First Colonial High School

1272 Mill Dam Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
First Colonial High School is a high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is a part of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, serving 1,732 students.
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 (2026)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,727 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : 91% (Top 50% in VA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 50-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : 81% (Top 30%)
  • : 76% (Top 20%)
  • 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

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)
Total Students
1,727 students
Total Classroom Teachers
94 teachers
Year Founded
1966
Colors
Gold, Columbia blue
School Calendar
School Motto
Alma Mater: All hail to thee, our Alma Mater Lift your praises high Carry your glory onward As the years go by.

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.
This School
State Level (VA)
#921 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
50-59%
68%
(20-21)
81%
69%
(20-21)
76%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
8%
Hispanic
17%
20%
Black
17%
21%
White
55%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
0.64
91%
89%
(22-23)
24.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
School Statewide Testing
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 89%.
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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Anonymous
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.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Jonathan D

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,727 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : 91% (Top 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 50-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : 81% (Top 30%)
  • : 76% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education

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