Virginia ranks No. 6 in the Top 10 Most Educated States in the U.S. (Forbes Magazine, 2018), so it follows that the Lynchburg Region’s educational system will be exceptional. Public school districts are ranked among the top 100 in Virginia by Niche.com—Lynchburg 30, Bedford 54, Amherst 76, Campbell 82, Appomattox 100 —and local colleges and universities consistently receive national recognition.

The Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology focuses on infusing technology into the math and science curriculum for high school juniors and seniors selected from each of the Lynchburg area high schools. One of 18 Governor’s Schools in Virginia, the school is located in Heritage High School in Lynchburg.

The Lynchburg Governor’s Regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy, located at Central Virginia Community College, provides 11th and 12th grade students with 21st-century, STEM-enriched technological skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in postsecondary education and in the workplace.

Lynchburg City School’s GO Center offers a differentiated, expanded curriculum and instruction for gifted students.

The Dunbar Middle School for Innovation offers academic programs that include world languages, emphasis on the role of visual, performing and technical arts, plus math, science and technology. A communications center features a television production studio and four networked computer labs. In addition, Earth Zone exposes students to science with hands-on experiences at a marine biology center, herpetology center, physical science, and laserium center.

New Vistas School serves students with learning disabilities including dyslexia, AD/HD and high functioning autism spectrum disorder.

Technical and vocational schools in the Region offer specialized training to high school students.

A strong home school network allows students to participate in sports leagues, the arts, and other activities.

The Region’s five colleges and universities offer a wide range of liberal arts and professional programs

Faith-based and non-sectarian private schools offer robust academic programs with a full range of athletic programs and extracurricular activities. More than 3,500 students in the Region attend private schools.

Grow Your Own Teachers
Lynchburg College’s Grow Your Own Teachers initiative is aimed at preparing teachers who wish to teach in their home communities. Students admitted to the program will complete two years of coursework at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), while also taking selected classes at Lynchburg College. Upon graduation from CVCC, the remaining two years of coursework will be completed at Lynchburg College. Students enrolled in the Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, and Lynchburg City school divisions are eligible to apply. Students pay CVCC tuition for two years and then benefit from a financial aid package during their final two years at Lynchburg College. Field work and student teaching are completed in the student’s home school division. After graduation, students in the program will work with their home school divisions for job placement.