Just Moved to Virginia Beach? Here are the Best Public Schools

Just Moved to Virginia Beach? Here are the Best Public Schools

Virginia Beach is a great choice for families with children, as the city boasts some of the top-ranked public high schools in the country (with an average public high school ranking of 9 out of 10). A bonus, all Virginia Beach homes have a less-than 30-minute drive to the beach! Not to mention, it’s an affordable place to live on the East Coast—the median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200*, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Virginia Beach is more than just a popular coastal travel destination; it’s also a safe, economically stable, and family-friendly city. The Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation department is an amazing resource for families in the area. Broken down to provide youth sports and programs throughout 14 communities in the city, you’ll find farm leagues for children under 10 and leagues for kids ages 10-18 covering everything from basketball and football to softball and volleyball. Swimming classes and other programs are also available. And Virginia Beach’s YMCA is another great resource that provides athletics, classes, and programs along with daycare and camps for families. This large beach city is much more than just oceanfront hotels and a boardwalk.

Virginia Beach maintains a suburban feel while still offering the excitement of a vacation resort area and the amenities of a city. Another thing to feel good about raising a family in Virginia Beach is the schools. With 87 public schools and 37 private, you have plenty of options for where your kids will get their education. Kemps Landing Magnet, Red Mill Elementary, Trantwood Elementary, and Old Donation Center are all top-rated schools in the city. Also, many Virginia Beach high schools feature academies that focus on specific areas of study, which provides a unique opportunity for students to live in one school district but apply to attend an academy in a different district than where they live. These are some of the top-rated public schools in Virginia Beach.

 

The Best Public Elementary Schools in Virginia Beach

Strawbridge Elementary School

Strawbridge Elementary is a public school located in Virginia Beach, VA, which is in a large city setting. The student population of Strawbridge Elementary is 563 and the school serves PK-5. The student population is made up of 48% female students and 52% male students. There are 35 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor. The school’s minority student enrollment is 29% and the student-teacher ratio is 16:1, which is worse than that of the district. At Strawbridge, the aim is to create a community of responsible, respectful and ready students, who are passionate about learning and making a meaningful global connections. They prepare every student to succeed and are committed to working with students to ensure that they learn and grow in a supported and enriching environment. As an elementary school student, your child will undergo many changes during their years at the school. There will be new friends, new teachers, new knowledge, and a variety of opportunities. At Strawbridge elementary, the students are at the heart of every decision and everything is geared toward ensuring their experiences here help them to develop in a caring, supportive environment with great teachers and staff at the center of the school.

Practical Information

Address: 2553 Strawbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Call: +1 757-648-3800

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-16:1 | Math Proficency-96% | Reading Proficency-91%

Old Donation School

Old Donation School is a magnet school located in Virginia Beach with a student population of 1,327 made up of 48% female students and 52% male students. Minority student enrollment is 40% while the student-teacher ratio is 17:1, which is way above that recommended by the district. There are 79 equivalent full-time teachers and 3 full-time school counselors. Old Donation School (ODS) is a centralized, full-time, gifted school serving identified students in grades two through eight.

Admission is application based and requires that students meet the criteria for gifted identification in VBCPS. The ODS curriculum expands and extends the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) curriculum specifically to meet the needs of the gifted learner. The specialized curriculum is designed using methods and resources for developing the abilities of gifted learners. The school’s mission is to provide a quality education through shared responsibility in a safe supportive environment for all students to meet the challenges of a global society. The faculty is “Committed to Excellence;” by working hard to make the site a primary source of timely information for all users and the main gateway for improved communication between parents, teachers, students and other members of the community. At Old Donation School, students who may be experiencing difficulties in their coursework are provided opportunities to develop strategies to be successful.

Practical Information

Address: 4633 Honeygrove Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Call: +1 757-648-3240

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-17:1 | Math Proficency-100% | Reading Proficency-100%

Holland Elementary School

Holland Elementary is a public school with a  student population of 537. The student population is made up of 50% female students and 50% male students. There are 38 full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor. From pre-k through 3rd grade the teachers are amazing and competent. Don’t let Holland being a Title 1 school, scare you away as there are many benefits they receive with that, and utilize all of them for the benefit of the students. Furthermore, there are lots of family nights (reading nights, math nights, stem nights a ton of family activities). Parental involvement is encouraged in Holland, they have many opportunities throughout the year for families to be involved with the school unfortunately parents don’t take these opportunities. From an educational standpoint, it’s a wonderful place for children to attend.

