Nansemond River High School is a public secondary school in Suffolk, Virginia, United States. It opened in September 1990 and originally consisted of students from two of the three former high schools of Suffolk, now middle schools, John F. Kennedy Middle School and John Yeates Middle School.
Serving 1,681 students in grades 9-12, Nansemond River High School ranks in the top 30% 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 87% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,681 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 87% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nansemond River High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Nansemond River High School's student population of 1,681 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,681 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1990
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Creating Achievers: From Classroom to Community
School Mascot
Wildcats
School Rankings
Nansemond River High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nansemond River High 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
#524 out of 1773 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)87%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)68%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
8%
19%
Black
51%
22%
White
31%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nansemond River High School's ranking?
Nansemond River High School is ranked #524 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Nansemond River High School often compared to?
Nansemond River High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like King's Fork High School, Lakeland 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 87% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Nansemond River High School?
The graduation rate of Nansemond River High School is 91%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Nansemond River High School?
1,681 students attend Nansemond River High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Nansemond River High School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nansemond River High School?
Nansemond River High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Nansemond River High School offer ?
Nansemond River High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Nansemond River High School part of?
Nansemond River High School is part of Suffolk City School District.
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