Summary:
The city of Courtland, Virginia is home to three schools serving students from elementary through high school: Southampton High, Southampton Middle, and Riverdale Elementary. These schools serve a diverse student population, with a mix of White, African American, Hispanic, and other racial/ethnic groups. However, they face significant socioeconomic challenges, with high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 74.64% to 76.33%.
Among the standout schools, Riverdale Elementary stands out, ranking 451 out of 1,114 Virginia elementary schools and earning a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school outperforms the district and state averages in several key test score metrics, including 3rd-5th grade Math and Reading, 5th grade Science, and 5th grade VA Studies. In contrast, Southampton High has seen a decline in its statewide ranking, dropping from 164 out of 325 Virginia high schools in 2021-2022 to 257 out of 329 in 2023-2024, despite performing well on certain test score metrics.
The data suggests that the Southampton County Public Schools district faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing the socioeconomic factors that may be impacting student achievement. However, the relative strength of Riverdale Elementary indicates that there may be opportunities for the district to foster collaboration and resource sharing between the schools, allowing them to learn from each other's successes and best practices.
Thank you for your feedback!