How Many Elementary Schools Are in Rockingham County VA? Find Out Here

Hunting for primary schools in Rockingham County, VA, can feel confusing if you aren't sure where to start. Turns out, there are 16 public elementary schools in Rockingham County—not including private or specialty schools. You'll find them spread out pretty evenly from Broadway down to Grottoes, so almost every major neighborhood has one within a quick drive.

The school district keeps the numbers updated on their website, but in the 2024-2025 school year, nothing major has changed. Schools like John C. Myers Elementary and Peak View Elementary are among the most recognized, but each school has its own vibe and community feel. If you're wondering about boundaries or bus routes, the district maps online take out a ton of guesswork—seriously, it's like Google Maps but just for schools.

• Elementary Schools By the Numbers
• Where Are the Schools Located?
• Important Tips for Local Families
• What Makes Rockingham County Schools Different?

Elementary Schools By the Numbers

Wondering exactly how many elementary schools you’ll find in Rockingham County, VA? For the 2024-2025 school year, there are 16 elementary schools run by the Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) district. This doesn't count private, charter, or specialty options—it’s just the main public schools families talk about when they search for "elementary schools near me."

The cool part: each school usually serves a mix of both town and rural families, so class sizes are comfortable without being overcrowded. Most schools range from 350 to 600 students, which means teachers actually know your kid by name (not just a number on a list). If you're moving or thinking about switching schools, here’s a quick look at the main schools and student counts based off the latest district data:

The school board tries to balance attendance so that nobody ends up in an overcrowded building. You can double-check zone info by plugging your address into the district's online tool. Keep this chart handy if you want a quick side-by-side look at school size and location—they affect bus rides, morning routines, and even after-school programs.

Where Are the Schools Located?

If you're trying to map out where all the elementary schools are in Rockingham County, VA, it helps to break them down by area. The public schools stretch from the northern tip near Broadway to the far southern spots like Grottoes. Most of these schools are positioned close to the small towns and main roads, so you’re rarely more than 15–20 minutes away from one, no matter where you live in the county.

Here’s a quick look at where some of the schools sit:

• John C. Myers Elementary sits right in Broadway, covering the northwest corner.
• Plains Elementary is also in Broadway, handy for folks north of Harrisonburg.
• Peak View Elementary is just east of Harrisonburg, super convenient for families around Penn Laird and Massanetta Springs.
• South River Elementary serves the town of Grottoes at the southern end.
• Lacey Spring Elementary covers the area north of Harrisonburg along Route 11.
• Fulks Run Elementary is set west of Broadway, near the West Virginia line.
• Other schools like Pleasant Valley, Ottobine, and Cub Run are sprinkled through smaller communities, keeping things spread out and easy to access.

The map below gives you a sense of the spread (2024 data):

One recent report summed it up:

"Rockingham County's elementary schools are intentionally spread across the region, making education highly accessible to all families." — Rockingham County Public Schools Info Center, 2024

When looking for the best elementary schools near your address, start with the online attendance boundary map on the district site. You pop in your street, and it shows you the assigned school in seconds. Way easier than making a dozen phone calls.

Important Tips for Local Families

If you’re living in Rockingham County or thinking about moving here, you’ll want to have your school facts straight. Here’s what local families should actually know before the first school bell rings.

• District boundaries really matter here. Each address gets a specific school assignment based on the district’s map, so be sure to enter your home address on the Rockingham County Public Schools website’s “Find My School” tool. Don’t just assume your neighbor’s school is yours, too—it can change from street to street.
• Registration is mostly done online these days. For a new kindergartener, you’ll need birth certificates, immunization records, and proof of residency (like a utility bill). If you have everything ready before March, you’ll avoid the spring rush. Late registration sometimes means longer wait times for bus info or class assignments.
• Each elementary school offers before- and after-school care, but spots can fill up fast, especially in busy schools like Mountain View. If you need it, contact the main office or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham—which partners with several schools—right after you enroll.
• The lunch menus are posted monthly and lots of schools follow a farm-to-school model, with fresh local produce popping up on the menu. If your child has allergies, definitely talk with the school nurse—they keep clear records and are used to working with families on meal plans.

Rockingham County has one of the highest rates of parent involvement in Virginia. Families are encouraged to join school events, volunteer, or just keep in regular touch with teachers through apps like ClassDojo or Remind. Staying plugged in can really help your child thrive at their elementary school and make those early years a little easier for everyone.

What Makes Rockingham County Schools Different?

Here's the thing: Rockingham County’s elementary schools have a reputation for their close-knit feel and strong ties with the community. You’re not just sending your kid to any old school—there’s a noticeable focus on keeping families involved, from volunteering to regular school-wide events that everyone's invited to.

Let’s talk numbers for a second because data actually backs up what people say. According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 report, Rockingham elementary schools generally have smaller class sizes than most spots in northern Virginia. The average student-to-teacher ratio here sits around 15:1, which means your child is less likely to get lost in the shuffle. Here’s a quick look at some recent stats:

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword around here either. The county has seen a steady rise in multicultural students, and many schools have started language support and cultural events so everyone feels included. For instance, several elementary schools run dual-language classrooms or buddy programs pairing new arrivals with local kids. That sense of belonging isn't accidental—it's built into how things work.

If your family is big on outdoor time, you’ll love that most of the elementary schools have giant playgrounds, school gardens, and partner with area farms for field trips. STEM isn’t just a sideline either. Schools like Cub Run Elementary have hands-on robotics clubs and coding events, even for early grades. That’s not as common as you’d think in nearby counties.

One more thing that often surprises newcomers: even with 16 public elementary schools, the district tries to give each one a bit of autonomy. Principals and teachers actually have a say in shaping programs based on what their students and families want. This is why you’ll see different after-school clubs, school traditions, and even how they celebrate things like Read Across America Day.

• Family resource centers: Almost every school has one for quick help with school supplies or food.
• Community partnerships: Local businesses and colleges team up for learning fairs and book giveaways.
• Accessible special education: Dedicated staff and adaptive programs at every location.

It’s not perfect—there are old buildings, and rural areas still need better bus routes. But for personal attention, a community-first attitude, and innovative options for every kind of learner, Rockingham’s elementary schools stand out in more ways than one.