John Handley High School is an endowed public high school located in the city of Winchester, Virginia. It is a part of Winchester Public Schools. It was founded by a grant from Judge John Handley, hence the school mascot, the Judges.
Serving 1,361 students in grades 9-12, John Handley High School ranks in the top 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 65-69% (which is approximately equal to the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,361 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: John Handley High's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Winchester, VA, encompassing approximately 9.3 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 3.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
John Handley High School's student population of 1,361 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 41% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,361 students
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1923
Colors
White, Maroon
School Rankings
John Handley High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John Handley High School is 0.67, 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
#686 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)78%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)54%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
45%
20%
Black
9%
21%
White
35%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Judges
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Handley High School's ranking?
John Handley High School is ranked #686 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are John Handley High School often compared to?
John Handley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like James Wood High School, Millbrook High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of John Handley High School?
The graduation rate of John Handley High School is 87%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend John Handley High School?
1,361 students attend John Handley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of John Handley High School students are Hispanic, 35% of students are White, 9% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Handley High School?
John Handley High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does John Handley High School offer ?
John Handley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John Handley High School part of?
John Handley High School is part of Winchester City School District.
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