Serving 1,141 students in grades 6-8, Blair Middle 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 41% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (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 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,141 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Blair Middle serves the west part of Norfolk, VA, covering an area of approximately 19.6 square miles, with most families typically residing within a 5-10 minute drive from the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 2.3 miles, reaching a maximum of 7.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Blair Middle School's student population of 1,141 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,141 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Blair 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 Blair Middle School is 0.60, 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
#1551 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)57%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)47%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
10%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
59%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
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)12.3%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
8%
5%
Showing 2013–2022. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
School Mascot
Clippers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blair Middle School's ranking?
Blair Middle School is ranked #1551 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Blair Middle School often compared to?
Blair Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ruffner School, Academy For Discovery At Lakewood by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Blair Middle School?
1,141 students attend Blair Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Blair Middle School students are Black, 21% of students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Blair Middle School?
Blair Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Blair Middle School offer ?
Blair Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Blair Middle School part of?
Blair Middle School is part of Norfolk City School District.
In what neighborhood is Blair Middle School located?
Blair Middle School is located in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, VA. There are 4 other public schools located in Ghent.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I live on 26th street close by the school, I love it, and I will be attending to come to james blair middle school.
5 10/10/2025
I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the football game for today is cancelled
2 10/10/2025
this school is terrible. there are very few teachers who can teach well, there is too much pressure on the students, the school lunch is terrible and often times lunch sides and milk will be spoiled. there's at least two fights a day, and many people (including myself) are bullied because of what they choose to believe in (their gender/sexuality, views on life, religion, etc.). the honors teachers expect you to do 10x the homework, projects, and general work, and still expect you to pass with flying colors and have all work turned in on time. i had a civics class where it would be project after project with only a few short days to do them, and my English class would only give us two days to write a 5-9 paragraph paper. i have been concerned about my mental health, and the counselors do nothing. I as a student do NOT recommend this school.
1 10/10/2025
Trust me, if I could give any less than one star, I WOULD! This school Removed! Sorry to come out and say it like that, but I'm afraid such a statement is pure truth. Teachers apparently don't know how to teach in this school, and too much pressure is put on students to do home (and class) work in an unrealistic amount of time. The success rate of this school is concerned and the students here seem as if an elementary school would be a more appropriate place for them. Bullying is a HUGE problem as well as regular fights within the school that constantly break out. Parents should be CONCERNED, it's not like the teachers are, anyway. Counselors show little to no care for their students and the state of some children is really quite concerning. Yes, I am a student here, but my parents are also quite concerned as well. I know I've used the word concern quite frequently, but it truly is the correct word in this situation. I'm currently in the process of being transferred to a high school, but the three years I've spent at this rubbish school have been simply terrible. The only reason I have a DECENT EDUCATION is that I take extra time out of my personal student schedule to do online education systems. Yes, systems, PLURAL! Education is surely not the first priority at this school. It's, honestly, a joke and a disgrace to all those who attend it. The entire experience is something I wouldn't wish upon my WORST ENEMY. I pray for those who go to this school and hope they leave for their own sake. Sincerely, ANNOYED.
3 10/10/2025
I've been going to this school for 3 years and I have to say that this school is right. The lunch is nasty please pack a lunch. I AM BEGGING YOU!! One of the best reading teachers is Ms. hack worth she is an 8th grade reading teacher, and she's awesome. She encourages you to past the 8th grade reading and writing SOL .
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