Serving 533 students in grades 6-8, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 533 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 52% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation's student population of 533 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
533 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1248 out of 1792 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)37%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)66%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)52%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
12%
19%
Black
49%
22%
White
31%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is ranked #1248 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovationis often viewed alongside schools like Linkhorne Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation?
533 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation students are Black, 31% of students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is part of Lynchburg City School District.
In what neighborhood is Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation located?
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation is located in the Diamond Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg, VA. There are 1 other public schools located in Diamond Hill.
School Reviews
Review Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle For Innovation. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
