Western Branch High

Summary:

Western Branch High is a public high school in Chesapeake, Virginia, serving 2,121 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Chesapeake City Public Schools district, which is ranked 29th out of 130 districts in Virginia and has a 4-star rating.

Western Branch High consistently ranks among the top high schools in Virginia, with a statewide ranking between 26th and 130th over the past 10 years. The school's performance on SOL (Standards of Learning) tests is generally higher than the Chesapeake City Public Schools district and the state of Virginia averages, particularly in Algebra I, Algebra II, and English Reading. While the school performs exceptionally well for its Hispanic and White student populations, ranking among the top schools in the state, there are noticeable gaps in performance for its African American, multi-racial, and low socioeconomic status students.

Western Branch High has a relatively high per-student spending of around $9,000, which is higher than the state average, and a student-teacher ratio of around 15-16, slightly lower than the district average. When compared to nearby schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools district, such as Indian River High and Norview High, Western Branch High generally outperforms them on academic measures, particularly in subjects like Algebra, Biology, and English Reading.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 1968 Bruin Pl
       Chesapeake, VA  23321


(757) 638-7900

District: Chesapeake City Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
130th of 329 Virginia High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,002 Help


Feeder schools for Western Branch High:

Elementary:    Edwin W. Chittum Elementary
    Southwestern Elementary
    Western Branch Intermediate
    Western Branch Primary
Middle:    Jolliff Middle
    Western Branch Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  15.4 Help
Number of students:  2,121

Racial breakdown:

African American:
40.7%
White:
39.0%
Two or more races:
8.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  36.7% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Western Branch High ranks better than 60.5% of high schools in Virginia. It also ranks 4th among 7 ranked high schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 62.76. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Western Branch High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Western Branch High has the largest high school student body size in the Chesapeake City Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Western Branch High is $9,002. 5 high schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Western Branch High:

SchoolDigger ranks Western Branch High 130th of 329 Virginia public high schools. (See Western Branch High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Chesapeake City Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Chesapeake City Public Schools 29th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Western Branch High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 59.62 82nd 308 73.4%
2006 64.28 63rd 314 79.9%
2007 62.79 77th 313 75.4%
2008 57.74 107th 316 66.1%
2009 57.07 112th 313 64.2%
2010 63.44 77th 317 75.7%
2011 64.59 74th 320 76.9%
2012 64.09 69th 321 78.5%
2013 70.76 48th 321 85.0%
2014 68.40 55th 322 82.9%
2015 73.75 28th 322 91.3%
2016 74.11 26th 321 91.9%
2017 71.55 34th 324 89.5%
2018 67.96 48th 326 85.3%
2019 74.07 26th 327 92.0%
2021 65.21 56th 327 82.9%
2022 63.93 83rd 325 74.5%
2023 68.16 98th 326 69.9%
2024 62.76 130th 329 60.5%
See the entire list of Virginia High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 67.06 56th 193 71.0%
2024 50.28 111th 198 43.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 62.10 113th 320 64.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 68.12 87th 320 72.8%
2024 62.72 132nd 322 59.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 67.41 69th 249 72.3%
2024 68.79 62nd 253 75.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 55.58 42nd 92 54.3%
2024 40.55 70th 92 23.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 64.70 117th 321 63.6%
2024 59.08 145th 322 55.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 48.72 77th 120 35.8%
2024 68.17 33rd 118 72.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 64.40 79th 240 67.1%
2024 58.30 105th 249 57.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 80.42 20th 232 91.4%
2024 83.10 17th 233 92.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Western Branch High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 73.92 34th 315 89.2%
2024 66.31 94th 314 70.1%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Western Branch High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
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Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, February 24, 2022

