Oscar F. Smith High School is a public high school with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students in grades 9-12. The school is located on a 43-acre campus in the Greenbrier West area of the city of Chesapeake, Virginia, United States.
Serving 2,264 students in grades 9-12, Oscar F. Smith High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 77% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,264 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 77% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 62% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: OSCAR F SMITH HIGH serves the northeast part of Chesapeake, VA, covering an area of approximately 24.4 square miles. Families within the zone can typically expect a drive of about 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being 8.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Oscar F. Smith High School's student population of 2,264 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 178 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,264 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
178 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
School Motto
We inspire, engage, and empower all learners to achieve their highest potential.
School Rankings
Oscar F. Smith 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 Oscar F. Smith High School is 0.65, 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
#561 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)62%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
54%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
17%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
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
81%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
5%
Showing 2013–2022. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Mascot
Tiger
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oscar F. Smith High School's ranking?
Oscar F. Smith High School is ranked #561 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Oscar F. Smith High School often compared to?
Oscar F. Smith High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Indian River High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
77% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Oscar F. Smith High School?
The graduation rate of Oscar F. Smith High School is 81%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Oscar F. Smith High School?
2,264 students attend Oscar F. Smith High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Oscar F. Smith High School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Oscar F. Smith High School?
Oscar F. Smith High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Oscar F. Smith High School offer ?
Oscar F. Smith High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Oscar F. Smith High School part of?
Oscar F. Smith High School is part of Chesapeake City School District.
In what neighborhood is Oscar F. Smith High School located?
Oscar F. Smith High School is located in the Greenbrier West neighborhood of Chesapeake, VA. There are 1 other public schools located in Greenbrier West.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I am a graduate from Oscar Smith and have nothing but high marks for this school. It is a school that prides itself on high academics and pride. I believe the only students that fail in this environment are the students who chose to fail and whose parents allow them to do so. I enjoyed the structured environment and loved that I was given challenges and was rewarded for my achievments. Oscar Smith High School is a wonderful learning environment if you allow it to influence you.
5 10/10/2025
Oscar Smith is truly an education for all environment. The diversity in the school is vast, and so is the attention to supporting every childs' needs. One student in the IB program is pushed to succeed and given the tools and support to do so from every staff member, yet at the same time, another student needing extra support just to pass the basic requirements is given that same time and attention. Smith does right by ALL students!
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