Serving 561 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Discovery Stem Academy 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 35% (which is lower 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 98% 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: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 561 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Magruder Elementary serves the southeast part of Newport News, VA, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile. Most students reside within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 0.7 miles to the zone's edge, and the furthest point being about 1.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Discovery Stem Academy's student population of 561 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
561 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2023
School Calendar
School Rankings
Discovery Stem Academy 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 Discovery Stem Academy is 0.32, 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
#1711 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)10-14%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
82%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
2%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
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)27.1%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
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 Discovery Stem Academy's ranking?
Discovery Stem Academy is ranked #1711 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
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 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Discovery Stem Academy?
561 students attend Discovery Stem Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Discovery Stem Academy students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Discovery Stem Academy?
Discovery Stem Academy has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Discovery Stem Academy offer ?
Discovery Stem Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Discovery Stem Academy part of?
Discovery Stem Academy is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Discovery Stem Academy located?
Discovery Stem Academy is located in the South Newport News neighborhood of Newport News, VA. There are 14 other public schools located in South Newport News.
School Reviews
Review Discovery Stem Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
