Kempsville High School is a comprehensive public high school for students in grades 9–12 in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system. In the western section of the city, the Kempsville High School covers approximately 12 sq. miles and draws students from Kempsville Middle School and Larkspur Middle School.
Serving 2,051 students in grades 9-12, Kempsville High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,051 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kempsville High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Kempsville High School's student population of 2,051 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 116 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,051 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
116 teachers
Year Founded
1966
Colors
Red, Silver
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
School Rankings
Kempsville High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kempsville High School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1097 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)78%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
15%
19%
Black
26%
22%
White
45%
44%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Chiefs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kempsville High School's ranking?
Kempsville High School is ranked #1097 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Kempsville High School often compared to?
Kempsville High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like First Colonial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kempsville High School?
The graduation rate of Kempsville High School is 90%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Kempsville High School?
2,051 students attend Kempsville High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Kempsville High School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kempsville High School?
Kempsville High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kempsville High School offer ?
Kempsville High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Kempsville High School part of?
Kempsville High School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
School Reviews
2 9/24/2016
Kempsville is trying to pass itself as a tech school, but going about it poorly. The 2014-2015 school year, KHS gave Freshman tablets. Only the Freshman. The following years, both 9th and 10th graders got them. This year, only the 12th graders are without tablets. Many of the classes are mixed grades, so, expecting the majority of students to have school-issued devices, teachers are requiring them for the class and 12th graders are left to provide one themselves. With two classes requiring it, and not being able to afford to just go buy electronics on the spot I have to take my brother's iPad from him
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