Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced that all district schools have achieved full accreditation under Virginia’s 2025–26 assessment and accountability model. The on-time graduation rate has risen to 97.26% in 2025, an increase from 93.56% in the previous year.
According to NNPS, Deer Park, General Stanford, and Hilton Elementary Schools earned a Distinguished rating in the performance category for the 2025–26 school year. Nearly half of Newport News schools received either a Distinguished or On Track designation, including all high schools. The division also reported an 18.18% overall decrease in chronic absenteeism compared with the 2023–24 school year. Sixteen schools reduced absenteeism by more than 20%, earning recognition from the Virginia Department of Education for innovative attendance improvement programs.
NNPS said that it reduced the number of schools requiring additional federal support by nearly half, despite five schools narrowly missing On Track status due to the Virginia Department of Education’s decision not to round accountability scores. Student performance improved across all core subjects, supported by strengthened Tier 1 instruction, evidence-based literacy practices, and a positive school culture. Notable gains were observed in science and social studies, including double-digit increases in Grade 8 science and Virginia and U.S. History and World History.
“I’m very proud of the work that all of our teachers, staff, and families put into our students last school year, and very pleased with the progress we’re making,” said NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. “It’s a pleasure to serve as their superintendent and to continue to build on all of our hard work.”
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools, which include early childhood centers as well as elementary, middle, high, and combination schools. Over 1,500 students speak a language other than English within the district. The district employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. NNPS offers early learning programs along with advanced science labs and educational technology to support student success. The district is governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent.
