VBCPS outlines school performance in year one of new state framework

News Release No. 003
Date: 12/9/25

Contact: Nicole Livas
Phone: 757.263.1075 | Fax: 757.263.1010

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The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released Standard of Learning (SOL) pass rate data on Aug. 27. The overall SOL pass rates for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) exceeded the state pass rates in all subject areas. Overall divisionwide pass rates in writing, history, and science showed increases between two and four percentage points compared to the year prior while the pass rates in reading and mathematics remained relatively stable. Student performance on the end-of-course assessments remained strong with pass rates exceeding 90% for Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, earth science, and reading. Data show encouraging gains across multiple subjects and grade levels, with several schools showing notable improvements.

“These results reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, and school leaders, as well as the targeted supports we have put in place,” said Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson Jr. “We are especially proud of the progress made by schools previously identified for improvement, which are now showing strong momentum across multiple content areas.”

While results are trending upward across multiple subjects, the division is especially focused on accelerating growth in reading and mathematics. VBCPS will continue to direct resources, provide targeted supports, and strengthen instruction to ensure that every student—particularly students with disabilities, English learners, and African American students—has the opportunity to thrive.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has released school results under Virginia’s redesigned two-part model, which separates Accreditation from the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). These measures provide a more detailed view of school quality and student outcomes across the state.

Accreditation

Accreditation in Virginia is no longer determined by SOL test scores, absenteeism rates or graduation rates. Instead, schools are assessed on compliance with operational and regulatory standards as defined in Section 300 of the Virginia Standards of Accreditation. All Virginia Beach City Public schools have met the requirements for Full Accreditation.

School Performance and Support Framework Results

Under the SPSF, elementary and middle schools earn an overall score based on student mastery, growth and readiness, and high schools earn an overall score based on student mastery, growth and graduation. Scores range from 0 to 100 and are used to assign the following performance categories:

• Distinguished: 90+
• On Track: 80-89
• Off Track: 65-79
• Needs Intensive Support: below 65

Once the overall framework scores are calculated, rules are applied to determine if the school meets federal requirements for additional support and assistance. The performance category of schools identified for additional support and assistance is lowered by one level. Before federal rules were applied, VBCPS had 19 Distinguished, 51 On Track, and 11 Off Track schools. After the federal rules were applied there were 19 schools identified as Distinguished, 39 as On Track, 14 as Off Track, and 9 as Needs Intensive Support.

Federal Support Identifications

Virginia identifies schools for varying levels of support based on two factors: overall school performance and performance among specific student groups. These federal designations are meant to ensure that schools receive the targeted assistance needed to improve outcomes for all students.

Schools may be identified for:

• Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI): Reserved for the lowest performing 5% of Title I schools statewide or high schools with graduation rates below 67%.
• Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI): Applied when one or more student groups—such as students with disabilities or English Learners—perform below federal benchmarks, even if the school performs well overall.

Under these criteria, no VBCPS schools were identified for CSI, and 21 elementary schools were identified for TSI, based primarily on performance among students with disabilities or English Learners. A TSI designation does not reflect overall school performance; it highlights where additional, focused support is needed.

Division Response

“I want to begin by recognizing our administrators and teachers, who continue to navigate significant changes to the state’s accountability system with professionalism and care,” said Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson Jr. “Their hard work shows up every day in our classrooms. These results help us understand where students are thriving and where additional support is needed. We remain committed to partnering with families to make the best decisions for students and to providing high-quality instruction that helps every child learn and grow.”

Central support teams at VBCPS are coordinating strategic, data-driven supports, while the VDOE will partner with schools identified as Off Track or Needing Intensive Support to help principals, teachers and other educators improve student outcomes.

Learn More

Detailed data on each school including information about a school’s federal identification status will be posted on the School Quality Profile. Federal identification status will also be posted on the Virginia Department of Education’s website under Schools Identified for Support and Improvement.

For additional information visit the Road to Readiness School Performance and Support Framework Resource Hub on the VDOE website.

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