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Needs Improvement

#1730 of 1,851 schools in VA

Discovery Stem Academy

Elementary School · Newport News City Public Schools

1712 Chestnut Ave, Newport News, VA 23607

Enrollment

550

Student-Teacher

17.2:1

Score

3.3

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,730 of 1,851

In Newport News

#33 of 39

public schools

In district

#34 of 40

Newport News City Public Schools

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Discovery Stem Academy

3.3/10

Elementary School in Newport News · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Calvary Seventh-day Adventist School

Nearby

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Achievable Dream Academy

4.5/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Discovery Stem Academy

Discovery Stem Academy is a public elementary school in Newport News, VA, part of Newport News City Public Schools. Discovery Stem Academy serves approximately 550 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 17.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Discovery Stem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,730 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Discovery Stem Academy show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 3.3 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.3
  • VA avg 6.2

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-1.34 pts/yr
Data Period2016–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.2Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency49% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-24.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-32.7 pts
Overall Proficiency46% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected-17.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,082
Chronic Absenteeism27.6%

Discovery Stem Academy — Students at Discovery Stem Academy score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 43.7% (multi-year average, 2016-2025)
School
State
73.5% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 45.5% (multi-year average, 2016-2025)
School
State
72.2% (2025 SOL)

Based on 19 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2016
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2017
ELA
57%
2018
Math
64%
ELA
49%
2019
Math
64%
ELA
49%
2020*
Math
14%
ELA
35%
2021*
Math
14%
ELA
35%
2025
Math
48.8%
ELA
43.3%

* 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: 4.4/10.

How Discovery Stem Academy Compares

See how Discovery Stem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.3/10
7th percentile in VA
Academic
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
32 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1712 Chestnut Ave, Newport News, VA 23607

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Discovery Stem Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hunter B. Andrews (rated 8.1/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Hampton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Aberdeen Elementary (rated 7.4/10, 3.5 miles away, in nearby Hampton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, A.W.E. Bassette Elementary (rated 7.3/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Hampton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newport News, see our Newport News schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.8 mi
School Distance Rating
CALVARY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Newport News 0.1 mi
Achievable Dream Academy Newport News 0.8 mi 4.5
John Marshall Early Childhood Center Newport News 0.8 mi 4.1
B.T. Washington Middle Newport News 0.9 mi 6.7
Newsome Park Elementary Newport News 1.4 mi 4.0
Achievable Dream Middle/High Newport News 1.9 mi 6.3
Huntington Middle Newport News 2.1 mi 1.5
Heritage High Newport News 2.1 mi 5.8
C. Alton Lindsay Middle Hampton 2.4 mi 6.2
BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hampton 2.7 mi 6.1
NEW MOUNT OLIVE CHRISTIAN DAYCARE & ACADEMY Hampton 2.7 mi
A.W.E. Bassette Elementary Hampton 2.7 mi 7.3
Hunter B. Andrews Hampton 2.7 mi 8.1
Hampton High Hampton 3.0 mi 8.7
Armstrong Elementary Hampton 2.8 mi 6.7
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Newport News 3.0 mi 7.2
Aberdeen Elementary Hampton 3.5 mi 7.4
FAITH OUTREACH EDUCATION CENTER Hampton 3.5 mi 4.4
Crittenden Middle Newport News 3.8 mi 4.3
WARWICK KIDS ACADEMY Newport News 3.8 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23607 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,904

Median Home Value

$146,400

Median Rent

$1,104/mo

Population

23,028

College Educated

13.8%

Homeownership

29.9%

Avg Commute

22.4 min

Poverty Rate

28.9%

Median Age

33.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Broad Rock Elementary Richmond, VA 3.3
Brookfield Elementary Chantilly, VA 3.3
Dupont Elementary Hopewell, VA 3.3
George P. Mullen Elementary Manassas, VA 3.3
Longdale Elementary Glen Allen, VA 3.3
Mount Eagle Elementary Alexandria, VA 3.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Discovery Stem Academy

What grades does Discovery Stem Academy serve?

Discovery Stem Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Discovery Stem Academy?

Discovery Stem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 550 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Discovery Stem Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Discovery Stem Academy is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Discovery Stem Academy rank in VA?

Discovery Stem Academy ranks #1,730 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Discovery Stem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Discovery Stem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Discovery Stem Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Discovery Stem Academy has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2016-2025).

Is Discovery Stem Academy a charter school?

No, Discovery Stem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Discovery Stem Academy a Title I school?

No, Discovery Stem Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Discovery Stem Academy?

97.3% of students at Discovery Stem Academy 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

Walk Score
38 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
42 Some Transit
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
550
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
32
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Newport News city
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.6%

District

Newport News City Public Schools
District Enrollment
26,183
Schools in District
43
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,082
District Rank
#34 of 40

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