For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,863 students in Portsmouth, VA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA are Churchland Middle School, William E. Waters Middle School and Cradock Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Portsmouth, VA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Virginia public middle school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 70% statewide average). Middle schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% 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 Portsmouth, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Churchland Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4051 River Shore Rd
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 686-2512
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 686-2512
Gr: 7-8 | 798 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
William E. Waters Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 Roosevelt Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 558-2813
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 558-2813
Gr: 7-8 | 549 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #33.
Cradock Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
21 Alden Ave
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8788
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(757) 393-8788
Gr: 7-8 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Portsmouth, VA include Churchland Middle School, William E. Waters Middle School and Cradock Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Portsmouth?
3 public middle schools are located in Portsmouth.
What is the racial composition of students in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth public middle schools minority enrollment is 85% 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 Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Portsmouth include: Cradock Middle School vs. Churchland Middle School, Churchland Middle School vs. Cradock Middle School, William E. Waters Middle School vs. Churchland Middle School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.