Serving 299 students in grades 5-8, James H. Cary Intermediate 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 54% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 299 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
James H. Cary Intermediate's student population of 299 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
299 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Rankings
James H. Cary Intermediate 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 James H. Cary Intermediate 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
#1526 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)51%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)15-19%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
7%
20%
Black
53%
21%
White
25%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
10%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James H. Cary Intermediate's ranking?
James H. Cary Intermediate is ranked #1526 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are James H. Cary Intermediate often compared to?
James H. Cary Intermediateis often viewed alongside schools like Essex High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend James H. Cary Intermediate?
299 students attend James H. Cary Intermediate.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of James H. Cary Intermediate students are Black, 25% of students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James H. Cary Intermediate?
James H. Cary Intermediate has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does James H. Cary Intermediate offer ?
James H. Cary Intermediate offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James H. Cary Intermediate part of?
James H. Cary Intermediate is part of Essex County School District.
School Reviews
Review James H. Cary Intermediate. 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
