Serving 549 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southwestern Elementary School ranks in the bottom 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 71% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 549 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southwestern Elementary serves the northwest part of Chesapeake, VA, covering an area of approximately 12.1 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being 4.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwestern Elementary School's student population of 549 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
549 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwestern 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 Southwestern Elementary School is 0.48, 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
#1211 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)50-54%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)20-29%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
11%
20%
Black
70%
21%
White
13%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23.1%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
10%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Elementary School's ranking?
Southwestern Elementary School is ranked #1211 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Southwestern Elementary School often compared to?
Southwestern Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Western Branch Intermediate by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Southwestern Elementary School?
549 students attend Southwestern Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Southwestern Elementary School students are Black, 13% of students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwestern Elementary School?
Southwestern Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwestern Elementary School offer ?
Southwestern Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwestern Elementary School part of?
Southwestern Elementary School is part of Chesapeake City School District.
In what neighborhood is Southwestern Elementary School located?
Southwestern Elementary School is located in the Western Branch South neighborhood of Chesapeake, VA. There are 2 other public schools located in Western Branch South.
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