Serving 549 students in grades 7-8, William E. Waters 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 47% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 549 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
William E. Waters Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
William E. Waters Middle School's student population of 549 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
549 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
William E. Waters 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 William E. Waters Middle School is 0.53, which is less 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
#1223 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70-74%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)45-49%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Hispanic
7%
20%
Black
65%
21%
White
21%
44%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William E. Waters Middle School's ranking?
William E. Waters Middle School is ranked #1223 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are William E. Waters Middle School often compared to?
William E. Waters Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Churchland Middle School, Cradock Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend William E. Waters Middle School?
549 students attend William E. Waters Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of William E. Waters Middle School students are Black, 21% of students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William E. Waters Middle School?
William E. Waters Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does William E. Waters Middle School offer ?
William E. Waters Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is William E. Waters Middle School part of?
William E. Waters Middle School is part of Portsmouth City School District.
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