Practical Information

Address: 3340 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Call: +1 757-648-2640

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-14:1 | Math Proficency-96% | Reading Proficency-86%

Kingston Elementary School

The Staff and Community of Kingston Elementary School are committed to ensuring all students develop leadership, kindness, empathy, self-worth and citizenship skills, to be future-ready. Their Vision: “Believe in our students, lead our students, and love our students”. Kingston Elementary School is a fully accredited school and a leader in integrating technology and best instructional practices. At Kingston, they want every student to succeed and are committed to working with students to ensure that they learn and grow in a supported and enriching environment. Here your children will gain new friends, new teachers, new knowledge and opportunities. The great teachers of Kingston students are at the heart of every decision with the ever-present vision to aspire them to be the best they can be.

Amazing things to do in Virginia Beach

Practical Information

Address: 3532 Kings Grant Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Call: +1 757-648-2840

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-13:1 | Math Proficency-95% | Reading Proficency-98%

North Landing Elementary School

North Landing Elementary was the 39th elementary school in Virginia Beach and the last school built under the School Board Referendum of Feb. 8, 1972. It is a public school with a student population of 442 and the school serves PK-5. The student population is made up of 47% female students and 53% male students. There are 28 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor. The school’s minority student enrollment is 33%. At North Landing Elementary, 98% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 96% scored at or above that level for reading. The teachers at North Landing are wonderful and take the time to get to know the students and their strengths and weaknesses. The faculty and administration are outstanding! The Principal and Assistant Principal are approachable and want only what is best for all of the students! The school is CONSISTENTLY in the top 10 of all Virginia Beach Schools with SOL testing scores and has twice won the Governor’s Award as a Top School in Virginia.

Practical Information

Address: 2929 N Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Call: +1 757-648-3160

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-16:1 | Math Proficency-98% | Reading Proficency-96%

 

The Best Middle Schools in Virginia Beach

Great Neck Middle School

In 2012 the school completed the over $35 million dollar project that consisted of a three-story building employing sustainable materials, the newest technologies, and an aesthetically appealing structural design. This was a substantial upgrade from the original 50-year-old building, the new school features an assortment of additions – from visual improvements, such as updated color schemes, natural woods and fabrics, to up-to-date technology like touch screen monitors and Smartboards in each room. L.E.E.D. certified, the newly constructed building also takes a much greener approach. Using a method called “daylighting”, windows and reflective surfaces are able to successfully provide natural and energy-efficient internal lighting. Additionally, solar water boilers, biogardens, and rainwater harvesting irrigation systems have all been utilized for scientific and environmental benefits. The administration under the leadership of the principal and faculty cares about the student body. If you’re in the Great Neck School District count yourself fortunate. It is the strongest Middle outside of the gifted academy.

Practical Information

Address: 1848 N Great Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Call: +1 757-648-4550

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-16:1 | Math Proficency-94% | Reading Proficency-92%

Plaza Middle School

Plaza Middle School is an IB World School focused on developing lifelong learners who are knowledgeable, respectful, and understanding of intercultural differences in a caring, challenging, and inquiry-based environment. During their time at the school students work alongside caring and capable teachers, staff and administrators while tackling a rigorous instructional program. The faculty has set high expectations for the Trojans and guide them to excel in their academics, leadership and service to others. Plaza Middle offers many exciting academic and extracurricular opportunities for our students. We encourage students and families to take advantage of all the programs and events at Plaza in order to make the most of the middle school experience. Plaza Middle is a public school and the student population is 1,029 and the school serves 6-8. The student population is made up of 52% female students and 48% male students. There are 76 equivalent full-time teachers and 3 full-time school counselors.

Click here for a guide on where to get the best milkshakes in Virginia Beach.

Practical Information

Address: 3080 S Lynnhaven Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Call: +1 757-648-4900

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-14:1 | Math Proficency-86% | Reading Proficency-85%

Independence Middle School

Independence Middle opened its doors to students in September 1974 as a junior high, serving students in grades 6-8. This was the year that Virginia Beach City Public Schools achieved the long-sought-after goal of removing eighth and ninth-grade students from the high schools. Their mission statement is to ensure that each student reaches his or her greatest potential. They have a long history of excellence in academics and activities that continues at the Eagles’ Nest! They also have approximately 140 faculty and staff members who are the Best at the Beach! The Comprehensive public middle school serves 1200 students from a diverse demographic area of VA Beach. Their students matriculate to Princess Anne HS, Bayside HS and other VB schools if accepted into HS Academy programs.

Practical Information

Address: 1370 Dunstan Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Call: +1 757-648-4600

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-16:1 | Math Proficency-86% | Reading Proficency-84%

Corporate Landing Middle School

 

Corporate Landing Middle School (CLMS) is a comprehensive middle school in a large school division, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, with approximately 1400 students in grades 6-8. Integrated STEM has been a focus at this school for the past three years. All teachers and staff have participated in professional development related to STEM and each interdisciplinary team has designed and implemented at least one interdisciplinary problem-based learning STEM unit. A majority of teams continue to design and implement several STEM-focused units of study each year. In September 2013, the school year kicked off with a STEM Career Conference for students. This annual conference is structured as a professional conference with keynote and concurrent sessions led by over 80 presenters from STEM-related fields. Corporate Landing Middle opened in 1997, serving students in grades six through eight to alleviate overcrowding in the southern section of Virginia Beach. The school also serves as the middle school campus for deaf and hearing-impaired students. Corporate Landing Middle is a public school and the student population is made up of 48% female students and 52% male students. There are 81 full-time teachers and 4 full-time school counselors.

