Serving 2,046 students in grades 9-12, Kempsville 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 40-49% (which is lower than 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 17:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,046 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Kempsville High serves the northwest part of Virginia Beach, VA, encompassing an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2 miles to the zone's edge and the furthest point being 3.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kempsville High School's student population of 2,046 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 117 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,046 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
117 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1966
School Calendar
School Rankings
Kempsville 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 Kempsville High School is 0.70, 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
#1097 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)78%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
45%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.2%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
School Mascot
Chiefs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kempsville High School's ranking?
Kempsville High School is ranked #1097 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Kempsville High School often compared to?
Kempsville High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like First Colonial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% 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 Kempsville High School?
The graduation rate of Kempsville High School is 90%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Kempsville High School?
2,046 students attend Kempsville High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Kempsville High School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kempsville High School?
Kempsville High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kempsville High School offer ?
Kempsville High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Kempsville High School part of?
Kempsville High School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Kempsville is trying to pass itself as a tech school, but going about it poorly. The 2014-2015 school year, KHS gave Freshman tablets. Only the Freshman. The following years, both 9th and 10th graders got them. This year, only the 12th graders are without tablets. Many of the classes are mixed grades, so, expecting the majority of students to have school-issued devices, teachers are requiring them for the class and 12th graders are left to provide one themselves. With two classes requiring it, and not being able to afford to just go buy electronics on the spot I have to take my brother's iPad from him
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