Serving 448 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Richard T. Yates 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 54% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 448 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Richard T. Yates Elementary serves the southeast area of Newport News, VA, covering approximately 3.3 square miles. Families in the zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 9.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richard T. Yates Elementary School's student population of 448 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
448 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
2007
School Calendar
School Rankings
Richard T. Yates 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 T. Yates Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#1419 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)55-59%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)25-29%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
10%
20%
Black
38%
21%
White
40%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.6%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard T. Yates Elementary School's ranking?
Richard T. Yates Elementary School is ranked #1419 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Richard T. Yates Elementary School often compared to?
Richard T. Yates Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like B.c. Charles Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Richard T. Yates Elementary School?
448 students attend Richard T. Yates Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Richard T. Yates Elementary School students are White, 38% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Richard T. Yates Elementary School?
Richard T. Yates Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Richard T. Yates Elementary School offer ?
Richard T. Yates Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Richard T. Yates Elementary School part of?
Richard T. Yates Elementary School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Richard T. Yates Elementary School located?
Richard T. Yates Elementary School is located in the Yates neighborhood of Newport News, VA.
School Reviews
Review Richard T. Yates Elementary 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
