Serving 682 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Cardinal Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 92% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 83% (which is higher 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 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 682 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 92% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 83% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: McKinley Elementary serves the west part of Arlington, VA, covering an area of approximately 1.1 square miles. The typical drive to the school from within the zone takes about 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 1.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cardinal Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Cardinal Elementary School's student population of 682 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
682 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cardinal Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cardinal Elementary School is 0.45, 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
#115 out of 1773 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)83%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)80-84%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
11%
20%
Black
2%
21%
White
73%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)2.4%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
5%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardinal Elementary School's ranking?
Cardinal Elementary School is ranked #115 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Cardinal Elementary School often compared to?
Cardinal Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Arlington Traditional by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
92% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 83% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Cardinal Elementary School?
682 students attend Cardinal Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Cardinal Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cardinal Elementary School?
Cardinal Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cardinal Elementary School offer ?
Cardinal Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Cardinal Elementary School part of?
Cardinal Elementary School is part of Arlington County School District.
In what neighborhood is Cardinal Elementary School located?
Cardinal Elementary School is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Arlington, VA.
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