Virginia Releases 2026 School Performance Data Showing Broad Improvements

The Virginia Department of Education issued the Fall 2026 statewide results under the School Performance and Support Framework for the 2025-2026 school year. The data cover performance at more than 1,800 elementary, middle, and high schools. Officials designed the SPSF to supply a clear snapshot of academic outcomes and direct support to schools with the greatest needs. Four main indicators form the basis of each school's composite score and category assignment.

Schools recorded average increases of four to five points on the SPSF metric from the previous year. Thirty-eight percent of schools moved into a higher performance category. The categories range from Distinguished for those exceeding expectations to Needs Intensive Support for those falling short. Growth on assessments contributed significantly to gains, especially among elementary students. High schools also factor in postsecondary readiness measures.

Sixteen of 49 schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement exited that status, marking the highest number to date. This level represents the most intensive federal oversight aimed at addressing academic gaps. Accreditation stood at 99 percent, indicating compliance with state requirements on health, safety, staffing, and planning. Chronic absenteeism rates fell at three-quarters of all schools statewide.

The framework measures mastery through test proficiency, year-to-year growth, student readiness factors, and attendance. Regional summaries highlight strong performers in each area to promote sharing of effective practices. Many Title I schools demonstrated meaningful advancement in student outcomes. Data will inform resource allocation and improvement planning for the coming period.

Statewide trends indicate progress in multiple areas while identifying remaining opportunities for enhancement. The SPSF replaces earlier accountability models with a broader set of metrics. Policymakers and educators use these results to refine strategies and support continuous improvement. Families receive transparent information on school performance to inform decisions.

Further analysis of the full dataset will provide additional detail on specific divisions and schools. The release emphasizes steady advancement across diverse regions and school types. Continued monitoring will track whether gains persist in subsequent years. The information supports evidence-based decisions at every level of the education system.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/road-to-readiness-school-performance-and-support-framework-resource-hub/spsf-prior-year-results/fall-2026-statewide-results