Best Elementary Schools in Newport News, VA

The city of Newport News, Virginia is home to 24 elementary schools that serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade. These schools are part of the Newport News City Public Schools district, which is ranked 110 out of 130 school districts in the state and has an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars.

While the majority of the elementary schools in Newport News struggle with low test scores and high rates of economic disadvantage, a few standout institutions are performing significantly better than the district and state averages. Deer Park Elementary, a public magnet school, ranks 162 out of 1,114 Virginia elementary schools and is rated 4 out of 5 stars. It boasts exceptional test scores, with 70-90% of students proficient or better in math, science, and reading. Other high-performing schools include Achievable Dream Academy, Hilton Elementary, and Knollwood Meadows Elementary, all of which offer specialized programs and have stronger academic outcomes compared to the district average.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities in performance across the elementary schools in Newport News. While the top-performing schools excel, with 70-90% proficiency rates, many others struggle, with only 20-40% of students meeting state standards in certain subjects and grade levels. This achievement gap appears to be closely linked to the high rates of economic disadvantage, with the majority of schools having 88-93% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The data suggests that the district may need to implement targeted interventions and support systems to address these inequities and ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.