Serving 1,727 students in grades 9-12, First Colonial High 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 50-59% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher 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 45% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,727 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 76% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: First Colonial High serves the northern part of Virginia Beach, VA, covering an area of approximately 17.5 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive to the school, and the furthest edge of the zone located about 5.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
First Colonial High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
First Colonial High School's student population of 1,727 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 94 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,727 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Year Founded
1966
School Rankings
First Colonial High 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 First Colonial High School is 0.64, 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
#921 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)81%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. View full 12-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)76%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Asian
3%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Hispanic
17%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Black
17%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
55%
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
Graduation Rate
91%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-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 First Colonial High School's ranking?
First Colonial High School is ranked #921 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are First Colonial High School often compared to?
First Colonial High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Frank W. Cox High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of First Colonial High School?
The graduation rate of First Colonial High School is 91%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend First Colonial High School?
1,727 students attend First Colonial High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of First Colonial High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of First Colonial High School?
First Colonial High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does First Colonial High School offer ?
First Colonial High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is First Colonial High School part of?
First Colonial High School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
In what neighborhood is First Colonial High School located?
First Colonial High School is located in the North Virginia Beach neighborhood of Virginia Beach, VA. There are 9 other public schools located in North Virginia Beach.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
Manannan I'm only in 10th grade I hate this school so much I DEFINITELY don't recommend your children will hate it. Thank me later.
5 10/10/2025
I graduated in 2015. The school is on the older side, but they make it up by having the best staff. There are so many after-school activities and it's at the real beach school. Highly recommend for students who want to be prepared for the future. This school teaches you what you need to succeed. FC prepared me well for college and now my job.
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