Needs Improvement
#1828 of 1,851 schools in VA
Vernon Johns Middle
Middle School · Petersburg City Public Schools
3101 Homestead Drive, Petersburg, VA 23805
Enrollment
901
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
2.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
901
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
2.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Virginia schools
#1,828 of 1,851
In Petersburg
#6 of 7
public schools
In district
#6 of 7
Petersburg City Public Schools
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Vernon Johns Middle
Middle School in Petersburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Petersburg High
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Walnut Hill Elementary
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Vernon Johns Middle
Vernon Johns Middle is a public middle school in Petersburg, VA, part of Petersburg City Public Schools. Vernon Johns Middle serves approximately 901 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Vernon Johns Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,828 of 1,851 schools in VA.
Structured state assessment records for Vernon Johns Middle show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 2.2 · Needs Improvement
- VA avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Vernon Johns Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
52% of students at Vernon Johns Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Vernon Johns Middle — Students at Vernon Johns Middle score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
101.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 33 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: 3.3/10.
How Vernon Johns Middle Compares
See how Vernon Johns Middle 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
3101 Homestead Drive, Petersburg, VA 23805
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Vernon Johns Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. J.E.J. Moore Middle (rated 5.3/10, 6.5 miles away, in nearby Disputanta), which scores notably higher. Another option is Colonial Heights Middle (rated 4.6/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Colonial Heights), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Matoaca Middle (rated 3.4/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Matoaca), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Petersburg, see our Petersburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Petersburg High Petersburg | 0.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Walnut Hill Elementary Petersburg | 1.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Cool Spring Elementary Petersburg | 1.7 mi | 2.8 |
| Westview Early Childhood Education Center Petersburg | 2.2 mi | 3.3 |
| BREC ACADEMY Petersburg | 2.3 mi | — |
| Pleasants Lane Elementary Petersburg | 2.7 mi | 2.1 |
| Lakemont Elementary Petersburg | 3.5 mi | 2.3 |
| Colonial Heights Middle Colonial Heights | 4.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Ettrick Elementary Ettrick | 3.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Colonial Heights High Colonial Heights | 5.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Lakeview Elementary Colonial Heights | 5.6 mi | 4.9 |
| North Elementary Colonial Heights | 6.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Tussing Elementary Colonial Heights | 6.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Matoaca Elementary South Chesterfield | 5.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Matoaca Middle Matoaca | 6.0 mi | 3.4 |
| South Elementary Disputanta | 6.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Middle Road Elementary Prince George | 6.4 mi | 6.3 |
| J.E.J. Moore Middle Disputanta | 6.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Matoaca High Chesterfield | 7.4 mi | 6.4 |
| L.L. Beazley Elementary Prince George | 6.6 mi | 7.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 23805 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,811
Median Home Value
$208,200
Median Rent
$1,207/mo
Population
21,385
College Educated
22.9%
Homeownership
58.2%
Avg Commute
27.5 min
Poverty Rate
9.6%
Median Age
37.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lucille M. Brown Middle Richmond, VA | 2.1 |
| Salem Church Middle North Chesterfield, VA | 2.4 |
| Carver Middle Chester, VA | 2.5 |
| John Rolfe Middle Richmond, VA | 2.5 |
| Brookland Middle Richmond, VA | 2.6 |
| Grace E. Metz Middle Manassas, VA | 2.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Vernon Johns Middle
What grades does Vernon Johns Middle serve?
Vernon Johns Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Vernon Johns Middle?
Vernon Johns Middle has an enrollment of approximately 901 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Vernon Johns Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Vernon Johns Middle is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Vernon Johns Middle rank in VA?
Vernon Johns Middle ranks #1,828 of 1,851 schools in VA.
What is Vernon Johns Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Vernon Johns Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.2 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 Vernon Johns Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Vernon Johns Middle has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Vernon Johns Middle a charter school?
No, Vernon Johns Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Vernon Johns Middle a Title I school?
No, Vernon Johns Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Vernon Johns Middle?
101.8% of students at Vernon Johns 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 901
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 59
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 101.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Petersburg city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 52.1%
- Phone
- (804) 862-7020
Resources & Links
District
Petersburg City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,464
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,474
- District Rank
- #6 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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