Harry E. James Elementary

Summary:

Harry E. James Elementary is a public elementary school located in Hopewell, Virginia, serving 481 students in grades K-5. The school is part of the Hopewell City Public Schools district, which is ranked 127 out of 130 districts in Virginia and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Harry E. James Elementary faces significant challenges, with a consistently low academic performance and a student population that is predominantly African American (65.49%) and from low-income households (97.51% to 99.44% receive free or reduced-price lunch). The school consistently ranks in the bottom 10-15% of Virginia elementary schools, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger and proficiency rates on SOL (Standards of Learning) assessments that are significantly lower than the state and district averages. Despite the high per-student spending of $10,819, the school's academic outcomes remain poor, raising questions about the effective allocation of resources.

In comparison, the nearby schools, such as Patrick Copeland Elementary and Dupont Elementary, as well as schools in the Prince George County and Chesterfield County districts, generally perform better academically, have more diverse student populations, and serve communities with lower rates of poverty. This suggests that the challenges faced by Harry E. James Elementary are not solely due to a lack of resources, but rather a complex interplay of factors that require a comprehensive review and targeted interventions to address the racial and socioeconomic disparities and improve the quality of education for all students.


Detail:

Public K-5

 1807 Arlington Rd
       Hopewell, VA  23860


(804) 541-6408

District: Hopewell City Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
971st of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,819 Help


Students who attend Harry E. James Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Carter G. Woodson Middle
High:    Hopewell High

Student/teacher ratio:  11.8 Help
Number of students:  501

Racial breakdown:

African American:
58.7%
Hispanic:
16.6%
White:
13.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  101.6% Help


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 Compare Harry E. James Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Harry E. James Elementary ranks worse than 87.2% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks 2nd among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Hopewell City Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 15.98. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Harry E. James Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (58.7%), Hispanic (16.6%), White (13.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 101.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Hopewell City Public Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Harry E. James Elementary is 11.8, which is the lowest among 4 elementary schools in the Hopewell City Public Schools District! (See more...)
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Compare Harry E. James Elementary employs 42.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Harry E. James Elementary is $10,819, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Hopewell City Public Schools District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Harry E. James Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Harry E. James Elementary 971st of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See Harry E. James Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:


Hopewell City Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Hopewell City Public Schools 127th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Harry E. James Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 59.69 436th 1062 58.9%
2006 56.51 491st 1071 54.2%
2007 61.67 411th 1083 62.0%
2008 41.53 746th 1081 31.0%
2009 41.45 761st 1082 29.7%
2010 37.11 868th 1113 22.0%
2011 21.03 1032nd 1117 7.6%
2012 35.87 858th 1117 23.2%
2013 34.88 819th 1120 26.9%
2014 26.40 932nd 1110 16.0%
2015 24.35 935th 1100 15.0%
2016 20.95 977th 1096 10.9%
2017 23.51 955th 1099 13.1%
2018 16.58 991st 1097 9.7%
2019 21.72 962nd 1105 12.9%
2021 16.18 949th 1103 14.0%
2022 14.60 988th 1109 10.9%
2023 13.48 995th 1114 10.7%
2024 15.98 971st 1114 12.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 30.43 791st 1036 23.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 7.94 1046th 1100 4.9%
2024 14.27 980th 1098 10.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 23.28 900th 1093 17.7%
2024 19.49 944th 1101 14.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 25.83 475th 579 18.0%
2024 25.91 482nd 588 18.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 41.18 372nd 564 34.0%
2024 56.77 254th 580 56.2%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Harry E. James Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 9.74 940th 984 4.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Harry E. James Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Virginia Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Harry E. James Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1993 351 384 9 16 0 n/a n/a 0 760
1994 347 402 8 18 2 n/a n/a 0 777
1995 280 413 2 20 0 n/a n/a 0 715
1996 280 413 2 20 0 n/a n/a 0 715
1997 235 395 6 22 0 n/a n/a 0 658
1998 203 413 4 23 0 n/a n/a 0 643
1999 202 434 6 17 0 n/a n/a 0 659
2000 192 458 10 20 1 n/a n/a -4 677
2001 179 474 9 20 0 n/a n/a 0 682
2002 134 439 5 25 1 n/a n/a 0 604
2003 134 439 5 25 1 n/a n/a 0 604
2004 160 434 9 27 0 n/a n/a 0 630
2005 134 427 8 30 0 n/a n/a 1 600
2006 146 441 8 39 1 n/a n/a 4 639
2007 153 431 10 29 2 n/a n/a 3 628
2008 153 443 8 33 2 n/a n/a 5 644
2009 143 453 10 28 3 n/a n/a 9 646
2010 142 437 13 43 3 n/a n/a 16 654
2011 154 396 1 61 2 0 31 0 645
2012 140 398 0 64 1 0 41 0 644
2013 136 388 0 73 2 0 40 0 639
2014 138 408 1 66 2 0 38 0 653
2015 133 441 1 67 0 0 43 0 685
2016 107 434 0 62 1 0 50 0 654
2017 97 434 0 61 1 0 55 0 648
2018 107 454 0 66 0 0 54 0 681
2019 90 445 10 70 6 0 0 0 621
2020 94 397 7 74 3 0 19 0 594
2021 81 362 5 68 5 0 24 0 545
2022 83 359 5 61 1 0 29 0 538
2023 62 315 2 68 0 1 33 0 481
2024 69 294 3 83 1 0 51 0 501