Open Quote Disappointed. I have to agree with the previous statements. The teachers, staff and coaches are not very friendly or inviting for new students. They don't seem to care about the needs of incoming students from other schools/states. They have a "sink or swim" mentality. I have multiple students here with a range of abilities and none have been provided support of any kind from college prep to academic struggles. Even team sports seem closed to outsiders. Nepotism to the fullest. I wouldn't recommend moving to this area if this is the school your children are zoned for. Close Quote


by a student
Saturday, January 24, 2009

Open Quote Its the best school you could ever go to.
The teachers have a passion with what they're doing and they're young so its (more) fun and easier to understand what they're teaching. The sports are good too, the track team is pretty dang good so is the football,wrestling,volleyball,cheering,and baseball teams.
You can make friends easily. Western Branch High School is the best! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Western Branch High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1490 1490
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1488 1488
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 1492 1492
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1496 1496
1993 1161 377 28 7 6 n/a n/a 0 1579
1994 1199 395 27 8 5 n/a n/a 0 1634
1995 1230 495 39 5 3 n/a n/a 0 1772
1996 1230 495 39 5 3 n/a n/a 0 1772
1997 1219 510 44 11 1 n/a n/a 0 1785
1998 1227 555 43 16 0 n/a n/a 0 1841
1999 1201 554 59 18 1 n/a n/a 0 1833
2000 1208 616 65 18 1 n/a n/a -4 1904
2001 1179 624 58 25 2 n/a n/a 0 1888
2002 1253 695 50 35 3 n/a n/a 1 2037
2003 1253 695 50 35 3 n/a n/a 1 2037
2004 1295 705 51 41 3 n/a n/a 3 2098
2005 1318 763 79 43 2 n/a n/a 6 2211
2006 1301 786 90 35 4 n/a n/a 18 2234
2007 1313 791 88 36 7 n/a n/a 20 2255
2008 1297 834 96 38 7 n/a n/a 32 2304
2009 1229 836 100 46 9 n/a n/a 55 2275
2010 1211 854 84 45 9 n/a n/a 57 2260
2011 1119 811 60 72 10 4 155 0 2231
2012 1092 796 50 73 9 6 150 0 2176
2013 1030 797 60 80 9 4 135 0 2115
2014 1038 828 66 91 4 4 128 0 2159
2015 1009 868 67 94 3 7 116 0 2164
2016 993 930 66 106 4 9 100 0 2208
2017 970 921 62 112 6 8 121 0 2200
2018 924 892 61 107 4 8 133 0 2129
2019 906 889 77 123 4 8 137 0 2144
2020 865 880 84 141 5 9 164 0 2148
2021 847 886 80 131 4 10 167 0 2125
2022 832 866 82 150 7 13 184 0 2134
2023 827 863 74 157 12 9 179 0 2121

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Western Branch High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1490 83.1 17.9 n/a
1990 1488 84.4 17.6 n/a
1991 1492 84.7 17.6 n/a
1992 1496 86.3 17.3 n/a
1993 1579 89.1 17.7 n/a
1994 1634 141.2 n/a 6.2
1995 1772 n/a 0.0 9.6
1996 1772 n/a 0.0 9.6
1997 1785 n/a 0.0 9.3
1998 1841 n/a 0.0 9.6
1999 1833 116.0 15.8 13.1
2000 1904 n/a 0.0 12.9
2001 1888 121.4 15.6 12.6
2002 2037 126.0 16.2 14.6
2003 2037 126.0 16.2 14.6
2004 2098 127.0 16.5 15.1
2005 2211 125.0 17.7 16.6
2006 2234 132.0 16.9 16.5
2007 2255 129.4 17.4 15.6
2008 2304 114.2 20.2 15.8
2009 2275 123.3 18.5 16.6
2010 2260 119.3 18.9 17.8
2011 2231 118.3 18.8 21.5
2012 2176 138.0 15.7 18.1
2013 2115 132.3 15.9 21.4
2014 2159 127.0 16.9 23.3
2015 2164 131.0 16.5 23.9
2016 2208 133.0 16.6 23
2017 2200 133.4 16.4 28
2018 2129 136.7 15.5 29.1
2019 2144 136.0 15.7 29.6
2020 2148 138.9 15.4 30.1
2021 2125 138.4 15.3 n/a
2022 2134 132.7 16.0 30.3
2023 2121 137.5 15.4 36.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Western Branch High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1490 83.1 17.9 n/a
1990 1488 84.4 17.6 n/a
1991 1492 84.7 17.6 n/a
1992 1496 86.3 17.3 n/a
1993 1579 89.1 17.7 n/a
1994 1634 141.2 n/a 6.2
1995 1772 n/a 0.0 9.6
1996 1772 n/a 0.0 9.6
1997 1785 n/a 0.0 9.3
1998 1841 n/a 0.0 9.6
1999 1833 116.0 15.8 13.1
2000 1904 n/a 0.0 12.9
2001 1888 121.4 15.6 12.6
2002 2037 126.0 16.2 14.6
2003 2037 126.0 16.2 14.6
2004 2098 127.0 16.5 15.1
2005 2211 125.0 17.7 16.6
2006 2234 132.0 16.9 16.5
2007 2255 129.4 17.4 15.6
2008 2304 114.2 20.2 15.8
2009 2275 123.3 18.5 16.6
2010 2260 119.3 18.9 17.8
2011 2231 118.3 18.8 21.5
2012 2176 138.0 15.7 18.1
2013 2115 132.3 15.9 21.4
2014 2159 127.0 16.9 23.3
2015 2164 131.0 16.5 23.9
2016 2208 133.0 16.6 23
2017 2200 133.4 16.4 28
2018 2129 136.7 15.5 29.1
2019 2144 136.0 15.7 29.6
2020 2148 138.9 15.4 30.1
2021 2125 138.4 15.3 n/a
2022 2134 132.7 16.0 30.3
2023 2121 137.5 15.4 36.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Western Branch High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $232 (2.7%) $8,451 (97.3%) $8,683
2020 $194 (2.5%) $7,610 (97.5%) $7,804
2021 $296 (3.3%) $8,706 (96.7%) $9,002

