leesylvaniaunincorporated, Prince William County · 21,632 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #106 of 249
T152Linton Hallunincorporated, Prince William County · 41,876 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #94 of 249
T152Loch Lomondunincorporated, Prince William County · 4,606 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B− · #168 of 249
T152Montclairunincorporated, Prince William County · 22,387 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #101 of 249
T152Potomac Millsunincorporated, Prince William County · 5,741 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #157 of 249
T152Sudleyunincorporated, Prince William County · 19,162 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B− · #173 of 249
T152Triangleunincorporated, Prince William County · 10,450 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #161 of 249
T152Woodbridgeunincorporated, Prince William County · 43,945 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #155 of 249
T152Yorkshireunincorporated, Prince William County · 9,782 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #146 of 249
170Shawneelandunincorporated, Frederick County · 2,754 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #160 of 249
T171Bellwoodunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 7,907 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall C+ · #197 of 249
T171Bensleyunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 5,949 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall C · #207 of 249
T171Bon Airunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 16,904 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #121 of 249
T171Brandermillunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 13,730 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #150 of 249
T171Chesterunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 24,474 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #148 of 249
T171Enonunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 4,137 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #154 of 249
T171Ettrickunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 5,910 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #95 of 249
T171Manchesterunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 12,445 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall C+ · #193 of 249
T171Matoacaunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 2,724 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall C− · #212 of 249
T171Meadowbrookunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 20,749 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall C · #210 of 249
T171Midlothianunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 19,120 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B · #143 of 249
T171Rockwoodunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 10,010 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B+ · #141 of 249
T171Woodlakeunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 7,358 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall A− · #97 of 249
184Madison Heightsunincorporated, Amherst County · 10,266 peopleBgraded within the state·Overall B− · #166 of 249
T188Massanetta Springsunincorporated, Rockingham County · 6,358 peopleB−graded within the state·Overall B+ · #139 of 249
T194Lake of the Woodsunincorporated, Orange County · 7,984 peopleB−graded within the state·Overall B+ · #142 of 249
T196Lake Wildernessunincorporated, Spotsylvania County · 3,139 peopleB−graded within the state·Overall A− · #92 of 249
T196Spotsylvania Courthouseunincorporated, Spotsylvania County · 7,180 peopleB−graded within the state·Overall C+ · #195 of 249
T198Colonial HeightsColonial Heights city · 18,738 peopleB−graded within the state·Overall C+ · #186 of 249
T201Shenandoah Farmsunincorporated, Clarke County · 4,179 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall C− · #218 of 249
T203Chamberlayneunincorporated, Henrico County · 4,692 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B · #147 of 249
T203Dumbartonunincorporated, Henrico County · 7,997 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B− · #174 of 249
T203East Highland Parkunincorporated, Henrico County · 15,265 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall C+ · #192 of 249
T203Glen Allenunincorporated, Henrico County · 17,551 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B · #156 of 249
T203Highland Springsunincorporated, Henrico County · 14,296 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall C · #204 of 249
T203Innsbrookunincorporated, Henrico County · 8,578 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall A− · #111 of 249
T203Lakesideunincorporated, Henrico County · 12,654 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B · #165 of 249
T203Laurelunincorporated, Henrico County · 18,721 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B− · #176 of 249
T203Montroseunincorporated, Henrico County · 8,285 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall C · #203 of 249
T203Sandstonunincorporated, Henrico County · 7,399 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall C+ · #191 of 249
T203Short Pumpunincorporated, Henrico County · 29,026 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #119 of 249
T203Tuckahoeunincorporated, Henrico County · 49,183 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B · #152 of 249
T203Wyndhamunincorporated, Henrico County · 12,099 peopleC+graded within the state·Overall B+ · #140 of 249
T221Lake Carolineunincorporated, Caroline County · 2,862 peopleCgraded within the state·Overall D · #224 of 249
T221Lake Land'Orunincorporated, Caroline County · 4,390 peopleCgraded within the state·Overall C+ · #199 of 249
224CharlottesvilleCharlottesville city · 44,388 peopleCgraded within the state·Overall C · #208 of 249
T228Forestunincorporated, Bedford County · 13,430 peopleCgraded within the state·Overall B− · #180 of 249
231Collinsvilleunincorporated, Henry County · 7,139 peopleC−graded within the state·Overall D · #234 of 249
232Colonial BeachWestmoreland County · 4,151 peopleC−graded within the state·Overall D · #232 of 249
236Manassas ParkManassas Park city · 16,560 peopleC−graded within the state·Overall C+ · #189 of 249
247FredericksburgFredericksburg city · 30,393 peopleD−graded within the state·Overall C− · #219 of 249
Not ranked
3 towns without a schools grade
Towns of 2,500+ that don’t have the figures this grade needs. Each town’s page says which ones are missing.
- Emporia Emporia city · 5,447 people
- Fairfax Fairfax city · 26,772 people
- Quantico Base Prince William County · 5,840 people
Quick answers
Questions people ask
Which Virginia town has the best schools?
Lexington (Lexington city) ranks first on schools among 250 towns, with an A+; Falls Church and Bethel Manor follow. Schools are compared within Virginia, so the letter is a state grade.
How are these towns ranked?
The Schools grade: state test results and graduation rates of the districts serving each town, compared with the state’s other districts (U.S. Department of Education). Towns are sorted on the grade’s score; the letter and rank are the same as on each town’s page. How grades work.
Why isn’t my town on this list?
The list covers towns of 2,500+ residents with a schools grade (250 in Virginia). 3 towns of 2,500+ lack the figures and are listed above. Smaller towns have the grade on their page but no rank. Every town is on the Virginia page.
Go deeper
All Virginia rankings →More Virginia lists
Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.
Best places to live249 towns · #1 LexingtonBest small towns123 towns · #1 LexingtonMost affordable towns253 towns · #1 PearisburgSafest towns84 towns · #1 BroadwayHealthiest towns253 towns · #1 TysonsBest towns for jobs & income253 towns · #1 BraddockMost walkable towns253 towns · #1 LexingtonTowns with the lowest natural-hazard risk253 towns · #1 MerrimacBest towns for the outdoors253 towns · #1 Laurel HillMost historic towns253 towns · #1 RichmondTowns with the most civic life88 towns · #1 West PointTowns with the least snow253 towns · #1 EmporiaDescribed, no lettersSnowiest towns253 towns · #1 NortonDescribed, no lettersTowns with the mildest winters225 towns · #1 NorfolkDescribed, no lettersTowns with the hottest summers225 towns · #1 Colonial HeightsDescribed, no lettersTowns with the coolest summers225 towns · #1 WiseDescribed, no lettersTowns with the highest incomes253 towns · #1 Crosspointe and 6 moreDescribed, no lettersTowns with the lowest property taxes240 towns · #1 CovingtonDescribed, no lettersFastest-growing towns87 towns · #1 DumfriesDescribed, no lettersTowns with the most-used libraries24 towns · #1 BristolDescribed, no letters
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