Serving 465 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, L.f. Palmer Elementary 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 49% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower 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 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 465 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: L.F. Palmer Elementary serves the southeast part of Newport News, VA, encompassing an area of approximately 4.3 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive, with an average distance of 7.3 miles to the zone's edge, which extends up to 10.1 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
L.f. Palmer Elementary School's student population of 465 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
465 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
The Palmer School Community is committed to all students becoming productive citizens.
School Rankings
L.f. Palmer Elementary 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 L.f. Palmer Elementary 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1629 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)42%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)20-24%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
43%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
41%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
7%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
9%
6%
Showing 2007–2016. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L.f. Palmer Elementary School's ranking?
L.f. Palmer Elementary School is ranked #1629 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are L.f. Palmer Elementary School often compared to?
L.f. Palmer Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School, B.c. Charles Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend L.f. Palmer Elementary School?
465 students attend L.f. Palmer Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of L.f. Palmer Elementary School students are Hispanic, 41% of students are Black, 7% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of L.f. Palmer Elementary School?
L.f. Palmer Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does L.f. Palmer Elementary School offer ?
L.f. Palmer Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is L.f. Palmer Elementary School part of?
L.f. Palmer Elementary School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is L.f. Palmer Elementary School located?
L.f. Palmer Elementary School is located in the Central Newport News neighborhood of Newport News, VA. There are 5 other public schools located in Central Newport News.
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