Blackwell Elementary School

Serving 420 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Blackwell Elementary 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-39% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 420 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 98%
  • : Bottom 50% in VA
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : Blackwell Elementary serves the eastern part of Richmond, VA, covering an area of approximately 0.8 square miles. Families typically have a drive time of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Blackwell Elementary School's student population of 420 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
420 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Campus Size
10 acres
Average Class Size
15 students

School Rankings

Blackwell Elementary 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 Blackwell Elementary School is 0.38, 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.
This School
State Level (VA)
#1755 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
20-24%
68%
(20-21)
30-39%
69%
(20-21)
21-39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
17%
20%
Black
77%
21%
White
2%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
98%
0.38
(22-23)
30.2%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

School Mascot
Bears
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackwell Elementary School's ranking?
Blackwell Elementary School is ranked #1755 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Blackwell Elementary School often compared to?
Blackwell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Broad Rock Elementary School, Bellevue Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 30-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Blackwell Elementary School?
420 students attend Blackwell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Blackwell Elementary School students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Blackwell Elementary School?
Blackwell Elementary School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Blackwell Elementary School offer ?
Blackwell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Blackwell Elementary School part of?
Blackwell Elementary School is part of Richmond City School District.
In what neighborhood is Blackwell Elementary School located?
Blackwell Elementary School is located in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond, VA.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 420 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 98%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : Blackwell Elementary serves the eastern part of Richmond, VA, covering an area of approximately 0.8 square miles. Families typically have a drive time of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

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