Portsmouth city Schools & Education
Portsmouth city, Virginia
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,882
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,941
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
State School Rank
#89
of 127 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Portsmouth city, Virginia
Extensive Urban Education in Portsmouth
Portsmouth city features a robust education network of 24 public schools serving 13,371 students. The landscape is built on 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools, alongside 5 specialized centers. This single-district system provides a wide variety of educational settings within a compact urban area.
Competitive Results in an Urban Setting
The city maintains an 86% graduation rate, which sits just one point below the national average of 87%. Portsmouth invests $7,882 per pupil, a figure very close to the state average of $7,941, though below the national $13,000 benchmark. These investments result in a composite school score of 53.3, keeping pace with broader state trends.
One District Serving the Entire City
Portsmouth City Public Schools is the sole district, managing the education of all 13,371 local students. There are no charter schools in the city, with the district focusing on its 24 traditional and alternative campuses. Churchland High stands as the largest institution in the district, enrolling 1,435 students.
The True City School Experience
All 24 schools in Portsmouth are located in city locales, offering a truly urban educational environment. With an average school size of 608 students, the system offers both large high schools and mid-sized elementary campuses like Churchland Elementary. This setting provides students with a diverse, fast-paced environment and various extracurricular opportunities.
Urban Living Near Diverse Schools
If you are looking for a home in a vibrant city, Portsmouth offers plenty of real estate options within walking distance of local schools. Proximity to major campuses like Manor High can be a significant factor in choosing the right neighborhood for your family. Explore the city's residential pockets to find a home that balances urban convenience with educational access.
School Overview
Total Schools
24
in Portsmouth city
Total Enrollment
13,371
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Portsmouth city
Portsmouth City Public Schools
24 Public Schools in Portsmouth city
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHURCHLAND HIGH | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,435 |
| MANOR HIGH | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,236 |
| I.C. NORCOM HIGH | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,043 |
| CHURCHLAND MIDDLE | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 890 |
| Churchland Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 767 |
| Waterview Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 639 |
| Cradock Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 622 |
| Simonsdale Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 612 |
| Victory Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 589 |
| Churchland Academy Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 585 |
| Douglass Park Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 550 |
| CHURCHLAND PRIMARY & INTERMEDIATE | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 541 |
| William E. Waters Middle | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 534 |
| CRADOCK MIDDLE | Portsmouth City Public Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 533 |
| Hodges Manor Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 499 |
| Park View Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 463 |
| Westhaven Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 442 |
| Lakeview Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 419 |
| Brighton Elementary | Portsmouth City Public Schools | KG–6 | Primary | 411 |
| MOUNT HERMON PRESCHOOL CENTER | Portsmouth City Public Schools | PK | Other | 256 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,882
State avg $7,941
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Portsmouth city, Virginia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Portsmouth city, Virginia?
Portsmouth city features a robust education network of 24 public schools serving 13,371 students. The landscape is built on 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools, alongside 5 specialized centers. This single-district system provides a wide variety of educational settings within a compact urban area.
How do schools in Portsmouth city perform academically?
The city maintains an 86% graduation rate, which sits just one point below the national average of 87%. Portsmouth invests $7,882 per pupil, a figure very close to the state average of $7,941, though below the national $13,000 benchmark. These investments result in a composite school score of 53.3, keeping pace with broader state trends.
What are the major school districts in Portsmouth city, Virginia?
Portsmouth City Public Schools is the sole district, managing the education of all 13,371 local students. There are no charter schools in the city, with the district focusing on its 24 traditional and alternative campuses. Churchland High stands as the largest institution in the district, enrolling 1,435 students.
What is the school experience like in Portsmouth city?
All 24 schools in Portsmouth are located in city locales, offering a truly urban educational environment. With an average school size of 608 students, the system offers both large high schools and mid-sized elementary campuses like Churchland Elementary. This setting provides students with a diverse, fast-paced environment and various extracurricular opportunities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Portsmouth city, Virginia?
If you are looking for a home in a vibrant city, Portsmouth offers plenty of real estate options within walking distance of local schools. Proximity to major campuses like Manor High can be a significant factor in choosing the right neighborhood for your family. Explore the city's residential pockets to find a home that balances urban convenience with educational access.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.