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Below Average

#1621 of 1,851 schools in VA

Widewater Elementary

Elementary School · Stafford County Public Schools

101 Den Rich Rd, Stafford, VA 22554

Enrollment

679

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

4.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,621 of 1,851

In Stafford

#15 of 21

public schools

In district

#24 of 32

Stafford County Public Schools

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Widewater Elementary

4.0/10

Elementary School in Stafford · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Shirley C. Heim Middle

3.1/10

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

St William of York Catholic School

6.0/10

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

About Widewater Elementary

Widewater Elementary is a public elementary school in Stafford, VA, part of Stafford County Public Schools. Widewater Elementary serves approximately 679 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Widewater Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,621 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Widewater Elementary show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 4.0 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • VA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Widewater Elementary 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.5 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency61% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency58% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-12.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.7 pts
Overall Proficiency60% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected-9.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
Resources & Environment5.0Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,431
Chronic Absenteeism20.6%

Widewater Elementary — Students at Widewater Elementary score 60% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 66.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.5% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 67.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.2% (2025 SOL)

Based on 33 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
87%
ELA
85%
2010
Math
84%
ELA
81%
2011
Math
58%
ELA
85%
2012
Math
65%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
66%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
76%
2015
Math
74%
ELA
70%
2016
Math
67%
ELA
71%
2017
ELA
64%
2018
Math
76%
ELA
66%
2019
Math
76%
ELA
66%
2020*
Math
41%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
41%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
61%
ELA
58.3%

* 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: 3.8/10.

How Widewater Elementary Compares

See how Widewater Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.0/10
13th percentile in VA
Academic
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.0/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
49 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
20.6%

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

101 Den Rich Rd, Stafford, VA 22554

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Widewater Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST WILLIAM OF YORK CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 4.9 miles away, in nearby Triangle), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Winding Creek Elementary (rated 6.0/10, 5.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Stafford, see our Stafford schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Shirley C. Heim Middle Stafford 0.4 mi 3.1
ST WILLIAM OF YORK CATHOLIC SCHOOL Stafford 1.5 mi 6.0
Anne E. Moncure Elementary Stafford 2.5 mi 3.4
Hampton Oaks Elementary Stafford 3.2 mi 4.1
Anthony Burns Elementary Stafford 3.9 mi 5.3
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary Stafford 3.5 mi 3.9
GRACE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Stafford 4.3 mi 7.4
Stafford Elementary Stafford 4.5 mi 4.4
STAR BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Triangle 4.6 mi 2.1
H.H. Poole Middle Stafford 4.2 mi 3.7
MINNIELAND PRIVATE DAY SCHOOL Stafford 4.1 mi
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Triangle 4.9 mi 6.0
Triangle Elementary Triangle 5.0 mi 3.4
CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Triangle 5.3 mi 6.3
Brooke Point High Stafford 5.4 mi 6.9
Stafford Middle Stafford 5.4 mi 3.6
Park Ridge Elementary Stafford 4.4 mi 4.3
North Stafford High Stafford 4.8 mi 6.9
Graham Park Middle Triangle 5.7 mi 5.3
Winding Creek Elementary Stafford 5.3 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 22554 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$148,268

Median Home Value

$482,600

Median Rent

$2,000/mo

Population

64,605

College Educated

45.4%

Homeownership

80.2%

Avg Commute

38.7 min

Poverty Rate

3.5%

Median Age

35

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
A.M. Davis Elementary North Chesterfield, VA 4.0
Elizabeth Vaughan Elementary Woodbridge, VA 4.0
Grace Miller Elementary Bealeton, VA 4.0
James River Elementary Williamsburg, VA 4.0
Locust Grove Primary Locust Grove, VA 4.0
London Towne Elementary Centreville, VA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Widewater Elementary

What grades does Widewater Elementary serve?

Widewater Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Widewater Elementary?

Widewater Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 679 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Widewater Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Widewater Elementary is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Widewater Elementary rank in VA?

Widewater Elementary ranks #1,621 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Widewater Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Widewater Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 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 Widewater Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Widewater Elementary has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Widewater Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Widewater Elementary a Title I school?

No, Widewater Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Widewater Elementary?

76.9% of students at Widewater Elementary 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
15 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
679
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
49
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Stafford County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
20.6%

District

Stafford County Public Schools
District Enrollment
31,547
Schools in District
34
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,431
District Rank
#24 of 32

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