Framework for the Future 2030

Overview of Newport News Public Schools

NNPS is nationally recognized by School Match, an independent nationwide service, who has selected the school division for the “What Parents Want in Public Education” award. Only 15 percent of school divisions nationally are selected for this award.  More elementary school students are reading at or above grade level and more middle school students are taking algebra. At the high school level, more students are taking Advanced Placement courses and participating in dual-enrollment with local colleges and universities. The school division has expanded preschool and kindergarten programs, implemented a new reading program in all elementary and middle schools, started a new college preparatory program in middle and high schools, and worked with the HOPE Foundation to foster school leadership. The HOPE Foundation is an international organization located in Indiana that has partnered with NNPS to create “professional learning communities” through training teachers and principals to share leadership for higher achievement.

Other achievements are:

• In the 2006-2007 school year, 34 of 41 schools were fully accredited.
• 32 Schools met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals required by the NCLB legislation in 2006-2007.
• The gap in achievement between African American and white students closed on all Standards of Learning tests in 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade and on 9 of 11 end-of-course tests in high school.
• All five high schools were recognized by Newsweek magazine as among the top high schools in America, as measured by enrollment and access to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.
• The school division completed a fiber-optic wide area network that has improved online services and capabilities, including distance learning courses and electronic field trips.
• The school division enjoys strong community support. Volunteers contributed more than 80,000 hours to schools last year, and almost 400 businesses participated in the school partnership program.
• Denbigh High School was one of three schools in the nation to receive the 2007 College Board Inspiration Award for helping all students achieve equitable access to higher education.
• The school division is one of the “100 Best Communities for Music” according to a national survey of leading music and education organizations.

Student Demographics

In 2006-2007, a total of 32,593 students were enrolled in Newport News Public Schools, of that the three largest ethnic groups were African American, White, and Hispanic, as shown in table 5-1.  In 2007-2008, 14,719 students (46.4%) received free or reduced-priced lunches.