Serving 926 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Florence Bowser Elementary School ranks in the top 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 76% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 926 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 76% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Driver Elementary serves the northeast part of Suffolk, VA, encompassing an area of approximately 12.3 square miles. Most families are within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of about 3 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 7.7 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Florence Bowser Elementary School's student population of 926 students has grown by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
926 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Florence Bowser Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Florence Bowser Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#625 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)55-59%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 30-year historical data
Hispanic
14%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Black
39%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
38%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Two or more races
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
57%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
5%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 24-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florence Bowser Elementary School's ranking?
Florence Bowser Elementary School is ranked #625 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Florence Bowser Elementary School often compared to?
Florence Bowser Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Creekside Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
76% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Florence Bowser Elementary School?
926 students attend Florence Bowser Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Florence Bowser Elementary School students are Black, 38% of students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Florence Bowser Elementary School?
Florence Bowser Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Florence Bowser Elementary School offer ?
Florence Bowser Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Florence Bowser Elementary School part of?
Florence Bowser Elementary School is part of Suffolk City School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
The secretaries are rude and scare the children. The school is filthy. The principal is not involved at all.
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