2 in 3 Virginia schools are ‘distinguished’ or ‘on track’ per state expectations, see how many are in your area

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two in three public schools in Virginia are considered to be exceeding or meeting state expectations, per findings from the state's new accountability framework.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) on Tuesday, Dec. 9, released the first annual round of results since the state changed its accreditation standards. The report tracks student learning and academic growth for the 2024-25 school year in Virginia elementary, middle and high schools.

VDOE last year launched the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) that grades schools as either "distinguished," "on track," "off track" or "(needing) intensive support." This is based on the VDOE's evaluation of each school's mastery, growth, readiness and graduation.

Per the findings, two-thirds of Virginia schools are meeting or exceeding expectations, with 23% having earned the distinguished designation and 43% being on track.

VDOE noted that distinguished schools are not uncommon in the state, as one in four public schools received this designation.

Of 249 evaluated schools in Superintendent Region 1, which covers central Virginia, 89 schools or 35.7% are on track, 48 schools or 19.2% are distinguished, 69 schools or 27.7% are off track and 43 schools or 17.2% need intensive support.

Hanover County has the most schools in the region to be placed in the top five elementary, middle and high schools by VDOE. Hanover schools with the highest overall score are Battlefield Park Elementary, Chickahominy Middle, Oak Knoll Middle, Hanover High and Atlee High.

More than half of the schools needing intensive support in central Virginia are in Chesterfield and Henrico Counties. This means they scored significantly below expectations and will receive the strongest support from the state, per VDOE.

Readiness in K-8 schools is measured through the reduction of chronic absenteeism, while advanced coursework and early high school credit are the grading factors for middle schools. In high schools, students are graded on their demonstration of readiness for employment, post-secondary education and military enrollment per the 3E Readiness Framework.

SPSF, earlier this year, received criticism from some school superintendents and Democrats after preliminary data in August showed only 45% of Virginia schools are on track or better, contrasting data released Tuesday. School leaders said the disparity is due to incomplete data.

Click here to see how schools in central Virginia performed. Click here to see the complete report.