Top 9 Virginia School Districts to Buy a Home

If you’re looking for a new home in Virginia and want to make sure your children are getting an excellent education, you’ll want to know which school districts are the best in the state. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors®, 24% of home buyers said that school quality was important when looking for a new home.

The good news is that Virginia has plenty of great school districts to choose from. Overall, the state’s pre-K-12 education system was ninth nationally for 2024, a testament to its rigor and quality. The 133 public school districts serve 1.25 million students each year.

So which Virginia school districts are the best? We looked at independent media sources and the Department of Education’s School Quality Reports data to pinpoint nine of the frequently top-performing districts. Here are a few Virginia school districts that top the list:

Falls Church City Public Schools

This district consistently ranks as one of the best in Virginia, and for a good reason. The Falls Church City Public Schools are some of the highest-performing in the state, with strong test scores and graduation rates. The district serves about 3,000 students and covers an area of just over two square miles.

Falls Church City runs five schools from preschool to grade 12 with a premier IB continuum curriculum. It is the only district offering IB curriculum to all students in the state and one of just nine in the US. It prides itself on small class sizes and its inclusive special education.

Elementary students are split into grades K-2 and 3-5 in different schools. It had a 98% graduation rate in 2022, with proficiency rates above 90% in reading and math. Over 81% of 2022 students passed IB tests. The district also exceeded the state averages in Virginia assessments by 20+ percentage points in all tests: reading, writing, history, math, and science.

Meridian High School ranked 7th statewide in 2024. Like much of the district, it has an IB curriculum, with 91% of students taking at least one IB exam. Students can graduate with a standard or advanced studies diploma.

Falls Church City is in Virginia’s Washington Metropolitan Area west of Arlington, just minutes from the nation’s capital. It is the smallest incorporated municipality in Virginia. In the 2020 Census, only 14,600 people lived in the city. Nonetheless, Falls Church City Public Schools proves small cities can deliver excellent opportunities for youth to excel.

Fairfax County Public Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools is Virginia’s largest school division, with over 188,000 students. It’s also one of the largest school districts in the nation and has a robust collection of top-rated schools. The district runs 221 schools from preschool to grade 12.

Incredibly for its size, the district had a graduation rate of 95% in 2020, with 64% of students taking an advanced studies diploma. It also managed a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Fairfax County was ranked as the 4th best school system in Virginia and has been recognized for having one of the most challenging high schools in the US. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology regularly repeats as Virginia’s top high school and makes the top 25 in the nation. In 2024, the magnet school was 14th. This isn’t just a STEM school; students have research labs in astrophysics and courses in DNA.  

Langley High School also ranks well; second statewide in 2024 and no. 128 nationally. Around 81% of its students enroll in AP courses and 70% have passed at least one test. Fairfax County School District had the 4-6th best high schools in Virginia for 2024.

Fairfax County is Virginia’s most populous county, with a population of over 1.2 million. The county is just outside Washington, DC. It is home to several large corporations and government agencies. Local cities include Fairfax, Alexandria, and Reston.

The overall cost of living is higher here. In exchange, you’re living in a high-demand area with multiple dining, arts and entertainment, shopping, and real estate options. Plus, it is one of the nation’s best school systems.

Arlington Public Schools (APS)

Arlington’s school district has a long tradition of excellence, dating back to the 1800s. Arlington Public Schools is the state’s 12th largest district. Washington Post ranked it in the top 2% of districts in the nation on its Challenge Index in 2022. Niche.com called it the best place to teach in Virginia and ranked it the state’s no. 2 school district.

APS runs 40 schools from preschool to grade 12, serving over 27,000 students. The 24 elementary schools funnel into six middle schools, one secondary grades 6-12, four high schools, and four other programs. The district has a graduation rate of 95%, with 83% of students taking at least one college-level course. The school quality profile shows the district exceeded Virginia averages in student testing. Like many top systems, it has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, with various programs and resources for students of all backgrounds.

