Best Portsmouth Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,928 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 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public middle school average of 53% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Portsmouth, VA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Churchland Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4051 River Shore Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 686-2512
Gr: 7-8 | 840 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #22.
William E. Waters Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Roosevelt Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 558-2813
Gr: 7-8 | 562 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
Cradock Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
21 Alden Ave
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8788
Gr: 7-8 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Portsmouth, Virginia

Portsmouth, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
4300 George Washington Highway
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8117
401 West Rd
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
Gr: PK | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
1401 Elmhurst Ln
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 465-2958
Gr: 12 | 141 students Minority enrollment: 82%
3701 Willett Dr
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

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 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public middle schools average of 53% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

The Experience of Being a New Student Mid-Year
The Experience of Being a New Student Mid-Year
Learn what students experience when transferring to a public school mid-year and how schools help new students adjust socially and academically.
How Public Schools Structure Free Periods or Study Time
How Public Schools Structure Free Periods or Study Time
Learn how public schools structure free periods or study time to support homework, tutoring, enrichment, and student independence.
The Role of Hallways, Common Areas, and Shared Spaces in Public Schools
The Role of Hallways, Common Areas, and Shared Spaces in Public Schools
Discover how hallways, cafeterias, libraries, and shared spaces shape student learning, safety, and school culture in public schools.

Quick Links