Western Branch Middle

Summary:

Western Branch Middle is a public middle school in Chesapeake, Virginia, serving 887 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Chesapeake City Public Schools district, which is ranked 29th out of 130 school districts in Virginia and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Western Branch Middle consistently performs well on state assessments, with high proficiency rates in subjects like Algebra I, Geometry, and Science. For example, in 2023-2024, the school had 100% proficiency in Algebra I and Geometry, significantly outperforming the district and state averages. The school also has a relatively balanced racial composition, with 37.77% White and 37.77% African American students, as well as strong performance across various student subgroups. Over the past several years, Western Branch Middle has maintained a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger, placing it in the top quarter of Virginia middle schools.

While Western Branch Middle performs well overall, some nearby schools within the Chesapeake district, such as Oscar Smith Middle and Deep Creek Middle, have lower SchoolDigger ratings and lower proficiency rates on state assessments. Additionally, Western Branch Middle has a relatively low percentage of free and reduced-lunch recipients (37.2% in 2022-2023), which is lower than the district average and some of the nearby schools, indicating that the school serves a more economically diverse student population.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 4201 Hawksley Dr
       Chesapeake, VA  23321


(757) 638-7920

District: Chesapeake City Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
151st of 417 Virginia Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,888 Help


Students who attend Western Branch Middle usually attend:

High:    Western Branch High

Feeder schools for Western Branch Middle:

Elementary:    Western Branch Intermediate
    Western Branch Primary

Student/teacher ratio:  13.2 Help
Number of students:  887

Racial breakdown:

White:
37.8%
African American:
37.8%
Hispanic:
9.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  37.2% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Western Branch Middle ranks better than 63.8% of middle schools in Virginia. It also ranks 6th among 10 ranked middle schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 63.99. (See more...)
Help
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
Help
Compare Details Western Branch Middle has the largest middle 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 Middle is $8,888. 6 middle schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Western Branch Middle:

SchoolDigger ranks Western Branch Middle 151st of 417 Virginia public middle schools. (See Western Branch Middle in the ranking list.)

Middle 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.)


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Rank History for Western Branch Middle

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 75.20 58th 340 82.9%
2006 69.09 64th 383 83.3%
2007 63.91 106th 387 72.6%
2008 58.62 132nd 391 66.2%
2009 59.91 125th 390 67.9%
2010 62.23 116th 408 71.6%
2011 50.63 198th 413 52.1%
2012 51.87 188th 413 54.5%
2013 59.54 128th 416 69.2%
2014 61.64 119th 416 71.4%
2015 58.01 151st 412 63.3%
2016 64.33 107th 409 73.8%
2017 64.66 100th 415 75.9%
2018 66.64 95th 413 77.0%
2019 61.84 142nd 424 66.5%
2021 61.67 124th 419 70.4%
2022 62.97 125th 415 69.9%
2023 74.36 102nd 422 75.8%
2024 63.99 151st 417 63.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 67.74 68th 231 70.6%
2024 59.04 89th 237 62.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

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

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 71.48 91st 402 77.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 74.18 93rd 411 77.4%
2024 62.25 165th 407 59.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 81.23 31st 278 88.8%
2024 57.84 108th 281 61.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 54.96 56th 114 50.9%
2024 41.11 85th 123 30.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 73.27 101st 409 75.3%
2024 64.59 132nd 407 67.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 72.48 24th 132 81.8%
2024 59.89 56th 128 56.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 75.95 56th 298 81.2%
2024 62.08 106th 299 64.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 88.25 19th 275 93.1%
2024 74.21 57th 272 79.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Western Branch Middle

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 73.65 72nd 402 82.1%
2024 65.91 119th 396 69.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Middle 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 Middle Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Virginia Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Western Branch Middle

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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 761 761
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 770 770
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 843 843
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 865 865
1993 903 376 18 3 1 n/a n/a 0 1301
1994 914 392 24 5 0 n/a n/a 0 1335
1995 895 404 38 16 1 n/a n/a 0 1354
1996 895 404 38 16 1 n/a n/a 0 1354
1997 955 439 36 12 1 n/a n/a 0 1443
1998 940 486 37 9 2 n/a n/a 0 1474
1999 941 519 41 12 1 n/a n/a 0 1514
2000 909 544 39 23 1 n/a n/a -4 1512
2001 945 513 35 24 3 n/a n/a 0 1520
2002 621 292 42 17 3 n/a n/a 3 978
2003 621 292 42 17 3 n/a n/a 3 978
2004 595 278 43 10 2 n/a n/a 6 934
2005 583 306 42 11 2 n/a n/a 16 960
2006 560 299 43 15 4 n/a n/a 17 938
2007 542 302 40 20 1 n/a n/a 21 926
2008 536 304 38 17 3 n/a n/a 28 926
2009 499 281 36 10 1 n/a n/a 29 856
2010 466 297 42 16 4 n/a n/a 31 856
2011 451 311 47 29 1 4 49 0 892
2012 455 333 40 36 2 5 46 0 917
2013 453 321 31 36 2 7 47 0 897
2014 447 313 32 43 1 2 52 0 890
2015 399 294 33 36 1 1 44 0 808
2016 402 287 36 38 4 1 68 0 836
2017 413 300 44 41 5 3 60 0 866
2018 378 333 44 40 2 4 73 0 874
2019 380 348 42 52 2 4 84 0 912
2020 372 339 41 66 3 4 91 0 916
2021 366 343 46 81 5 3 91 0 935
2022 343 345 47 79 6 3 87 0 910
2023 335 335 40 88 4 1 84 0 887