Arlington often ranks as one of the top places to live, but the high cost of living is a downside. Costs are high because of its prime location. This urban community is just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, so housing in Arlington is highly desirable. Plus, Arlington was one of the first communities to have LEED Platinum certification, in part because of its sustainable urban planning. It’s not just a concrete jungle, but a well-rounded community.  Residents have miles of outdoor trails at the area’s parks. A thriving arts and culture scene, many historical attractions, and hundreds of dining and shopping options add to its quality of life. Other perks include a relatively low crime rate, low unemployment, and high outdoor recreation access.

York County School Division

The York County School Division’s high test scores and graduation rates propel it to be among the best schools in Virginia. York County runs 19 schools from preschool to grade 12, serving over 13,000 students. It runs ten elementary schools, four middle and high schools, and one charter school.

The district’s graduation rate was 96% in 2020, with 64% of students graduating with an advanced studies diploma. The DOE school quality profile shows that it exceeds Virginia state assessment averages, usually by 10 points or better. Students have magnet programs in arts, math, science, and technology. Advanced studies are available through dual-credit courses, IB and AP classes, and Career and Technical education.

York County is inside Virginia’s historic triangle, about halfway between Richmond and Virginia Beach on the Virginia Peninsula. The triangle includes Jamestown and Williamsburg. York County has a long tradition of excellence in education. It is home to the College of William & Mary, Virginia’s second-oldest college. Its top-rated schools reflect the community’s commitment to academic rigor and excellence.

Even with all these amenities, and bordering urban centers like Newport News, York County retains a more rural feel. Its temperate climate is ideal for enjoying access to the York River and the Chesapeake Bay beyond. Outdoor recreation is available all year. It has over 200 miles of coastline, so waterfront living is an option. A low cost of living is paired with a strong local economy, with the Port of Hampton Roads and the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station nearby.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools is one of Virginia’s largest school divisions, with over 63,000 students. Virginia Beach City is the only division in the state with all its high schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools runs 86 schools from preschool to grade 12. The district has a graduation rate of 94%, with 54% of students receiving an advanced studies diploma. The Virginia school district profile shows it above average in state testing across all categories. In 2023, Niche.com ranked Virginia Beach City as the fifth-best school system in Virginia.

Schools like Ocean Lakes High School have a Math and Science Academy. An Entrepreneurship and Business Academy with three areas of study is available at Kempsville High School. The Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School has eight languages for study, including Arabic and German. The IB program is available at Princess Anne High and Plaza Middle School.

Virginia Beach is an independent city on the southeastern coast of Virginia near the North Carolina border. It is Virginia’s most populous city, with over 450,000 residents.

Its miles of beaches, parks, and golf courses make it a vacation destination. Attractions include museums like the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Aquarium. Residents have a thriving dining scene, many festivals, and an arts scene to keep them busy. The scenery, climate, and outdoor fun draw people from all over to call the town home.

Albemarle County Public Schools

A more rural district, Albemarle County runs 26 schools from preschool to grade 12, serving over 14,000 students. It has a community charter school and career learning communities to address a range of learning needs.

The district’s graduation rate was 92% in 2023, with 52% of students earning an advanced studies diploma. Specialty school programs include Environmental Science, Health and Medical Science, and a STEM Academy. There’s even a Post-High School for 18-22-year-olds with disabilities to help them with independent living and vocational skills.

Albemarle County is located in central Virginia, west of Richmond. It is a largely rural county with a population of over 115,000. Even though it may be a large city, locals have convenient access to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and many historical sites.

Albemarle County’s appeal is its small-town feel and charming scenery. Living in town affords an urban lifestyle, but you can live on a homestead or farm without being too far from modern entertainment and shopping options.

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools runs 16 schools from preschool to grade 12. It is one of Virginia’s smaller school districts, with just over 11,000 students. While run by an independent government, the city of Williamsburg does co-operate schools with James City County.

The district’s graduation rate was 93% in 2023, with 54% earning the advanced studies diploma. About 80% of students tested proficient in reading and math. Students access rigorous options like an International Baccalaureate program and a Governor’s School for the Arts. High school students have dual enrollment and AP courses as an option. Its Healthy Lifestyle program earned an award from the 2024 Virginia Schools Boards’ Associations Food for Thought competition.

