Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Middle Schools in Norfolk, VA (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Norfolk Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public middle schools serving 7,817 students in Norfolk, VA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Norfolk, VA are Academy For Discovery At Lakewood, Ghent K-8 and Crossroads Prek-8 School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Norfolk, VA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the Virginia public middle school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 70% statewide average). Middle schools in Norfolk have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% 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 Norfolk, VA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Academy For Discovery At Lakewood
(Math: 81% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1701 Alsace Ave
Norfolk, VA 23509
(757) 628-2477
Gr: 3-8 | 739 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Ghent K-8
(Math: 77% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
200 Shirley Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 628-2565
Gr: K-8 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Crossroads Prek-8 School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8021 Old Ocean View Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23518
(757) 531-3050
Gr: PK-8 | 790 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #44.
Northside Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8720 Granby St
Norfolk, VA 23503
(757) 531-3150
Gr: 6-8 | 732 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #55.
Blair Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
730 Spotswood Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 628-2400
Gr: 6-8 | 1,141 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #66.
Azalea Gardens Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
7721 Azalea Garden Rd
Norfolk, VA 23518
(757) 531-3000
Gr: 6-8 | 792 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #77.
Norview Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
6325 Sewells Point Rd
Norfolk, VA 23513
(757) 852-4600
Gr: 6-8 | 1,196 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #88.
Lake Taylor
(Math: 41% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1380 Kempsville Rd
Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 892-3230
Gr: K-8 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #99.
Southside Stem Academy At Campostella
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1106 Campostella Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23523
(757) 628-2555
Gr: K-8 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1010.
Ruffner School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
610 May Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23504
(757) 628-2466
Gr: 3-8 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Kings Daughters Hosp. Ep.
Special Education School
601 Childrens Ln, Rob3
Norfolk, VA 23507
(757) 668-7061
Gr: PK-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Norfolk, VA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Norfolk, VA include Academy For Discovery At Lakewood, Ghent K-8 and Crossroads Prek-8 School.
How many public middle schools are located in Norfolk?
11 public middle schools are located in Norfolk.
What is the racial composition of students in Norfolk?
Norfolk public middle schools minority enrollment is 80% 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 Norfolk are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (VA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
 Virginia Top-Ranked Public Schools
Virginia Top-Ranked Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
 Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
 Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?

More Articles

Public School Policies
About Public Schools
Teaching
Public School Jobs
Evaluating Public Schools