Top-Rated Virginia Beach Schools: 7/10 and Above According to GreatSchools.org

When people ask about school districts in Virginia Beach, it is helpful to know that Virginia Beach has one public school district: Virginia Beach City Public Schools. In most cases, what people are really asking about are the school zones, ZIP codes, and neighborhoods that are commonly connected to certain schools within the city.

For many households, schools are one of several factors considered when narrowing down a home search. Along with school assignments, buyers may also weigh commute times, neighborhood features, property style, access to amenities, and overall lifestyle preferences. One way to begin exploring is by reviewing school rating platforms such as GreatSchools, then confirming school assignments directly through the official Virginia Beach School Locator by exact property address.

What GreatSchools Currently Shows

Based on GreatSchools ratings, several public schools in Virginia Beach are often part of the conversation when families are exploring different areas of the city.

High schools

• Floyd Kellam High School — 9/10

• Ocean Lakes High School — 8/10

• Salem High School — 8/10

• Princess Anne High School — 7/10

• First Colonial High School — 7/10

• Frank W. Cox High School — 7/10

Middle schools

• Princess Anne Middle School — 9/10

• Great Neck Middle School — 8/10

• Plaza Middle School — 8/10

• Virginia Beach Middle School — 7/10

• Lynnhaven Middle School — 7/10

Elementary schools

• Princess Anne Elementary School — 9/10

• Linkhorn Park Elementary School — 9/10

• Alanton Elementary School — 8/10

• John B. Dey Elementary School appears among the higher-rated elementary schools in the city

• Corporate Landing Elementary, Strawbridge Elementary, Trantwood Elementary, Red Mill Elementary, Thoroughgood Elementary, and W.T. Cooke Elementary also appear on GreatSchools’ city list

Areas Commonly Included in School-Zone Searches

If school ratings are part of your search process, there are several areas in Virginia Beach that are commonly explored.

Princess Anne and Southern Virginia Beach

The Princess Anne side of Virginia Beach is often included in school-zone searches. This area is commonly associated with Princess Anne High, Princess Anne Middle, and Princess Anne Elementary, along with nearby schools such as Corporate Landing Elementary, Red Mill Elementary, Strawbridge Elementary, and North Landing Elementary.

This side of the city is often connected to ZIP codes 23456 and 23457, depending on the exact location. Communities and surrounding areas often mentioned in this search include:

• Princess Anne

• Red Mill

• Strawbridge

• Landstown

• Ashville Park

• Dam Neck-adjacent sections

• Pungo-adjacent sections

Great Neck and the Cox Side

The Great Neck area is another part of Virginia Beach that is frequently included in conversations about school zones. Great Neck Middle School and Frank W. Cox High School are often referenced, along with elementary schools in the area such as Alanton, John B. Dey, Trantwood, and King’s Grant.

This area is commonly associated with ZIP code 23454, depending on the exact address. Neighborhoods and nearby sections often included are:

• Great Neck

• Alanton

• Little Neck

• Kings Grant

• Bay Colony-adjacent sections

• Hilltop-adjacent eastern sections

Hilltop and the First Colonial Side

The broader Hilltop and First Colonial side of Virginia Beach is also commonly considered during school-based home searches. First Colonial High School, Linkhorn Park Elementary, and John B. Dey are schools that often come up in this part of the city.

This area is most often associated with ZIP codes 23454 and 23451, depending on the specific location. Areas commonly referenced include:

• Hilltop

• Linkhorn Park

• Birdneck

• Croatan

• North End-adjacent sections

• London Bridge-adjacent sections

Additional Areas to Consider

Families may also choose to explore other sections of Virginia Beach depending on their needs and preferences. Schools such as Floyd Kellam High School, Ocean Lakes High School, and Salem High School are also part of the broader school conversation across the city and may open up additional options in southern and southeastern Virginia Beach.

Expanding the search area can provide more flexibility in home styles, price points, commute options, and neighborhood characteristics.

ZIP Codes Often Used to Narrow a Search

ZIP codes do not determine school assignment by themselves, but they can still help organize an initial search. Some ZIP codes that often come up in school-zone conversations in Virginia Beach include:

• 23454 for areas such as Great Neck, Hilltop, Alanton, Little Neck, and London Bridge

• 23456 for Princess Anne, Red Mill, Landstown, Ocean Lakes, and Dam Neck-adjacent areas

• 23457 for Pungo, Blackwater, and outer southern Virginia Beach

• 23451 for the Oceanfront, North End, Croatan, and parts of the First Colonial and Hilltop side

Final Thoughts

When exploring schools in Virginia Beach, it is important to remember that the city operates as one school district, so the conversation is usually about school zones and neighborhood locations, not separate districts.

School rating websites can be a helpful starting point, but the most accurate step is always to confirm the assigned school by the exact property address through Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

If you are beginning your home search in Virginia Beach, I can help you explore communities, review school-zone options, and identify areas that align with your household’s goals, preferences, and search criteria.