Serving 1,087 students in grades 6-8, Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 62% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,087 students
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School's student population of 1,087 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,087 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
73 teachers
Year Founded
2001
Colors
Navy Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1276 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)58%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)46%
59%
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
8%
Hispanic
23%
20%
Black
33%
21%
White
32%
44%
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School's ranking?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is ranked #1276 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School often compared to?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mary Passage Middle School, Crittenden Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School?
1,087 students attend Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School students are Black, 32% of students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What grades does Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School offer ?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School part of?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School located?
Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School is located in the Central Newport News neighborhood of Newport News, VA. There are 5 other public schools located in Central Newport News.
School Reviews
Review Ethel M. Gildersleeve Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
