York River Academy

Summary:

York River Academy is a public charter high school in Yorktown, Virginia, serving grades 9-12 with a small student population of 68. The school is part of the highly-ranked York County Public Schools district, which is ranked 5 out of 130 districts in the state and has a 5-star rating.

York River Academy consistently outperforms its peers in the region, ranking 4 out of 329 high schools in Virginia and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's students excel on state assessments, significantly outscoring the state and district averages across subjects like writing, algebra, biology, and English reading. With a very low student-teacher ratio ranging from 6.5 to 7.2, and higher spending per student ($13,009 to $23,501) compared to nearby schools like Menchville High and York High, York River Academy appears to provide a high-quality, personalized educational experience for its students.

However, the school's student population is significantly less diverse than the surrounding area, with a much higher percentage of white students (73.53%) compared to other local high schools in the Hampton City, Newport News City, and Gloucester County school districts. This racial imbalance may indicate potential access issues or lack of diversity that warrant further investigation.

Detail:

Public, Charter 9-12

9300 Geo. Washington Mem. Hwy.
Yorktown, VA 23692

(757) 898-0516

District: York County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
4^th of 329 Virginia High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $23,501

Student/teacher ratio: 7.2

Number of students: 68

Racial breakdown:

White:

73.5%

Two or more races:

11.8%

African American:

7.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 4.2%

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Compare York River Academy to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details York River Academy ranks better than 98.8% of high schools in Virginia. It also ranks first among 5 ranked high schools in the York County Public Schools District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 87.93. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at York River Academy who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

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

Compare Details York River Academy has the largest high school student body size in the York County Public Schools District. (See more...)

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Teachers

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Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at York River Academy is $23,501, which is the highest among 5 high schools in the York County Public Schools District!

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

York River Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks York River Academy 4^th of 329 Virginia public high schools. (See York River Academy in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Male students:

White students:

York County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks York County Public Schools 5^th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for York River Academy.

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Rank History for York River Academy

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Rank History for all students at York River Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	VA State Percentile
2005	42.43	207^th	308	32.8%
2006	40.27	218^th	314	30.6%
2007	59.84	87^th	313	72.2%
2008	34.99	240^th	316	24.1%
2009	67.21	46^th	313	85.3%
2010	60.15	94^th	317	70.3%
2011	75.24	29^th	320	90.9%
2012	57.28	106^th	321	67.0%
2013	33.80	240^th	321	25.2%
2014	45.47	174^th	322	46.0%
2015	51.93	139^th	322	56.8%
2016	61.96	83^rd	321	74.1%
2017	67.73	53^rd	324	83.6%
2018	40.48	221^st	326	32.2%
2019	44.31	206^th	327	37.0%
2021	72.61	22^nd	327	93.3%
2022	82.35	6^th	325	98.2%
2023	35.65	252^nd	326	22.7%
2024	87.93	4^th	329	98.8%

See the entire list of Virginia High School Rankings!

Rank History for Male students at York River Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	84.39	11^th	322	96.6%

See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at York River Academy

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	VA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	6.97	313^th	315	0.6%
2024	85.42	5^th	314	98.4%

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.

Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Monday, July 25, 2016

Principal Cross and his teachers are wonderful, and they are truly dedicated to the students. BUT,...There are real shortcomings that could not be addressed during my son's 4 years there. There are NO advanced classes available. I don't mean "no AP classes". I mean that the math classes end at Algebra II (Which includes some Statistics). The science classes end at basic biology (with some botany and chemistry included). There are NO chemistry classes, or physics classes offered. this is just as true with English and History. Also there are NO PE courses offered. All of the students are expected to take the same courses regardless of individual aptitude. Students who struggle are given the absolute best that the teachers can give. Mr Cross and his teachers are truly amazing at helping students in need. This cannot be overstated. HOWEVER;
My son excelled at math. There was simply no course for him. So he had 'free time' while his friends took their math. I asked Mr Cross if my son could take advanced math at York High School, roughly one mile down the street. The answer was simply, 'No'. YRA and YHS do not share students, resources, or even the same academic calendar, even though they are both York County Schools. Finally, in his senior year, it was suggested that he take a course at TNCC (Community College). I was assured that the $400 in tuition and the $150 book would be reimbursed by York County. Two weeks into his college course, I was told that YRA had no agreement with TNCC. I would simply have to pay for it. (Although an identical course was offered at York High School not one mile from YRA for free to York County students, I was told to pay $550. !!)
If your student is struggling, then YRA is probably the right place to go. The staff there is phenomenal. But if your students excels, then he/she will be pigeon holed. Close Quote

