Average
#1080 of 1,850 schools in VA
First Colonial High
High School · Virginia Beach City Public Schools
1272 Mill Dam Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Enrollment
1,732
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,732
Student-Teacher
17.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Virginia Beach
#42 of 82
public schools
Virginia high schools
#237 of 323
In district
#42 of 82
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
About First Colonial High
First Colonial High serves 1,732 students in grades 9-12 in Virginia Beach, with a student-teacher ratio of 17.1:1 supported by 101 full-time equivalent teachers. As a regular public school in Virginia Beach city, First Colonial is working to improve its academic standing, currently ranking in the 10th percentile among Virginia's high schools with room for growth in student achievement. The school operates within a well-established community where families demonstrate strong educational values, with 43% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
The surrounding neighborhood reflects economic stability, with a median household income of $95,547 and a low poverty rate of just 6.7%. Home values averaging $370,800 indicate a committed residential community that has invested in the area. With its substantial enrollment, First Colonial provides the resources and diversity that come with being a larger high school, offering students opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests and academic goals.
The school's size allows for varied programming while maintaining reasonable class sizes through its healthy student-teacher ratio. First Colonial High is situated in Virginia Beach, a large city environment that provides students with urban amenities and opportunities while serving a stable, educated community.
Score Breakdown
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First Colonial High — Students at First Colonial High score 83% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 83%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.7/10.
How First Colonial High Compares
See how First Colonial High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 94% (2019) to 75% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 90% (2019) to 91% (2025).
Location
1272 Mill Dam Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering First Colonial High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Trantwood Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is King's Grant Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Frank W. Cox High (rated 7.6/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CAPE HENRY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 0.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Lynnhaven Middle Virginia Beach | 0.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Alanton Elementary Virginia Beach | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Linkhorn Park Elementary Virginia Beach | 1.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Trantwood Elementary Virginia Beach | 1.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Frank W. Cox High Virginia Beach | 1.6 mi | 7.6 |
| VIRGINIA BEACH FRIENDS SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 1.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Great Neck Middle Virginia Beach | 2.3 mi | 5.3 |
| John B. Dey Elementary Virginia Beach | 2.4 mi | 6.9 |
| THE GODDARD SCHOOL - LYNNHAVEN VIRGINIA Virginia Beach | 2.8 mi | 4.5 |
| LONDON BRIDGE BAPTIST PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARDEN Virginia Beach | 2.9 mi | — |
| GALILEE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 2.6 mi | 6.2 |
| BEACH DAY SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 2.7 mi | — |
| Virginia Beach Middle Virginia Beach | 2.9 mi | 6.3 |
| W.T. Cooke Elementary Virginia Beach | 3.5 mi | 5.1 |
| King's Grant Elementary Virginia Beach | 3.5 mi | 8.0 |
| STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 3.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Plaza Middle Virginia Beach | 4.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Kingston Elementary Virginia Beach | 3.7 mi | 6.0 |
| SUNNYBROOK DAY SCHOOL Virginia Beach | 3.9 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 23454 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$97,835
Median Home Value
$401,900
Median Rent
$1,600/mo
Population
57,773
College Educated
43.3%
Homeownership
64.6%
Avg Commute
22.9 min
Poverty Rate
6.6%
Median Age
39.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding First Colonial High has a median household income of $97,835. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $401,900, with a median rent of $1,600/month. The local poverty rate of 6.6% is relatively low. 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 |
|---|---|
| Battlefield High Haymarket, VA | 6.1 |
| Kempsville High Virginia Beach, VA | 6.1 |
| Lloyd C. Bird High Chesterfield, VA | 6.1 |
| Monacan High Richmond, VA | 6.1 |
| Nansemond River High Suffolk, VA | 6.1 |
| Manassas Park High Manassas Park, VA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about First Colonial High
What grades does First Colonial High serve?
First Colonial High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend First Colonial High?
First Colonial High has an enrollment of approximately 1,732 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at First Colonial High?
The student-teacher ratio at First Colonial High is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does First Colonial High rank in VA?
First Colonial High is ranked #1080 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is First Colonial High's MySchoolScout rating?
First Colonial High has a composite rating of 6.1 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 First Colonial High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, First Colonial High has 81.7% math proficiency and 87.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is First Colonial High a charter school?
No, First Colonial High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is First Colonial High a Title I school?
No, First Colonial High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for First Colonial High?
33.3% of students at First Colonial High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 19 Car-Dependent
- Transit Score
- 24 Minimal Transit
- Bike Score
- 32 Somewhat Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (1,741/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Virginia Beach). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,732
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 101
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Virginia Beach city
- Phone
- (757) 648-5300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Virginia Beach City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 64,986
- Schools in District
- 88
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,888
- District Rank
- #42 of 82
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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