For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,863 students in Portsmouth, VA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA are Churchland Middle School, William E. Waters Middle School and Cradock Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Portsmouth, VA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Virginia public middle school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Middle schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public middle school average of 54% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Portsmouth, VA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Churchland Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4051 River Shore Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 686-2512
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 686-2512
Gr: 7-8 | 798 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
William E. Waters Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 Roosevelt Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 558-2813
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 558-2813
Gr: 7-8 | 549 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Cradock Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
21 Alden Ave
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8788
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8788
Gr: 7-8 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Portsmouth, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Cradock Technical & Career Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
4300 George Washington Highway
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8117
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8117
401 West Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 393-8791
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 393-8791
Gr: PK | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
2200 Piedmont Ave.
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-5247
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 393-5247
Gr: PK | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Excel Campus High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
1401 Elmhurst Ln
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 465-2958
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 465-2958
Gr: 12 | 141 students Minority enrollment: 82%
3701 Willett Dr
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 393-8806
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 393-8806
Gr: 6-8 | 1,117 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Portsmouth Re-ed (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
2801 Turnpike Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 399-4306
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 399-4306
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA include Churchland Middle School, William E. Waters Middle School and Cradock Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Portsmouth?
3 public middle schools are located in Portsmouth.
What is the racial composition of students in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth public middle schools minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public middle schools average of 54% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Portsmouth include: William E. Waters Middle School vs. Churchland Middle School, Cradock Middle School vs. Churchland Middle School, Churchland Middle School vs. William E. Waters Middle School
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