Needs Improvement
#1755 of 1,851 schools in VA
Ruffner School
Middle School · Norfolk City Public Schools
610 May Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Enrollment
540
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
3.1
Grades
3rd – 8th
Enrollment
540
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
3.1
Grades
3rd – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#1,755 of 1,851
In Norfolk
#41 of 44
public schools
In district
#41 of 44
Norfolk City Public Schools
School environment
7.7 / 10
Very Good
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Ruffner School
Middle School in Norfolk · grades 3rd – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
First Baptist Ready Academy Christian School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
P.b. Young Sr. Elementary
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ruffner School
Ruffner School is a public middle school in Norfolk, VA, part of Norfolk City Public Schools. Ruffner School serves approximately 540 students, and covers grades 3rd-8th, and has a 10.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Ruffner School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,755 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for Ruffner School show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 5.2
- VA avg 5.9
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ruffner School — Students at Ruffner School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 39 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: 1.8/10.
How Ruffner School Compares
See how Ruffner School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
610 May Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ruffner School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL (rated 8.0/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is GHENT MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, THE HAGUE SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Norfolk, see our Norfolk schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST BAPTIST READY ACADEMY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Norfolk | 0.6 mi | 4.6 |
| P.B. Young Sr. Elementary Norfolk | 0.7 mi | 2.9 |
| Booker T Washington High Norfolk | 0.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Jacox Elementary Norfolk | 0.9 mi | 3.0 |
| St. Helena Elementary Norfolk | 1.2 mi | 3.3 |
| GHENT MONTESSORI SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.2 mi | 6.9 |
| THE HAGUE SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Ghent K-8 Norfolk | 1.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Richard Bowling Elementary Norfolk | 1.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Berkley/Campostella Early Childhood Education Center Norfolk | 1.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Lindenwood Elementary Norfolk | 1.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Matthew Fontaine Maury High Norfolk | 1.5 mi | 6.7 |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL Norfolk | 1.4 mi | — |
| ROADSTEAD MONTESORRI HIGH SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.4 mi | — |
| Southside STEM Academy at Campostella Norfolk | 1.5 mi | 5.7 |
| YESHIVA AISH KODOSH TALMUDICAL ACADEMY Norfolk | 1.4 mi | — |
| THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Chesterfield Elementary Norfolk | 1.4 mi | 2.9 |
| PARK PLACE SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.6 mi | 4.5 |
| BINA HIGH SCHOOL Norfolk | 1.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 23504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$43,156
Median Home Value
$259,500
Median Rent
$872/mo
Population
24,052
College Educated
24.3%
Homeownership
35.1%
Avg Commute
20.2 min
Poverty Rate
35.1%
Median Age
28.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Skyline Middle Front Royal, VA | 3.1 |
| Elko Middle Sandston, VA | 3.2 |
| Addison Aerospace Magnet Middle Roanoke, VA | 3.3 |
| Thomas C. Boushall Middle Richmond, VA | 2.9 |
| Covington Middle Covington, VA | 3.5 |
| Daniel Morgan Intermediate Winchester, VA | 3.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ruffner School
What grades does Ruffner School serve?
Ruffner School serves students in grades 3rd through 8th.
How many students attend Ruffner School?
Ruffner School has an enrollment of approximately 540 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ruffner School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ruffner School is 10.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ruffner School rank in VA?
Ruffner School ranks #1,755 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is Ruffner School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ruffner School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 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 Ruffner School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ruffner School has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Ruffner School a charter school?
No, Ruffner School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ruffner School a Title I school?
No, Ruffner School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ruffner School?
92.6% of students at Ruffner School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 8th
- Enrollment
- 540
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Norfolk city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 27.0%
- Phone
- (757) 628-2466
Resources & Links
District
Norfolk City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 26,882
- Schools in District
- 49
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,341
- District Rank
- #41 of 44
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