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Harry E. James Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 760 49.9 15.2 n/a
1994 777 50.6 n/a n/a
1995 715 n/a 0.0 48.8
1996 715 n/a 0.0 48.8
1997 658 n/a 0.0 47.6
1998 643 n/a 0.0 53
1999 659 43.0 15.3 61.8
2000 677 n/a 0.0 64.6
2001 682 49.0 13.9 65.7
2002 604 52.0 11.6 72.7
2003 604 52.0 11.6 72.7
2004 630 48.0 13.1 69.5
2005 600 47.0 12.8 72.1
2006 639 49.0 13.0 72.4
2007 628 49.9 12.6 70.2
2008 644 42.5 15.2 72.9
2009 646 42.5 15.2 71.1
2010 654 43.3 15.0 78.4
2011 645 41.8 15.4 76
2012 644 41.0 15.7 82.3
2013 639 44.0 14.5 80.9
2014 653 43.0 15.1 82.1
2015 685 43.0 15.9 81.5
2016 654 42.0 15.5 91.3
2017 648 50.4 12.8 97.5
2018 681 47.9 14.1 91.6
2019 621 42.9 14.4 95.5
2020 594 48.4 12.2 97.3
2021 545 45.4 11.9 n/a
2022 538 41.0 13.1 99.4
2023 481 42.0 11.4 97.5
2024 501 42.3 11.8 101.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Harry E. James Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 760 49.9 15.2 n/a
1994 777 50.6 n/a n/a
1995 715 n/a 0.0 48.8
1996 715 n/a 0.0 48.8
1997 658 n/a 0.0 47.6
1998 643 n/a 0.0 53
1999 659 43.0 15.3 61.8
2000 677 n/a 0.0 64.6
2001 682 49.0 13.9 65.7
2002 604 52.0 11.6 72.7
2003 604 52.0 11.6 72.7
2004 630 48.0 13.1 69.5
2005 600 47.0 12.8 72.1
2006 639 49.0 13.0 72.4
2007 628 49.9 12.6 70.2
2008 644 42.5 15.2 72.9
2009 646 42.5 15.2 71.1
2010 654 43.3 15.0 78.4
2011 645 41.8 15.4 76
2012 644 41.0 15.7 82.3
2013 639 44.0 14.5 80.9
2014 653 43.0 15.1 82.1
2015 685 43.0 15.9 81.5
2016 654 42.0 15.5 91.3
2017 648 50.4 12.8 97.5
2018 681 47.9 14.1 91.6
2019 621 42.9 14.4 95.5
2020 594 48.4 12.2 97.3
2021 545 45.4 11.9 n/a
2022 538 41.0 13.1 99.4
2023 481 42.0 11.4 97.5
2024 501 42.3 11.8 101.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Harry E. James Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $983 (10.8%) $8,158 (89.2%) $9,141
2020 $1,497 (15.5%) $8,160 (84.5%) $9,657
2021 $1,642 (15.2%) $9,177 (84.8%) $10,819

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Harry E. James Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 962nd of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 995th of 1114 Elementary schools
 2.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Harry E. James Elementary)7339.2
 33.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Hopewell City Public Schools)6939.5
 29.5%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (Harry E. James Elementary)6541.9
 23.1%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Hopewell City Public Schools)6139.5
 21.5%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Harry E. James Elementary)7747.4
 29.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Hopewell City Public Schools)7847.6
 30.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (Harry E. James Elementary)6463.1
 0.9%
   4th Grade English Reading (Hopewell City Public Schools)6657
 9%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Harry E. James Elementary)7430.8
 43.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Hopewell City Public Schools)8249.6
 32.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (Harry E. James Elementary)5742.7
 14.3%
   5th Grade Science (Hopewell City Public Schools)6949.5
 19.5%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (Harry E. James Elementary)7344
 29%
   5th Grade English Reading (Hopewell City Public Schools)7556.7
 18.3%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students621481
 22.5%
African American445315
 29.2%
American Indian60
 100%
Asian102
 80%
Hispanic7068
 2.9%
Pacific Islander01
White9062
 31.1%
Two or More Races033
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients95.5%97.5%
 2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Harry E. James Elementary

Students at Harry E. James Elementary are 59% African American, 17% Hispanic, 14% White, 10% Two or more races.

Harry E. James Elementary ranks in the bottom 12.8% of Virginia elementary schools.

In the 2023-24 school year, 501 students attended Harry E. James Elementary.

Students who attend Harry E. James Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Carter G. Woodson Middle
High : Hopewell High


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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