Enrollment information for York River Academy

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2002	19	3	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	23
2003	19	3	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	23
2004	32	7	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	41
2005	24	13	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	39
2006	32	5	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	37
2007	36	3	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	39
2008	40	5	1	2	3	n/a	n/a	51
2009	36	4	1	5	3	n/a	n/a	49
2010	44	6	1	3	4	n/a	n/a	58
2011	45	4	2	1	2	0	7	61
2012	55	1	1	0	0	0	3	60
2013	58	2	1	3	0	0	5	69
2014	72	13	1	5	0	0	2	93
2015	67	3	1	6	0	0	2	79
2016	66	3	1	4	0	0	2	76
2017	60	3	1	6	0	0	5	75
2018	56	2	2	2	0	0	5	67
2019	59	4	1	2	0	0	5	71
2020	58	2	1	3	0	0	4	68
2021	50	2	2	1	0	0	3	58
2022	51	3	0	2	0	0	5	61
2023	50	5	0	5	0	0	8	68

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 York River Academy

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	23	7.0	3.3	n/a
2003	23	7.0	3.3	n/a
2004	41	7.0	5.9	26.8
2005	39	7.0	5.6	12.8
2006	37	6.0	6.2	24.3
2007	39	5.5	7.1	n/a
2008	51	6.5	7.8	11.8
2009	49	7.0	7.0	10.2
2010	58	7.9	7.3	10.3
2011	61	8.3	7.3	21.3
2012	60	7.5	7.9	28.3
2013	69	7.2	9.4	26.1
2014	93	9.8	9.4	15.1
2015	79	8.0	9.8	15.2
2016	76	10.0	7.6	18.4
2017	75	12.0	6.2	25.3
2018	67	11.1	6.0	23.9
2019	71	12.6	5.6	4.2
2020	68	10.6	6.4	n/a
2021	58	8.9	6.5	n/a
2022	61	8.4	7.2	n/a
2023	68	n/a	n/a	n/a

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 York River Academy

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	23	7.0	3.3	n/a
2003	23	7.0	3.3	n/a
2004	41	7.0	5.9	26.8
2005	39	7.0	5.6	12.8
2006	37	6.0	6.2	24.3
2007	39	5.5	7.1	n/a
2008	51	6.5	7.8	11.8
2009	49	7.0	7.0	10.2
2010	58	7.9	7.3	10.3
2011	61	8.3	7.3	21.3
2012	60	7.5	7.9	28.3
2013	69	7.2	9.4	26.1
2014	93	9.8	9.4	15.1
2015	79	8.0	9.8	15.2
2016	76	10.0	7.6	18.4
2017	75	12.0	6.2	25.3
2018	67	11.1	6.0	23.9
2019	71	12.6	5.6	4.2
2020	68	10.6	6.4	n/a
2021	58	8.9	6.5	n/a
2022	61	8.4	7.2	n/a
2023	68	n/a	n/a	n/a

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 York River Academy

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,795 (13.8%)	$11,214 (86.2%)	$13,009
2020	$1,756 (11.4%)	$13,678 (88.6%)	$15,434
2021	$3,957 (16.8%)	$19,544 (83.2%)	$23,501

Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on York River Academy

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 206^th of 327 High schools	Ranks 252^nd of 326 High schools	14.3%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Writing (York River Academy)	77	94	17%
End of Course Writing (York County Public Schools)	90	88	2%
End of Course Writing (Virginia)	81	74	7%
End of Course Algebra I (York River Academy)	83	93	10%
End of Course Algebra I (York County Public Schools)	89	91	2%
End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)	86	80	6%
End of Course Biology (York River Academy)	95	95
End of Course Biology (York County Public Schools)	91	86	5%
End of Course Biology (Virginia)	83	70	13%
End of Course English Reading (York River Academy)	86	95	9%
End of Course English Reading (York County Public Schools)	92	94	2%
End of Course English Reading (Virginia)	86	85	1%
End of Course World History I (York River Academy)	88	76	12%
End of Course World History I (York County Public Schools)	88	82	6%
End of Course World History I (Virginia)	80	66	14%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	71	68	4.2%
African American	4	5	25%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	1	0	100%
Hispanic	2	5	150%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	59	50	15.3%
Two or More Races	5	8	60%

