Heritage High School, established in 1996, is a public school in Newport News, Virginia. The school is home to the Heritage Hurricanes, and its colors are maroon and silver.
Serving 1,106 students in grades 9-12, Heritage 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 55-59% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% 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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,106 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Heritage High serves the southeast part of Newport News, VA, covering an attendance area of approximately 8 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 1.6 miles from the school to the edge of the zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Heritage High School's student population of 1,106 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental virtual)
(Supplemental virtual)
Total Students
1,106 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
School Rankings
Heritage 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 Heritage High School is 0.41, 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
#1171 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)67%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
75%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
White
5%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
89%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)37.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
8%
6%
Showing 2007–2016. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Maroon, Silver
School Mascot
Hurricanes
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heritage High School's ranking?
Heritage High School is ranked #1171 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Heritage High School often compared to?
Heritage High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Menchville High School, Denbigh High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Heritage High School?
The graduation rate of Heritage High School is 89%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Heritage High School?
1,106 students attend Heritage High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Heritage High School students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Heritage High School?
Heritage High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Heritage High School offer ?
Heritage High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental virtual).
What school district is Heritage High School part of?
Heritage High School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Heritage High School located?
Heritage High School 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
5 1/31/2026
I was honestly nervous about my child attending this school, but they''ve made impressive strides as a student here. The support has been incredible. My only issue has been the extreme security measures, but that''s something that the entire district has done so I can''t blame the school for the incompetency of the board. My child actually wants to go to school (most of the time, still a teenager). They''ve gotten involved in extracurriculars, and I''ve really been impressed by how much more responsible they''ve become and how they''ve learned to advocate for themselves. I''m not going to pretend like everything''s perfect, because there are many issues in the school system, but Heritage has impressed me with how well they''ve done despite them. For contrast, I have had children in other NNPS high schools, and the experiences were horrible.
Review Heritage High 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