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 Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 761 43.3 17.5 n/a
1990 770 44.8 17.1 n/a
1991 843 41.5 20.3 n/a
1992 865 42.3 20.4 n/a
1993 1301 75.2 17.3 n/a
1994 1335 66.8 n/a 13.9
1995 1354 n/a 0.0 14.6
1996 1354 n/a 0.0 14.6
1997 1443 n/a 0.0 13.9
1998 1474 n/a 0.0 16.6
1999 1514 91.0 16.6 23.8
2000 1512 n/a 0.0 22.6
2001 1520 97.6 15.6 26.5
2002 978 73.0 13.4 19.3
2003 978 73.0 13.4 19.3
2004 934 64.0 14.6 19.2
2005 960 64.0 15.0 20.3
2006 938 65.0 14.4 19.4
2007 926 65.6 14.1 19.7
2008 926 48.3 19.2 18.8
2009 856 47.2 18.1 20.8
2010 856 47.4 18.0 23.8
2011 892 44.6 19.9 26.5
2012 917 65.0 14.1 26.4
2013 897 61.4 14.5 27
2014 890 65.0 13.6 28.5
2015 808 62.0 13.0 30
2016 836 61.0 13.7 29.4
2017 866 61.8 14.0 32.3
2018 874 65.0 13.4 31.6
2019 912 64.5 14.1 36.1
2020 916 66.4 13.7 34.2
2021 935 64.8 14.4 n/a
2022 910 67.2 13.5 34.4
2023 887 66.7 13.2 37.2

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 Middle

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 761 43.3 17.5 n/a
1990 770 44.8 17.1 n/a
1991 843 41.5 20.3 n/a
1992 865 42.3 20.4 n/a
1993 1301 75.2 17.3 n/a
1994 1335 66.8 n/a 13.9
1995 1354 n/a 0.0 14.6
1996 1354 n/a 0.0 14.6
1997 1443 n/a 0.0 13.9
1998 1474 n/a 0.0 16.6
1999 1514 91.0 16.6 23.8
2000 1512 n/a 0.0 22.6
2001 1520 97.6 15.6 26.5
2002 978 73.0 13.4 19.3
2003 978 73.0 13.4 19.3
2004 934 64.0 14.6 19.2
2005 960 64.0 15.0 20.3
2006 938 65.0 14.4 19.4
2007 926 65.6 14.1 19.7
2008 926 48.3 19.2 18.8
2009 856 47.2 18.1 20.8
2010 856 47.4 18.0 23.8
2011 892 44.6 19.9 26.5
2012 917 65.0 14.1 26.4
2013 897 61.4 14.5 27
2014 890 65.0 13.6 28.5
2015 808 62.0 13.0 30
2016 836 61.0 13.7 29.4
2017 866 61.8 14.0 32.3
2018 874 65.0 13.4 31.6
2019 912 64.5 14.1 36.1
2020 916 66.4 13.7 34.2
2021 935 64.8 14.4 n/a
2022 910 67.2 13.5 34.4
2023 887 66.7 13.2 37.2

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 Middle

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $255 (2.5%) $9,900 (97.5%) $10,155
2020 $197 (2.2%) $8,714 (97.8%) $8,912
2021 $189 (2.1%) $8,700 (97.9%) $8,888

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Western Branch Middle

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 142nd of 424 Middle schoolsRanks 102nd of 422 Middle schools
 9.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Mathematics (Western Branch Middle)7165.3
 5.7%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Chesapeake City Public Schools)7862.2
 15.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857.8
 20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Western Branch Middle)7979.8
 0.8%
   6th Grade English Reading (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8177.1
 3.9%
   6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7770.4
 6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Western Branch Middle)8061
 19%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8163.7
 17.4%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7851.4
 26.6%
7th Grade English Reading (Western Branch Middle)8581.5
 3.5%
   7th Grade English Reading (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8378.8
 4.2%
   7th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7970.3
 8.7%
8th Grade Writing (Western Branch Middle)7868.8
 9.2%
   8th Grade Writing (Chesapeake City Public Schools)7663.7
 12.3%
   8th Grade Writing (Virginia)7055.5
 14.5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Western Branch Middle)8971.8
 17.2%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8464.1
 19.9%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7748.4
 28.6%
8th Grade Science (Western Branch Middle)8775.2
 11.8%
   8th Grade Science (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8569
 16%
   8th Grade Science (Virginia)7860.7
 17.3%
8th Grade English Reading (Western Branch Middle)8282.8
 0.8%
   8th Grade English Reading (Chesapeake City Public Schools)8174.9
 6.1%
   8th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7670.7
 5.3%
End of Course Geometry (Western Branch Middle)100100
   End of Course Geometry (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9288
 4%
   End of Course Geometry (Virginia)8380
 3%
End of Course Algebra I (Western Branch Middle)9897
 1%
   End of Course Algebra I (Chesapeake City Public Schools)9187
 4%
   End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)8680
 6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students912887
 2.7%
African American348335
 3.7%
American Indian24
 100%
Asian4240
 4.8%
Hispanic5288
 69.2%
Pacific Islander41
 75%
White380335
 11.8%
Two or More Races8484
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients36.1%37.2%
 1.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Western Branch Middle

Western Branch Middle ranks 151st of 417 Virginia middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Western Branch Middle usually go on to attend Western Branch High

In the 2022-23 school year, 887 students attended Western Branch Middle.

Students at Western Branch Middle are 38% White, 38% African American, 10% Hispanic, 9% Two or more races, 5% Asian.


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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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