Fourteen Virginia Schools Exited Improvement Status
State performance results show most schools remain accredited while chronic absenteeism rates drop across the commonwealth.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Fourteen Virginia schools have exited state improvement status, according to the latest performance data released by the Virginia Department of Education. This update highlights a broader trend of stability across the commonwealth, where nearly all schools are currently fully accredited.
Why it matters
These performance ratings directly influence the school environment for families by tracking key metrics like student proficiency and graduation rates. Improving status indicates better academic outcomes and increased support for students within these local educational communities.
Fourteen schools statewide and six in Richmond exited improvement status, while 99 percent of schools across Virginia are now fully accredited. Additionally, 35 percent of Central Virginia schools saw their performance ratings rise compared to 14 percent that saw their ratings fall.
The players
Virginia Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing public education and determining school accreditation and performance ratings in Virginia.
The details
Schools across the commonwealth receive performance ratings based on a composite score derived from student proficiency, student growth, graduation rates, and absenteeism. To determine these categories, the department evaluates current achievement levels against established benchmarks. Improvements in these metrics allow schools to graduate from state improvement programs, while absenteeism remains a significant focus area given that three out of four schools saw drops in chronic absenteeism.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: VDOE released school performance results.
The Home Front
These results align with the state's ongoing commitment to the Virginia Board of Education accreditation standards for measuring student achievement. The data highlights a current push toward academic recovery, marked by 99 percent of schools meeting state accreditation requirements.
Check your local school's specific performance report on the VDOE website to see where it stands on growth and proficiency. Use these ratings to better understand the academic support your children receive and to track long-term trends in your school district.
The takeaway
The latest results show a positive shift for several districts, including Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Parents should review their school's latest composite score to see if it qualifies for distinguished status or if it remains in a status requiring targeted improvement.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic requirements in the Secondary Education section.
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