NNPS achieved record high on-time graduation rate of 98.06%
Published October 7, 2026
The Virginia Department of Education released 2025-2026 school accountability results, also known as the School Performance and Support Framework, on October 7.
The SPSF ratings include multiple indicators of school quality and student achievement, including mastery, growth in reading and mathematics, readiness, and high school graduation rates.
Newport News Public Schools had a record high on-time graduation rate of 98.06% for the Class of 2026, and a dropout rate of just 0.24%. The graduation rate has risen steadily and significantly, up from 97.26% in 2025 and 93.56% in 2024.
All Newport News Public Schools remain fully accredited for the second consecutive year under the current VDOE assessment and accountability criteria.
"We're very proud of all of the work our students and staff have put in to join together in an effort to see our students graduate prepared for their next steps," said Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. "All of the supports that we have in place along the way have been effective in our students succeeding academically and ultimately receiving their diplomas."
Booker T. Washington Middle School and Woodside High School joined Deer Park, General Stanford and Hilton Elementary Schools as the school division's Distinguished schools. The three elementary schools received the designation for the second consecutive year.
Currently 81%, 30 of 37 schools, in Newport News meet or exceed Virginia's academic performance expectations.
However, under Virginia's new accountability system, 25 NNPS schools received a lower overall designation based solely on the federal student-group accountability requirements -- not because of a decline in the schools' overall performance, according to Mitchell.
A total of 14 schools are categorized as either Distinguished or Meets Expectations, with 20 designated as Approaching Expectations and just three in the category of Needs Intensive Support.
"We believe it is important for our students, staff, and families to understand that distinction," Mitchell said. "NNPS remains committed to improving outcomes for every student, including student groups where achievement gaps exist. We will continue to focus our great work and resources on closing those gaps while also accurately communicating the significant academic progress we have shown across all of our schools."
