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Average

#802 of 1,850 schools in VA

Top 43% in state

Benjamin Syms Middle

Middle School · Hampton City Public Schools

170 Fox Hill Rd, Hampton, VA 23669

Enrollment

865

Student-Teacher

14.7:1

Score

6.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Hampton

#18 of 30

public schools

Virginia middle schools

#172 of 340

In district

#18 of 30

Hampton City Public Schools

Equity

8.5 / 10

Exceptional

About Benjamin Syms Middle

Benjamin Syms Middle serves grades 6 through 8 in Hampton, Virginia, with an enrollment of 865 students. The school operates as a regular public middle school in a large suburban setting at 170 Fox Hill Road. With 59 full-time equivalent teachers, the student-teacher ratio is 14.7:1, providing a moderate class size environment.

Academically, Benjamin Syms is working toward stronger performance. In English Language Arts, 68% of students perform at or above proficiency levels, while 65% meet proficiency benchmarks in mathematics. The school's academic score is 4.2 out of 10, and it ranks #1243 out of 1856 Virginia schools, placing it in the 33rd percentile statewide.

This indicates the school has significant room for academic growth and improvement across core subjects. Parents considering Benjamin Syms Middle should understand that the school is focused on student development with an opportunity to enhance its academic standing. The moderate student-teacher ratio suggests students have reasonable access to instructional support.

The suburban location provides a community-based school experience typical of the Hampton area.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.7Above Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.45 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.9Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency98%
Reading/ELA Proficiency68%
Math vs. State Avg+22.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.7 pts
Overall Proficiency83%
Expected (poverty-adj.)75%
vs. Expected+8.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile68th
Resources & Environment5.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,490

Benjamin Syms Middle — Students at Benjamin Syms Middle score 83% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

69.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.3%
School
State
66.4%
ELA Proficiency 67.5%
School
State
73.8%

Based on 12 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
77%
ELA
68%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
64%
2025
Math
69.3%
ELA
68.3%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.7/10.

How Benjamin Syms Middle Compares

See how Benjamin Syms Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
57th percentile in VA
Academic
7.9/10
7.9/10
Growth
6.7/10
Above average
Environment
5.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
69%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
59 teachers

Location

170 Fox Hill Rd, Hampton, VA 23669

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Benjamin Syms Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle (rated 8.1/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Thomas Eaton Middle (rated 5.8/10, 3.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hampton, see our Hampton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.6 mi
School Distance Rating
GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN SCHOOL Hampton 0.4 mi 5.5
Albert W. Patrick III Elementary Hampton 0.5 mi 7.9
Captain John Smith Elementary Hampton 0.6 mi 5.9
Kecoughtan High Hampton 0.6 mi 7.0
Barron Elementary Hampton 0.7 mi 7.9
Phillips Elementary Hampton 0.9 mi 7.5
Samuel P. Langley Elementary Hampton 1.1 mi 7.8
Mary T. Christian Elementary Hampton 1.1 mi 6.8
Phoebus High Hampton 1.5 mi 6.4
Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle Hampton 1.4 mi 8.1
VICTORY BAPTIST SCHOOL Hampton 1.5 mi
Mary S. Peake Elementary Hampton 1.4 mi 7.3
Moton Early Childhood Center Hampton 1.9 mi 7.1
Jane H. Bryan Elementary Hampton 2.0 mi 6.2
Francis Asbury Elementary Hampton 2.1 mi 5.8
ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL Hampton 2.7 mi 7.2
Paul Burbank Elementary Hampton 2.4 mi 6.5
Thomas Eaton Middle Hampton 3.0 mi 5.8
William Mason Cooper Elementary Hampton 3.0 mi 7.7
Armstrong Elementary Hampton 3.6 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23669 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,999

Median Home Value

$246,400

Median Rent

$1,202/mo

Population

39,730

College Educated

31.4%

Homeownership

58.7%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

16.9%

Median Age

36.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Benjamin Syms Middle has a median household income of $66,999. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $246,400, with a median rent of $1,202/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.9%. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Fred M. Lynn Middle Woodbridge, VA 6.7
Jefferson Middle Arlington, VA 6.7
Locust Grove Middle Locust Grove, VA 6.7
River Bend Middle Sterling, VA 6.7
William E. Waters Middle Portsmouth, VA 6.7
Bull Run Middle Gainesville, VA 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Benjamin Syms Middle

What grades does Benjamin Syms Middle serve?

Benjamin Syms Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Benjamin Syms Middle?

Benjamin Syms Middle has an enrollment of approximately 865 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Syms Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Syms Middle is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Benjamin Syms Middle rank in VA?

Benjamin Syms Middle is ranked #802 out of 1,850 schools in VA.

What is Benjamin Syms Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Benjamin Syms Middle has a composite rating of 6.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Benjamin Syms Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Benjamin Syms Middle has 69.3% math proficiency and 67.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Benjamin Syms Middle a charter school?

No, Benjamin Syms Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Benjamin Syms Middle a Title I school?

No, Benjamin Syms Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benjamin Syms Middle?

69.4% of students at Benjamin Syms Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (3,140/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hampton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
865
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
59
Free/Reduced Lunch
69.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Hampton city
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Hampton City Public Schools
District Enrollment
19,657
Schools in District
33
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,034
District Rank
#18 of 30

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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