Williamsburg is Virginia’s oldest incorporated city, dating back to 1699. It is in the Hampton Roads region. Over 16,000 residents call this popular tourist destination home, while some 81,000 live in James City County. People know Williamsburg for its historic sites, like Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown.

Overall, James City County blends urban and ruralidents have a bevy of urban entertainment amenit lifestyles. Resies, but quiet neighborhoods are within reach. Find championship golf, many dining options, the upscale shopping amenities of a tourist town, and world-class cultural attractions. Miles of hiking and biking trails add to the recreational choices.

West Point Public Schools

West Point Public Schools operates two schools, PreK-5 and 6-12. It is located in Virginia’s Tidewater region, a less populated part of the state, and serves just over 800 students.

WPPS is unique in that its student body comprises students who live both in and outside the district, somewhere else in King William County. Of the total population, 19% of students’ families pay tuition to attend West Point Schools.

The district’s graduation rate was 94% in 2023, and over 90% of students scored proficient on reading and math exams. Around 44% of its students accessed dual enrollment programs. Overall, the district exceeds state averages in the school quality profiles. The student-to-teacher ratio is low, reaching 14:1 in the secondary school setting.

West Point is a small town on the Virginia peninsula where the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers meet to form the York River. About 3,400 residents live here and enjoy a rural, waterfront lifestyle. October’s Crab Carnival is one of the town’s signature events and a big draw across Virginia.

Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun County Public Schools is Virginia’s third-largest school division. Over 82,000 students attends one of 98 schools from preschool to grade 12. It breaks down into 18 high schools, 17 middle schools, 59 elementary schools, and two charter schools.

The district reported a 97% graduate rate in 2024, with over 60% of students taking an advanced studies diploma. All 16 of its high schools earned national ranking with US News and World Report. Among its programs is a dual language immersion program for kindergarteners and two high schools pursuing IB authorization. The district also is sustainable conscious, earning the Sustained Excellence Award for 12 years running from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Loudoun County is Virginia’s second-most populous county, with over 430,000 people. It is in northern Virginia, west of Washington, DC, and beside Fairfax County. Major cities include Leesburg, Sterling, and Ashburn.

A number of large corporations and government agencies drive the local job market. So does a thriving high-tech sector. According to the Loudoun County Economic Development Department, 70% of global internet traffic passes through “Data Center Alley” in Virginia’s Loudoun County. 

According to SmartAsset.com, Loudoun County is the happiest county in America. The site uses an index that evaluates factors including physical well-being, family stability, and economic security.  

Virginia’s Top-Rated Schools

As you can see, Virginia’s best school districts deliver big on high achievement standards and present rigorous learning opportunities. It’s no wonder Virginia is a national leader in education. When you’re ready to buy a Virginia home, consider one in these top-rated school districts.

FAQs

Is Chesterfield County Public Schools a good school district?

Based on school data from 2023, all of its schools but four of 66 earned accredited status. Overall student performance in state testing has been near the state averages, usually slightly below. For example, in 2023-2024, the school district’s history score was 64, whereas the state average was 65. Around 56% of graduating seniors earned advanced diplomas. Find Chesterfield County and its school district southwest of Richmond with the suburbs of Bon Air, Midlothian, and Manchester.

Is Henrico County Public Schools a good school district?

Only 11 of 68 schools did not earn accredited status in 2023-2024. For testing, Henrico students tied the state average in writing, exceeded it in science, and were slightly below in all other areas. About 55% earned advanced diplomas out of a 91% on-time graduation rate. Just over a third of students took AP classes. The school district is outside of Richmond and has the suburbs of Montrose and Highland Springs.

How are Chesapeake Public Schools?

Chesapeake City Public Schools had only three not earn accredited status out of 48. In state testing, students exceeded average schools in every assessment. About 92% of high school seniors graduated on time and 56% earned advanced diplomas. The school district covers the Chesapeake City area.

Does Augusta County have quality schools?

All schools in the Augusta County Public District achieve “accredited” status in 2023-2024. Student test scores show underperforming writing scores, but it exceeded the state in history, science, and math. 

Updated August 2024