Serving 1,087 students in grades 6-8, Ethel M. Gildersleeve 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 62% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,087 students
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle serves the southern part of Newport News, VA, covering an area of approximately 12.1 square miles. Families living within this zone can expect a typical drive to the school of about 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 2.4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance area.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School's student population of 1,087 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,087 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
73 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2001
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ethel M. Gildersleeve 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 Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is 0.73, which is more 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
#1276 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)58%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)46%
59%
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
23%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
33%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
32%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
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)13.5%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
5%
6%
Showing 2010–2021. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School's ranking?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is ranked #1276 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School often compared to?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mary Passage Middle School, Homer L. Hines Middle School, Crittenden Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School?
1,087 students attend Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School students are Black, 32% of students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What grades does Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School offer ?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School part of?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School located?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is located in the Central Newport News neighborhood of Newport News, VA. There are 5 other public schools located in Central Newport News.
School Reviews
Review Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School. 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.
