Serving 850 students in grades 6-8, Benjamin Syms Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 850 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Benjamin Syms Middle serves the eastern part of Hampton, VA, covering an area of approximately 19.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles to the nearest boundary and a maximum distance of 4.3 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Benjamin Syms Middle School's student population of 850 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
850 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Benjamin Syms Middle 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 Benjamin Syms Middle School is 0.65, 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
#1024 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)64%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)55-59%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
50%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
29%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
11%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.7%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
7%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Syms Middle School's ranking?
Benjamin Syms Middle School is ranked #1024 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Benjamin Syms Middle School often compared to?
Benjamin Syms Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cesar Tarrant Middle School, Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School, Thomas Eaton Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Benjamin Syms Middle School?
850 students attend Benjamin Syms Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Benjamin Syms Middle School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Benjamin Syms Middle School?
Benjamin Syms Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Benjamin Syms Middle School offer ?
Benjamin Syms Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Benjamin Syms Middle School part of?
Benjamin Syms Middle School is part of Hampton City School District.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin Syms Middle School located?
Benjamin Syms Middle School is located in the Willow Oaks neighborhood of Hampton, VA. There are 4 other public schools located in Willow Oaks.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
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