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Average

#1050 of 1,851 schools in VA

Varina High

High School · Henrico County Public Schools

7053 Messer Rd, Richmond, VA 23231

Enrollment

1,411

Student-Teacher

13.8:1

Score

6.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,050 of 1,851

In Richmond

#26 of 94

public schools

In district

#26 of 67

Henrico County Public Schools

Equity

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Varina High

6.0/10

High School in Richmond · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

John Rolfe Middle

2.5/10

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

George F. Baker Elementary

2.3/10

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

About Varina High

Varina High is a public high school in Richmond, VA, part of Henrico County Public Schools. Varina High serves approximately 1,411 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Varina High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,050 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Varina High show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below district
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • VA avg 6.9

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.3Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.84 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.2Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency75% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency73% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-0.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-2.7 pts
Overall Proficiency74% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected+7.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile59th
College Readiness6.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation23.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,973
Chronic Absenteeism29.2%

Varina High — Students at Varina High score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

89.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 65.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.4% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 83.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.7% (2025 SOL)

Based on 27 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
90%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
41%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
89%
2013
Math
64%
ELA
86%
2014
Math
74%
ELA
85%
2015
Math
69%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
68%
ELA
83%
2017
ELA
86%
2018
Math
79%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
79%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
40%
ELA
73%
2021*
Math
40%
ELA
73%
2025
Math
75%
ELA
73%

* 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: 6.3/10.

How Varina High Compares

See how Varina High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
43th percentile in VA
Academic
7.2/10
Very Good
Growth
6.3/10
Average
Environment
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.9
Sports
20
10 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
89%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
102 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
29.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
23.7% participation·State avg: 2.9 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
10 boys'·10 girls'·25 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

7053 Messer Rd, Richmond, VA 23231

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Varina High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Franklin Military Academy (rated 9.1/10, 4.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, CHURCH HILL ACADEMY (rated 5.7/10, 3.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Richmond, see our Richmond schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.3 mi
School Distance Rating
John Rolfe Middle Richmond 0.5 mi 2.5
George F. Baker Elementary Richmond 0.9 mi 2.3
Varina Elementary Richmond 2.3 mi 4.1
Montrose Elementary Richmond 3.3 mi 3.8
CHURCH HILL ACADEMY Richmond 3.3 mi 5.7
Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary Richmond 3.0 mi 4.0
Henry D. Ward Elementary Richmond 3.0 mi 3.7
Franklin Military Academy Richmond 4.2 mi 9.1
Jacob L. Adams Elementary Richmond 4.5 mi 3.0
Chimborazo Elementary Richmond 4.5 mi 3.7
Oak Grove/Bellemeade Elementary Richmond 3.9 mi 2.1
Summer Hill Preschool Center Richmond 3.8 mi 4.3
Henry Marsh III Elementary Richmond 4.7 mi 3.5
Bellevue Elementary Richmond 4.7 mi 3.1
Fairfield Middle Richmond 5.2 mi 3.2
ANNA JULIA COOPER SCHOOL Richmond 5.2 mi 4.7
CENTRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF VIRGINIA Richmond 5.0 mi 7.3
Woodville Elementary Richmond 5.3 mi 2.0
Blackwell Elementary Richmond 4.7 mi 2.4
Highland Springs Elementary Highland Springs 5.3 mi 1.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23231 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$74,245

Median Home Value

$270,400

Median Rent

$1,272/mo

Population

37,949

College Educated

28.6%

Homeownership

67.7%

Avg Commute

26.1 min

Poverty Rate

12.5%

Median Age

42.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Douglas S. Freeman High Richmond, VA 6.0
Liberty High Bealeton, VA 6.0
BISHOP DENIS J. OCONNELL HIGH SCHOOL Arlington, VA 5.9
Eastern View High Culpeper, VA 6.1
Halifax County High South Boston, VA 6.1
Lakeland High Suffolk, VA 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Varina High

What grades does Varina High serve?

Varina High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Varina High?

Varina High has an enrollment of approximately 1,411 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Varina High?

The student-teacher ratio at Varina High is 13.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Varina High rank in VA?

Varina High ranks #1,050 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Varina High's MySchoolScout rating?

Varina High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 Varina High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Varina High has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Varina High a charter school?

No, Varina High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Varina High a Title I school?

No, Varina High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Varina High?

89.4% of students at Varina 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
22 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,411
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
102
Free/Reduced Lunch
89.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Henrico County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
29.2%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Henrico County Public Schools
District Enrollment
50,463
Schools in District
81
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,973
District Rank
#26 of 67

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