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Norfolk Public Schools Records Mixed Results in Performance on Virginia Standards of Learning Tests for 2025-2026

Norfolk Public Schools Records Mixed Results in Performance on Virginia Standards of Learning Tests for 2025-2026

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2026
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tiffany Whitfield, Communications and Community Engagement 
757-628-3470
NPSNews@nps.k12.va.us

Norfolk, VA – On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2026, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released the summary report data for school division performance for the 2025-2026 school year. Norfolk Public Schools’ students saw mixed performances on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests during this timeframe. There was minimal loss in Reading, Mathematics, and Science SOL’s. However, there were notable gains in History SOL’s.

“These results make clear that we have work to do, and we own that work; I have great confidence in the people of Norfolk Public Schools, and every day I see talented and committed educators doing great work for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Rose. “At the same time, there is a gap between the potential we know exists across our schools and the results we are seeing, and it is our responsibility to close that gap.”

Results Summary in comparing pass rates from 2024-2025 and the 2025-2026 school years:

  • 41% of all NPS schools either maintained or experienced an increase in the annual pass rates for Reading. Annual pass rates for Reading of all students had a minimal decrease of 1 percentage point when compared to 2024-2025 pass rates.
  • 56% of NPS schools recorded an increase in the annual pass rate for Mathematics. Annual pass rates for mathematics for all student groups minimally decreased by 3 percentage points. All students did not decline below the pass rates from the 2023-2024 tested year.
  • 44% of NPS schools recorded an increase in the annual pass rate for Science. Annual pass rates for science for all student subgroups minimally declined with a 1 percentage point decrease for all students.
  • 73% of schools either maintained or increased the pass rate for History when compared to the prior school year. Annual pass rates for history showed improvement of 3 percentage points for all students and varying levels of improvements for all reported student groups. Since the 2020-21 school year, all students have either maintained or shown improvement in History pass rates annually.

According to Dr. Rose, “We believe deeply in our students and our people, and we are putting stronger systems, supports, and resources in place to help turn that potential into more consistent results across every school.”

Individual Schools Recorded Promising Gains:

  • Four of the school division’s middle schools demonstrated a 100% pass rate for Algebra I, Crossroads School, Lake Taylor School, Ruffner Academy, and Southside STEM Academy at Campostella.
  • One school demonstrated five years of continued maintenance and improvement of pass rates for Reading, Lindenwood Elementary School.
  • Multiple schools made double digit gains in Reading.
  • Five schools have demonstrated five years of continued maintenance and improvement of pass rates for Mathematics: Jacox Elementary School, Larrymore Elementary School, Little Creek Elementary School, Norview Elementary School (closed at the end of the 2025-2026 school year due to Consolidation Plan Phase I) and Richard Bowling Elementary School.
  • Multiple schools made double digit gains in Mathematics.
  • Two schools have demonstrated five years of continued improvement regarding pass rates for Science SOL’s: Jacox Elementary School and Southside STEM Academy.
  • Multiple schools made double digit gains in Science.
  • Two schools have demonstrated five years of continued maintenance and improvement of pass rates for History SOL’s: Granby High School and Southside STEM Academy at Campostella.
  • Multiple schools made double digit gains in History.

Of the content areas, Reading and Mathematics continues to be an area of focus for schools and students. Although there were gains for many schools in varying areas, consistent year-over-year improvement will be the forefront of the work at Norfolk Public Schools.

Strategies to Improve Student and School Performance Next School Year

  • Strengthen consistent implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction, so all students engage with rigorous, grade-level content across subjects.
  • Build students’ foundational literacy and mathematics skills, including decoding, vocabulary, fluency, number sense, reasoning, and problem-solving.
  • Deepen students’ ability to read, write, discuss, and think critically using evidence from complex texts, historical sources, scientific investigations, and mathematical tasks.
  • Use formative, school-level, and standards-aligned assessment data to identify learning gaps, provide targeted support and intervention, and monitor student progress.
  • Expand professional learning, collaborative planning, and instructional coaching to support teachers in delivering engaging, student-centered instruction and responding effectively to student needs.
  • School Support Levels to support the improvement of student outcomes.

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