Schools Near York River Academy

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				SOL Writing (2024)				SOL Geometry (2024)		SOL Algebra I (2024)				SOL Algebra II (2024)			SOL Chemistry (2024)	SOL Biology (2024)				SOL Earth Science (2024)				SOL English Reading (2024)			SOL Geography (2024)				SOL VA and US History (2024)			SOL World History I (2024)				SOL World History II (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2021)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	SOL Writing 9th Grade	SOL Writing 10th Grade	SOL Writing 11th Grade	SOL Writing 12th Grade	SOL Geometry 9th Grade	SOL Geometry 10th Grade	SOL Algebra I 9th Grade	SOL Algebra I 10th Grade	SOL Algebra I 11th Grade	SOL Algebra I 12th Grade	SOL Algebra II 9th Grade	SOL Algebra II 10th Grade	SOL Algebra II 11th Grade	SOL Chemistry 10th Grade	SOL Biology 9th Grade	SOL Biology 10th Grade	SOL Biology 11th Grade	SOL Biology 12th Grade	SOL Earth Science 9th Grade	SOL Earth Science 10th Grade	SOL Earth Science 11th Grade	SOL Earth Science 12th Grade	SOL English Reading 10th Grade	SOL English Reading 11th Grade	SOL English Reading 12th Grade	SOL Geography 9th Grade	SOL Geography 10th Grade	SOL Geography 11th Grade	SOL Geography 12th Grade	SOL VA and US History 10th Grade	SOL VA and US History 11th Grade	SOL VA and US History 12th Grade	SOL World History I 9th Grade	SOL World History I 10th Grade	SOL World History I 11th Grade	SOL World History I 12th Grade	SOL World History II 9th Grade	SOL World History II 10th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
York High	Public	9-12	9300 Geo Wash Mem Hwy	Yorktown	23692	York County	York County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 898-0354	1,050	74	14.6	39.7%	641 (61.0%)	146 (13.9%)	115 (11.0%)	44 (4.2%)	3 (0.3%)	4 (0.4%)	97 (9.2%)	70.8	79^th of 329 public high schools	76.0%		71.6	74^th of 326 public high schools	77.3%	5			84.1	92.9	92.3		94.7				90.7				88.3	69.4	68.8							95.2		83.1					41.0		84.6				90.6	13.3	$8,023	$277	$7,746
York River Academy	Public, Charter	9-12	9300 Geo. Washington Mem. Hwy.	Yorktown	23692	York County	York County Public Schools	Yes	No	No	No	(757) 898-0516	68	8	7.2		50 (73.5%)	5 (7.4%)	5 (7.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (11.8%)	87.9	4^th of 329 public high schools	98.8%		35.7	252^nd of 326 public high schools	22.7%	248			95.0				100.0																	100.0									82.4						$23,501	$3,957	$19,544
Woodside High	Public	9-12	13450 Woodside Lane	Newport News	23608	Newport News city	Newport News City Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 886-7530	1,807	112	16.2	88.0%	338 (18.7%)	975 (54.0%)	261 (14.4%)	47 (2.6%)	9 (0.5%)	11 (0.6%)	166 (9.2%)	55.5	167^th of 329 public high schools	49.2%		47.4	203^rd of 326 public high schools	37.7%	36					96.1	60.0	83.8	52.2			96.1	92.9			81.8	55.8	76.9	71.4		65.9			50.0	90.6	85.7	94.9				19.1	48.2	73.7	61.7	61.5				30.0	$7,604	$311	$7,293
Grafton High	Public	9-12	403 Grafton Dr	Yorktown	23692	York County	York County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 898-0530	1,212	72	16.3	60.0%	692 (57.1%)	125 (10.3%)	132 (10.9%)	106 (8.7%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (0.5%)	151 (12.5%)	71.8	72^nd of 329 public high schools	78.1%		79	26^th of 326 public high schools	92.0%	46			90.9	70.6	90.5	52.0	86.4	63.6	87.5		94.5			70.0	95.4	71.1			72.1					91.6	70.0	87.3					52.6		80.3					31.0	$7,934	$159	$7,775
