What Are the Best School Districts in Virginia Beach?

When families move to Virginia Beach, the number one question I hear is "where are the best schools?" It makes sense. Your home address determines what school your child walks into every morning, and that decision shapes their education, their friendships, and your daily commute. After 24+ years helping families buy homes in every part of Hampton Roads, I know Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) inside and out. Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right school district for your family.

Why Virginia Beach Schools Stand Out

Virginia Beach City Public Schools is the largest school division in Hampton Roads and one of the 50 largest in the United States, serving more than 65,000 students across 85+ schools. Every school in the district is fully accredited under Virginia's Standards of Learning. The district's on-time graduation rate stands at 94.9%, well above the national average of 86.5%.

But what really sets VBCPS apart is its commitment to specialized learning. The district offers a 1-to-1 student-to-laptop ratio, has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for 17 consecutive years, and awarded $118 million in scholarships to the class of 2024 alone. Whether your child is a future engineer, artist, entrepreneur, or doctor, there is a path for them here.

Top-Rated Elementary Schools

The foundation matters. Virginia Beach is home to several standout elementary schools that consistently rank among the best in Virginia.

• Old Donation School (K-8) -- Ranked #1 in Virginia Beach and across the state for elementary and middle school. This is the district's gifted and talented magnet program, drawing students from across the city through a competitive admissions process.
• North Landing Elementary -- Consistently ranked among the top elementary schools in the district. Located in the northern part of the city near the Chesapeake line.
• Kingston Elementary -- One of the highest-rated elementary schools in the district, serving the Great Neck area with strong family involvement and excellent test scores.

Top Middle Schools

Middle school is where many students discover their interests and abilities. These schools stand out for their academics, programs, and community.

• Old Donation School (K-8) -- Again tops the list, with advanced curriculum designed for gifted learners.
• Great Neck Middle School -- Feeds into Frank W. Cox High School and serves one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. Strong academic record and a full slate of extracurriculars.
• Salem Middle School -- Feeds into Salem High School and is known for its strong math and science programs, as well as its connection to the Visual and Performing Arts Academy.

Top High Schools in Virginia Beach

High school is where the opportunity really opens up. Virginia Beach has some of the best public high schools in Virginia, each with its own identity and specialized academy programs that function like a school within a school.

Specialized Academies and Magnet Programs

One of the things that makes VBCPS truly special is the range of specialized academy programs. These are open to students across the district (not just those who live in the school's attendance zone), giving you options regardless of where you buy.

The district also offers a Dual Language Immersion Program (Spanish), the Advanced Technology Center for career and technical education, and the Environmental Studies Program in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. No matter what your child is passionate about, there is a program tailored for them.

How to Choose a Neighborhood Based on Schools

Here is what I tell every family I work with. Start with the high school, even if your kids are young. The attendance zones run elementary to middle to high school as a feeder pattern, so buying in the right elementary zone now sets you up for the high school you want years down the road.

Great Neck feeds into Cox High School and is one of the most sought-after areas in the city. Kempsville offers strong schools with more affordable price points and a central location. The areas around Princess Anne High School and Kellam High School are popular with military families because of their proximity to Oceana Naval Air Station and consistently strong ratings.

And remember: you are not locked into your zoned school. Magnet programs, academies, and the IB programme are available to students from across the city, so your address opens some doors but does not close others.

Other Hampton Roads School Districts

If you are looking beyond Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Public Schools is another excellent option with strong ratings, especially in the Hickory and Western Branch areas. Norfolk Public Schools offers magnet programs like the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont and the Governor's School for the Arts. I help families find the right home across all of Hampton Roads, so do not hesitate to ask about any district.