Best Public Schools in Zip Code 23523

The 23523 zip code area of Norfolk, Virginia is home to two elementary schools: Southside STEM Academy at Campostella and St. Helena Elementary. Both schools are part of the Norfolk City Public Schools district, which is ranked 105 out of 130 districts in Virginia and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While the two schools serve different grade levels, with Southside STEM Academy at Campostella covering grades K-8 and St. Helena Elementary serving grades PK-5, they share some concerning similarities. Both schools consistently perform below the Norfolk City Public Schools district and Virginia state averages on standardized tests, including SOL (Standards of Learning) exams in mathematics, reading, science, and other subjects. For example, in 2023-2024, Southside STEM Academy at Campostella had only 28.57% of 3rd graders proficient or better in mathematics, compared to 56.74% for the district and 70.11% for the state. St. Helena Elementary had slightly better performance, with 51.72% of 4th graders proficient or better in mathematics, but still lagging behind the district and state.

Additionally, both schools serve student populations that are predominantly African American, with Southside STEM Academy at Campostella at 89.82% and St. Helena Elementary at 92.17%. These schools also have high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, with Southside STEM Academy at Campostella at 95.12% and St. Helena Elementary at 96.09%. The data suggests that the schools in the 23523 zip code area face significant challenges in providing high-quality education to their students, and addressing these challenges will likely require a multifaceted approach, including targeted interventions, equitable resource allocation, and community engagement.