Best High Schools
in Virginia Beach, Virginia
We ranked the 13 high schools in Virginia Beach with real test data. The top 13 scored between 6.2 and 9.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Virginia education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Virginia Beach for 2026 are Green Run Collegiate (9.2/10), Princess Anne High (8.9/10), and Salem High (8.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 13 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Virginia Beach?
Every high school in Virginia Beach is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Green Run Collegiate
Virginia Beach, VA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Princess Anne High
Virginia Beach, VA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Salem High
Virginia Beach, VA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Virginia Beach has 12 ranked high schools, and the quality is notably concentrated at the top — 8 of those schools, or 67%, score 7 or higher out of 10. Green Run Collegiate leads the metro at 8.8/10, followed by Princess Anne High at 8.2 and Floyd Kellam High at 8.0. The score spread is relatively tight, which means families in most parts of the city have access to a competitive option. The table below covers all 12 ranked schools and lets you sort by overall score, academics, and other factors that matter to your student. Whether you're prioritizing a specific program type or simply want to see how your neighborhood school stacks up, the data gives you a clear basis for comparison. Start with the top-line scores, then dig into individual school profiles for a fuller picture.
Green Run Collegiate
Princess Anne High
Salem High
Score Distribution
Where the top 13 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Virginia Beach's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Virginia so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 13 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green Run Collegiate Charter Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 9.2 |
| 2 | Princess Anne High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 3 | Salem High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 8.1 |
| 4 | Floyd Kellam High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 5 | Frank W. Cox High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 6 | Tallwood High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.7 |
| 7 | Ocean Lakes High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.7 |
| 8 | Kempsville High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.4 |
| 9 | Landstown High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.4 |
| 10 | Green Run High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.2 |
| 11 | First Colonial High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 7.0 |
| 12 | Bayside High Virginia Beach City Public Schools | 6.9 |
| 13 | Catholic High School | 6.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Virginia education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Virginia. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 13 High Schools in Virginia Beach
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Virginia Beach's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Virginia Beach
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Virginia Beach's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Virginia, with 13 schools, plus 1 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Green Run Collegiate is the top-rated high school in Virginia Beach with a composite score of 9.2/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia Beach has 13 high schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 13 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Virginia Beach?
The average composite score for Virginia Beach high schools is 7.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Virginia).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Virginia, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Virginia, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Virginia Beach high school rankings?
Yes. Virginia Beach has 1 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.