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Western Branch High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 26th of 327 High schoolsRanks 98th of 326 High schools
 22.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Writing (Western Branch High)8977
 12%
   End of Course Writing (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8778
 9%
   End of Course Writing (Virginia)8174
 7%
End of Course Geometry (Western Branch High)9478
 16%
   End of Course Geometry (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9288
 4%
   End of Course Geometry (Virginia)8380
 3%
End of Course Algebra I (Western Branch High)9185
 6%
   End of Course Algebra I (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9187
 4%
   End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)8680
 6%
End of Course Algebra II (Western Branch High)9998
 1%
   End of Course Algebra II (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9694
 2%
   End of Course Algebra II (Virginia)9186
 5%
End of Course Chemistry (Western Branch High)9591
 4%
   End of Course Chemistry (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9075
 15%
   End of Course Chemistry (Virginia)8864
 24%
End of Course Biology (Western Branch High)8973
 16%
   End of Course Biology (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8875
 13%
   End of Course Biology (Virginia)8370
 13%
End of Course Earth Science (Western Branch High)8877
 11%
   End of Course Earth Science (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8683
 3%
   End of Course Earth Science (Virginia)8172
 9%
End of Course English Reading (Western Branch High)9286
 6%
   End of Course English Reading (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9088
 2%
   End of Course English Reading (Virginia)8685
 1%
End of Course VA and US History (Western Branch High)8246
 36%
   End of Course VA and US History (Chesapeake City Public Schools)7751
 26%
   End of Course VA and US History (Virginia)6838
 30%
End of Course World History I (Western Branch High)9074
 16%
   End of Course World History I (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8975
 14%
   End of Course World History I (Virginia)8066
 14%
End of Course World History II (Western Branch High)9353
 40%
   End of Course World History II (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9155
 36%
   End of Course World History II (Virginia)8148
 33%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students21442121
 1.1%
African American889863
 2.9%
American Indian412
 200%
Asian7774
 3.9%
Hispanic123157
 27.6%
Pacific Islander89
 12.5%
White906827
 8.7%
Two or More Races137179
 30.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients29.6%36.7%
 7.1%


Schools Near Western Branch High









Frequently Asked Questions about Western Branch High

Western Branch High ranks 130th of 329 Virginia high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Western Branch High are 41% African American, 39% White, 8% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic, 3% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 2,121 students attended Western Branch High.

Western Branch High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Edwin W. Chittum Elementary
Elementary : Southwestern Elementary
Elementary : Western Branch Intermediate
Elementary : Western Branch Primary
Middle : Jolliff Middle
Middle : Western Branch Middle


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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