Western Branch High School is a suburban high school in Chesapeake, Virginia, United States. Established in 1968, it currently has over 2100 students. The two feeder schools of WBHS are Joliff Middle School and Western Branch Middle School.
Serving 2,138 students in grades 9-12, Western Branch High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 83% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 84% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,138 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Btm 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 83% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 84% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 77% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Western Branch High serves the northwest part of Chesapeake, VA, covering an area of approximately 28.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 7.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Western Branch High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Western Branch High School's student population of 2,138 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 147 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,138 students
Total Classroom Teachers
147 teachers
Year Founded
1968
School Motto
We inspire, engage, and empower all learners to achieve their highest potential.
School Rankings
Western Branch High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Western Branch High School is 0.69, 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
#241 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)84%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)77%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
3%
8%
Hispanic
9%
20%
Black
39%
21%
White
38%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.8%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue, Gold
School Mascot
Bruins
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Branch High School's ranking?
Western Branch High School is ranked #241 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Western Branch High School often compared to?
Western Branch High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Grassfield High School, Hickory High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
83% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Western Branch High School?
The graduation rate of Western Branch High School is 88%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Western Branch High School?
2,138 students attend Western Branch High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Western Branch High School students are Black, 38% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Western Branch High School?
Western Branch High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Western Branch High School offer ?
Western Branch High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Western Branch High School part of?
Western Branch High School is part of Chesapeake City School District.
In what neighborhood is Western Branch High School located?
Western Branch High School is located in the Western Branch North neighborhood of Chesapeake, VA. There are 3 other public schools located in Western Branch North.
School Reviews
Review Western Branch High 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