Practical Information

Address: 1597 Corporate Landing Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Call: +1 757-648-4500

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Student/Teacher Ratio-14:1 | Math Proficency-85% | Reading Proficency-82%

 

Outstanding Public High Schools in VB

These are some of the best public high schools in Virginia Beach for preparing students for success in college.

Green Run Collegiate

Green Run Collegiate, Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ first public charter school, opened in September 2013. It is a VBCPS inter-division charter school providing all students access to an International Baccalaureate education. Green Run Collegiate is an International Baccalaureate (IB) authorized school offering the Middle Years Program (MYP) as well as the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). The school has a dedicated staff that is both highly qualified and highly committed to the success of students. Students are given ample opportunities, both academically and socially, to expand their horizons and challenge themselves – in and out of the classroom.

The best thing is that the school community is not only supportive of Green Run Collegiate, but also actively involved in the educational process. All throughout their education in high school, they prepare students for success after they leave our classrooms – whether their future is attending college, joining the workforce or serving the nation through our military. At Green Run Collegiate, we are a proud community of learners and together we work hard to ensure all students meet their full potential.  Green Run Collegiate is an academically-challenging college and career preparatory experience for students. As a school of choice, Green Run Collegiate is open to any interested VBCPS high school student through a lottery selection process.

Practical Information

Address: 1700 Dahlia Dr #400, Virginia Beach

Mascot: Stallion

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Ocean Lakes High School

Ocean Lakes High School is ranked 39th within Virginia. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Ocean Lakes High School is 45%. Ocean Lakes High School is 1 of 12 high schools in the VA Beach City Public Schools. A notable feature of Ocean Lakes high school is the Math and Science Academy, started in 1996 as the first of several magnet programs in Virginia Beach. Students throughout Virginia Beach who are interested in a math and science education can apply for admission to the academy. Students Enrolled in the academy take advanced courses in math, science, and English. By graduation, seniors in the Math and Science Academy must take at least calculus in math, and complete a “senior project”. The senior project requires the student to either conduct a mentorship or research project in a math or science field. The student must then write either three case studies or a research paper and give a PowerPoint presentation on the work accomplished. Entry in the program requires completion of Algebra I prior to enrollment, positive instructor recommendations, above-average grades, and excellent performance on an aptitude test.

Practical Information

Address: 885 Schumann Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Call: +1 757-648-5550

Mascot: Dolphin

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

12.  Floyd Kellam High School

Floyd E. Kellam High School is a public high school in Virginia Beach that is located in the city’s southern section, in Princess Anne, the school first opened in 1962, named after Judge Floyd Eaton Kellam. Kellam High School serves a large portion of the city of Virginia Beach, with the attendance boundary extending south to the North Carolina border. Floyd Kellam High moved into a new facility in 2014. Floyd Kellam High School is fully accredited under Virginia’s Standards of Learning program.  The school is the third-oldest in Virginia Beach, next to Princess Anne High School and Frank W. Cox High School. Kellam has also been a blue ribbon school in the Fine Arts Department for the years 2006 and 2007. The School has a dedicated staff that is both highly qualified and highly committed to the success of their students. Students are given ample opportunities, both academically and socially, to expand their horizons and challenge themselves – in and out of the classroom. Kellam has been a recipient of the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for four consecutive years and boasts a 97.9 percent on-time graduation rate.

Virginia Beach camping suggestions.

Practical Information

Address: 2665 W Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Call: +1 757-648-5100

Mascot: Knight

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Princess Anne High School

Princess Anne High School (PAHS) is one of 11 high schools in the Virginia Beach City Public School System. Opened in 1954, it is the oldest remaining high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. The school is named after the now-extinct Princess Anne County, Virginia (itself named after the British Royal, Queen Anne, titled at the time and prior to ascension, Princess of Denmark) which was annexed with the founding of Virginia Beach. Princess Anne High School is slated to be demolished following the construction of a replacement building. The construction is anticipated to begin in 2023 with the new building being open in 2028. The demolition of the building will end its 74-year history. Princess Anne High School is ranked 38th in Virginia. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Princess Anne High School is 54%.

Practical Information

Address: 4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Call: +1 757-648-5600

Mascot: Cavaliers

District: Virginia Beach City Public Schools