Serving 550 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southwestern Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 550 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwestern Elementary School's student population of 550 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
550 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southwestern Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwestern Elementary School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1211 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)50-54%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)20-29%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
12%
19%
Black
65%
22%
White
14%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
10%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Elementary School's ranking?
Southwestern Elementary School is ranked #1211 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Southwestern Elementary School?
550 students attend Southwestern Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Southwestern Elementary School students are Black, 14% of students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwestern Elementary School?
Southwestern Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Southwestern Elementary School offer ?
Southwestern Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwestern Elementary School part of?
Southwestern Elementary School is part of Chesapeake City Public Schools.
In what neighborhood is Southwestern Elementary School located?
Southwestern Elementary School is located in the Western Branch South neighborhood of Chesapeake, VA. There are 2 other public schools located in Western Branch South.
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