For the 2026-27 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,640 students in 23224, VA (there are 3 private schools, serving 172 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 23224, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in 23224, VA are J.l. Francis Elementary School, Swansboro Elementary School and Blackwell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 23224 have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Virginia public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in 23224, VA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 23224, VA Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
J.l. Francis Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5146 Snead Rd
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 745-3702
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 745-3702
Gr: PK-5 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #22.
Swansboro Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3160 Midlothian Tnpk
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5030
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5030
Gr: PK-5 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Blackwell Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1600 Everett St
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5078
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5078
Gr: PK-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
River City Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6300 Hull Street Rd
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 272-7554
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 272-7554
Gr: 6-8 | 1,150 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Cardinal Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1745 Catalina Dr
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5082
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5082
Gr: PK-5 | 821 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Oak Grove/bellemeade Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2409 Webber Avenue
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5008
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 780-5008
Gr: PK-5 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
23224, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6300 Hull Street Rd
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 745-3600
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 745-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 23224, VA?
The top-ranked public schools in 23224, VA include J.l. Francis Elementary School, Swansboro Elementary School and Blackwell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 23224?
7 public schools are located in 23224.
What percentage of students in 23224 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 23224 are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in 23224?
23224 public schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.