Serving 492 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Richard Bowling 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 35-39% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 492 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Richard Bowling Elementary serves the southern part of Norfolk, VA, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Parents can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 1.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richard Bowling Elementary School's student population of 492 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
492 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Richard Bowling 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 Richard Bowling Elementary School is 0.22, 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
#1738 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)30%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. View full 12-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤10%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
5%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 31-year historical data
Black
88%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
3%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.5%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. View full 17-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Bowling Elementary School's ranking?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is ranked #1738 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Richard Bowling Elementary School often compared to?
Richard Bowling Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bay View Elementary School, Jacox Elementary School, Coleman Place Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Richard Bowling Elementary School?
492 students attend Richard Bowling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Richard Bowling Elementary School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Richard Bowling Elementary School?
Richard Bowling Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Richard Bowling Elementary School offer ?
Richard Bowling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Richard Bowling Elementary School part of?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is part of Norfolk City School District.
In what neighborhood is Richard Bowling Elementary School located?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is located in the Broad Creek neighborhood of Norfolk, VA.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
I have been dealing with richard bowling elementary school since last year, my son has been bullied ALL YEAR. And he is only in kindergarten!! Students are hitting him, slapping him,calling him names. It got to the point to where he would cry because he didn't want to go to school, he would tell me that he didn't feel like anyone loved him or cared for him at the school and that he was scared of some of his class mates. I just pulled him out of the school two weeks early because it has gotten so bad. His teacher was great but the schools approach on bullying and their "zero tolerance for bullying" is a joke. He will not be coming back next year, I will drive him to an out of district school. I don't feel like it's a safe environment for children who are dealing with bullies.
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