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 1,683 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 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,683 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- 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 1,683 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,683 students
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1990
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Calendar
School Motto
Creating Achievers: From Classroom to Community
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 0.66, 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
3%
8%
Hispanic
10%
20%
Black
49%
21%
White
30%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.7%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
57%
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
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?
1,683 students attend Nansemond River High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Nansemond River High School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 3% 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.
School Reviews
Review Nansemond River High School. 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
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