Denbigh High	Public, Magnet	9-12	259 Denbigh Blvd	Newport News	23608	Newport News city	Newport News City Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(757) 886-7700	1,225	91	13.4	65.4%	237 (19.3%)	616 (50.3%)	259 (21.1%)	30 (2.4%)	3 (0.2%)	3 (0.2%)	77 (6.3%)	21.5	311^th of 329 public high schools	5.5%		15.4	318^th of 326 public high schools	2.5%	7				50.0	72.2		79.3	76.9	78.1		90.0				74.7	53.7	47.2	60.9					27.6	69.4	45.5	47.7	26.9	76.5	70.0		12.8		45.9	40.0	54.6			16.0	$9,827	$285	$9,542
Tabb High	Public	9-12	4431 Big Bethel Rd	Yorktown	23693	York County	York County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 867-7400	1,123	73	14.8	31.0%	645 (57.4%)	132 (11.8%)	145 (12.9%)	79 (7.0%)	3 (0.3%)	4 (0.4%)	115 (10.2%)	80.2	21^st of 329 public high schools	93.6%		84.6	6^th of 326 public high schools	98.2%	15			92.2	81.8	95.1		98.0				100.0		60.0		93.3	77.2								94.4		82.7					53.1		89.6					38.7	$8,301	$240	$8,061
Menchville High	Public	9-12	275 Menchville Rd	Newport News	23602	Newport News city	Newport News City Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 886-7722	1,788	103	17.3	87.4%	607 (33.9%)	627 (35.1%)	368 (20.6%)	56 (3.1%)	2 (0.1%)	5 (0.3%)	123 (6.9%)	31.5	279^th of 329 public high schools	15.2%		33.7	262^nd of 326 public high schools	19.6%	17					81.0	80.0	69.8	88.3	87.5	75.0	97.8	64.3			80.1	51.3	33.3	73.0		39.0		70.0		78.8	85.0	95.8					31.9	44.8	50.6	28.8				7.1	$8,227	$389	$7,838
Poquoson High	Public	9-12	51 Odd Rd	Poquoson	23662	Poquoson city	Poquoson City Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 868-7123	690	50	13.7	19.0%	613 (88.8%)	8 (1.2%)	20 (2.9%)	12 (1.7%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	34 (4.9%)	75.3	51^st of 329 public high schools	84.5%		76.1	44^th of 326 public high schools	86.5%	7			85.7	60.0	100.0	100.0	97.0	80.0			100.0				92.6	86.9	65.0							88.8	90.0	81.7	70.0						87.2						$8,272	$202	$8,070
Warwick High	Public	9-12	51 Copeland Lane	Newport News	23601	Newport News city	Newport News City Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 591-4700	1,645	112	14.6	85.7%	385 (23.4%)	873 (53.1%)	256 (15.6%)	29 (1.8%)	6 (0.4%)	7 (0.4%)	89 (5.4%)	27.3	299^th of 329 public high schools	9.1%		30	282^nd of 326 public high schools	13.5%	17				68.2	70.3	36.4	69.4	67.7	72.7	92.9	90.2	54.6			71.1	56.6	60.4	65.8	42.9	51.7	50.0	83.3	56.3	76.6	71.1	59.6					33.7	67.4	33.2	21.4			62.8	16.2	$8,397	$253	$8,144
Bethel High	Public	9-12	1067 Big Bethel Rd	Hampton	23666	Hampton city	Hampton City Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(757) 825-4400	1,777	119	14.9	86.0%	295 (16.6%)	1,189 (66.9%)	137 (7.7%)	28 (1.6%)	5 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	121 (6.8%)	58.4	154^th of 329 public high schools	53.2%		53.9	175^th of 326 public high schools	46.3%	21	53.9	80.2	72.7		93.1		91.4	83.3	70.0		98.1				79.6	72.3	76.9	62.5					65.5	85.5	50.0	78.1					52.4		67.2			50.0		9.7	$7,679	$397	$7,281

Frequently Asked Questions about York River Academy

Is York River Academy a good school?

Yes! York River Academy is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 4^th of 329 Virginia high schools.

How many students attend York River Academy?

In the 2022-23 school year, 68 students attended York River Academy.

What is the racial makeup of York River Academy?

Students at York River Academy are 74% White, 12% Two or more races, 7% African American, 7% Hispanic.

What district is York River Academy in?

York County Public Schools

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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.