Last spring, a parent in Virginia Beach was standing in the kitchen with their high school course catalogue and listening to their eighth grader excitedly talk about all of the opportunities for high school. Questions were asked about Advanced Placement (AP) classes, sports teams, STEM programs, and college preparation. At the same time as questions were being asked, concerns were also present, like – will my child receive the support they need and if there is enough teacher attention for my child? Is this school right for my child for the next 4 years?
If you are reading this, you may be in the same situation.
When looking for Best High Schools in Virginia Beach, it isn’t just about the rankings or the test scores that will help you decide where to enroll your child; rather it is about finding a school that fits your child so that he/she can grow in confidence, develop interests and relationships, and prepare for adult life after graduation.
There are many different types of excellent high schools within Virginia Beach with strong academic programs, competitive athletic programs, programs that support and promote the arts, and opportunities for students to prepare for college. There are also different types of students such as those who perform better in larger schools with more activities than in smaller schools with less activity.
As parents we want our children to have a “good” school, we are ultimately looking for the “right” school for our child.
This guide will give you an overview of the Best High Schools in Virginia Beach (2026 List) in layman’s terms so that you will make an informed decision regarding which school is best suited for your child.
How We Selected the Best High Schools in Virginia Beach
- School performance (academic achievement)
- Student-to-teacher ratio
- Programs to prepare for college
- Perception of the school
- Extracurriculars
- Virginia Beach City Public School District performance
All schools listed below serve grades 9–12 and are part of Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
1. Floyd Kellam High School
2665 West Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
The Floyd Kellam High School ranks as one of the top high schools in the state of Virginia. The state of Virginia has 1,900 students enrolled at the school. The school has strong academics and athletic programs, and it has a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses available to its student population in addition to preparing its students for success in college.
Why parents like it:
- Balanced academics and sports
- Large campus with strong community support
- College-focused environment
2. Salem High School
1993 Sun Devil Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 22464
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Salem High School provides a smaller class size and a solid academic setting. The school has approximately 1,700 – 1,800 students attending it. Students receive personal attention through the many different types of extracurricular activities that are available at the school.
Highlights:
- Lower student–teacher ratio
- Good academic support
- Competitive sports teams
3. Tallwood High School
1668 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Tallwood High School is well-known for its Global Studies program and for its STEM Academy. The Global Studies program and the STEM Academy provide opportunities for the students of Tallwood High School to learn at very high levels and be prepared for careers on a global scale.
Best for:
- STEM-focused students
- Leadership programs
- Career readiness
4. Frank W. Cox High School
2425 Shorehaven Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Frank W. Cox High School has established a significant reputation for excellence and has a large number of AP classes available for it to provide students with a high-quality education. Frank W. Cox provides an environment for every student to succeed and provides opportunities for students to consistently achieve top-performing Academic Results.
Why choose Cox High?
- Strong test scores
- Wide range of clubs
- Active parent involvement
5. Bayside High School (Magnet School)
4960 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Bayside High School is a public magnet school that offers excellence in Academics. Bayside High School has about 2,000 students enrolled. Bayside High School can provide Pathways for students to be successful in academics and provide many opportunities for students to participate in a variety of Advanced Academics.
Top features:
- Academy-based learning
- College prep focus
- Diverse student body
6. Kempsville High School
5194 Chief Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Kempsville High School has excellent Academics and also has a number of great Extracurricular Activities. There are a wide variety of different types of Clubs and Various Types of Sports and Academic Competitions available to Kempsville High School’s students.
Strengths:
- Community involvement
- Balanced academics and activities
- College readiness support
7. Green Run Collegiate
1700 Dahlia Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Green Run Collegiate has one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios at Virginia Beach. Green Run Collegiate has very small Class Sizes, thus providing more individualized education for each student and thus giving additional support for every student
Best for:
- Individual attention
- Advanced academic programs
- High college preparation focus
8. Landstown High School
2001 Concert Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Landstown High schools have Education and Services that are Excellent Academic Programs and Very Active Extra-Curricular Activities to help Keep a Bright Future for Students.
Why families consider Landstown:
- Strong graduation rates
- Active arts and sports programs
- Good academic support
9. Princess Anne High School
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Princess Anne High School is Known for Providing Excellent Academic Opportunities, along with a High Percentage of Students Receiving Advanced Placement (AP) Credit and Academic Rigor to Prepare Students for Their Future Competitive College Experience.
Top advantages:
- High academic standards
- Advanced coursework options
- Strong academic culture
10. First Colonial High School
1272 Mill Dam Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Grades: 9–12
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
First Colonial High School has Well Established Programs of the Arts and Athletics in Addition to Academics, which are a Major Area of Interest to This School’s Student Population; The Performing Arts and Leadership Programs are Nationally Recognized as Providing Students with the Skills and Development Necessary for Success After High School.
Highlights:
- Performing arts focus
- Wide extracurricular selection
- Strong community engagement
What Do Parents Look For When It Comes To Choosing The Best High School in Virginia Beach?
- Have a Tracking system to ensure students perform their very best
- Offer advanced placement courses that allow students to take college level classes while still in high school
- Provide assistance to students with regards to college preparation
- Offer Activities such as sports and clubs where students can be active both physically and socially
- Create a safe, structured place to learn
Parents often begin planning early by researching Elementary Schools in Virginia Beach and Middle Schools in Virginia Beach to ensure a smooth academic journey leading up to high school.
To help you choose the best High School, remember these simple guidelines:
- Visit the school campus
- Inquire about the AP and Honours programme in North America.
- Ask for information about Pupil to Teacher Ratios
- Make sure you understand the extracurricular options they provide.
- Seek out students and parents of the school.
- Inquire whether your child has an interest in a certain career.
- Every School is the “BEST”, depending on your child’s particular goals and learning style.
Conclusion
Public high schools in Virginia Beach are among the very best in Virginia. Each school offers excellent academic and personal growth opportunities, whether you’re at Floyd Kellam, Salem, Princess Anne, or Green Run Collegiate.
To get started on your search for the Best High Schools in Virginia Beach, refer to this 2026 list. As you research prospective schools, be sure to visit the schools’ open houses, and meet with the counselors at each school before deciding on which one to attend.
Education is a process that begins with excellent Elementary Schools in Virginia Beach, continues with quality Middle Schools in Virginia Beach, and culminates with fulfilling High School experiences.
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