Selecting the right elementary school is one of the most significant choices parents make. These early years set the stage for a child’s academic success, self-esteem and love of learning. There are many Public Elementary Schools in Norfolk, Virginia and they offer a diverse array of educational options with a wide range of focus on literacy, math readiness, student participation, and a safe place to learn. The following list includes the top performing elementary schools in Norfolk, Virginia as of 2026 based on student to teacher ratio, enrollment and atmosphere for learning.
What Makes Norfolk a Great Place to Go to Elementary School
Norfolk City Public Schools are committed to Early Childhood Education, Providing equitable access to educational resources, and encouraging our communities to get involved in their schools. In addition to providing a variety of educational choices, many of our elementary schools offer small class sizes to allow teachers to really focus on the needs of each individual student. Families benefit from the continuity of education from Elementary School to Middle Schools in Norfolk, allowing parents to plan ahead easily for continuing their child’s education.
Best Elementary Schools in Norfolk, VA
Below is a closer look at top elementary schools in Norfolk, including enrollment numbers and student–teacher ratios—two factors parents often prioritize when comparing schools.
1. Larchmont Elementary School
- Address: 1145 Bolling Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508
- Number of students: 233
- 15 students for every teacher
Larchmont Elementary School is a close-knit school community that serves students from Pre-K to Grade 5. It is known for having high academic standards. With fewer students, the learning environment is more focused, and students get consistent help with their lessons.
2. The W.H. Taylor Elementary School
- Address: 1122 W Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk, VA 23507
- Number of students: 300
- There are 14 students for every teacher.
W.H. Taylor Elementary has a good balance between academics and character building. When there is a good student-to-teacher ratio, teachers can better meet the needs of each student in the important early grades.
3. Lakewood’s Academy for Discovery
- Address: 1701 Alsace Ave, Norfolk, VA 23509
- Number of students: 246
- There are 15 students for every teacher.
This public magnet school is for students in grades 3–8 and focuses on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Its curriculum makes it easy for students to move from basic ideas to more advanced middle school work.
4. Lindenwood Elementary School
- Address: 2700 Ludlow St, Norfolk, VA 23504.
- Number of students: 285
- 10 students for every teacher
Lindenwood Elementary is special because it has a low student-to-teacher ratio, which lets teachers give each student a lot of personal attention. The school helps kids learn basic reading, writing, and math skills in a structured, supportive environment.
5. Ghent School
- Address: 200 Shirley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517
- Number of students: 500
- There are 13 students for every teacher.
Ghent School is for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, so students can stay in the same school for many years. Families like that it has a consistent academic program and a focus on community.
6. Larrymore School for Elementary
- Address: 7600 Halprin Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518.
- Number of students: 529
- There are 16 students for every teacher.
Larrymore Elementary offers a well-rounded elementary school experience with an emphasis on core academics and student development. It has more students, but it also has strong planning for lessons and support systems that work for the whole school.
7. Elementary School at Sewells Point
- Address: 7928 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23505.
- Number of students: 502
- There are 13 students for every teacher.
Sewells Point Elementary School focuses on getting kids ready to learn and making steady progress in school. Teachers work closely with families to help their kids learn in school and grow as people.
8. Elementary School at Sewells Point
- Address: 2080 Tarrallton Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518
- Number of students: 315
- There is one teacher for every 13 students.
Tarrallton Elementary has a moderate number of students and stable class sizes, which helps students build strong academic foundations while also becoming more confident and independent.
9. Ingleside School for Elementary
- Address: 976 Ingleside Rd, Norfolk, VA 23502
- Number of students: 478
- There are 14 students for every teacher.
Ingleside Elementary’s main goal is to help all students learn and grow academically, no matter what grade they are in. The way the school is set up makes it easier to teach students in different ways to meet their needs.
10. Willard Model Elementary School
- Address: 1511 Willow Wood Dr, Norfolk, VA 23509
- Number of students: 465
- There are 10 students for every teacher.
Willard Model Elementary is known for having small classes and putting a lot of emphasis on building strong relationships between teachers and students. This method helps kids learn skills early on and builds their confidence in school over time.
Teaching/Student Rate and Importance
Lower teaching rates to students allow teachers to identify gaps in learning, give feedback in a timely manner, and customize instruction to individual students. Several of Norfolk’s best-performing schools have teaching/student ratios of about 10/1 or 15/1; this helps create an ideal learning environment for young children.
Family Life Outside the Classroom
Along with having excellent school systems, many of Norfolk’s recreational amenities – i.e., parks, museums, libraries, and Things to do in Norfolk, VA – focus on enriching children’s development beyond the classroom environment and enabling them to develop as a whole person.
In Conclusion
Through lower ratios of students to teachers combined with dedicated and supportive teachers and communities, Norfolk’s elementary schools will develop a strong foundation in education for all elementary students. Understanding the numbers of students in classrooms and teacher/student ratios will help families to better evaluate their options to support their child’s educational needs and to set the best long-term educational goals for their child.
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