- Mount Hermon Preschool Center — Grades PK–PK · 208 students
- Olive Branch Preschool Center — Grades PK–PK · 171 students
- Churchland Preschool Center — Grades PK–PK · 112 students
- New Directions Center — Grades PK–PK
- Churchland Middle — Grades 7–8 · 798 students
- William E. Waters Middle — Grades 7–8 · 549 students
- Cradock Middle — Grades 7–8 · 516 students
- Churchland High — Grades 9–12 · 1,453 students
- Manor High — Grades 9–12 · 1,149 students
- I.C. Norcom High — Grades 9–12 · 1,009 students
- Churchland Elementary — Grades K–6 · 721 students
- Churchland Academy Elementary — Grades K–6 · 626 students
- Cradock Elementary — Grades K–6 · 616 students
- Simonsdale Elementary — Grades K–6 · 613 students
- Victory Elementary — Grades K–6 · 586 students
- Waterview Elementary — Grades K–6 · 576 students
- Douglass Park Elementary — Grades K–6 · 510 students
- Churchland Primary & Intermediate — Grades K–6 · 503 students
- Brighton Elementary — Grades K–6 · 483 students
- Hodges Manor Elementary — Grades K–6 · 466 students
- Lakeview Elementary — Grades K–6 · 439 students
- Westhaven Elementary — Grades K–6 · 401 students
- Park View Elementary — Grades K–6 · 400 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | Portsmouth City Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 13,371 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 24 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,350/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 132 rated districts in VA → 12th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Virginia Dept. of Education SOL, division English Reading & Mathematics pass rates, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Portsmouth City Public Schools
Portsmouth City Public Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 23708 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 23708. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Portsmouth City Public Schools ranks among Virginia’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Virginia’s SOL (Standards of Learning) English Reading & Mathematics assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Virginia is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Portsmouth City Public Schools holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Virginia on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 23708
Children in zip code 23708 are assigned to Portsmouth City Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 23708, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Portsmouth City Public Schools at (757)393-8742. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Virginia districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Portsmouth
For families considering a purchase in the Portsmouth area, district assignment matters financially. Because Portsmouth City Public Schools serves zip code 23708, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 23708. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Virginia, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Portsmouth City Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 23708.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Portsmouth City Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 23708 data.