A Complete Breakdown for Home Buyers Looking at School Zones & Real Estate

Choosing the right high school zone is one of the biggest factors influencing where families decide to live. To help home buyers make confident decisions, we compared all major Virginia Beach high schools—looking at GreatSchools ratings, academic performance, magnet programs, college readiness, and surrounding real estate value.

Below is a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of which Virginia Beach high school zones are strongest academically, which offer specialty programs, and what buyers can expect in nearby neighborhoods.

⭐ Virginia Beach High School Ratings Comparison

The chart below summarizes the GreatSchools ratings for each major public high school in Virginia Beach:

(Generated from the data in our detailed school analyses)

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School Ratings (Highest to Lowest)

9/10: Floyd Kellam, Green Run Collegiate
8/10: Ocean Lakes, Salem
7/10: Princess Anne, Tallwood, Landstown, First Colonial
6/10: Kempsville, Green Run High
5/10: Bayside

School-by-School Comparison

🎓 Top-Performing High Schools (Best Academics & College Prep)

If strong academics and college readiness are your top priority, these zones consistently outperform:

Floyd Kellam High School (9/10)

• Strong test scores and excellent college-prep record

• Suburban, newer communities (23456)

• One of the most in-demand school zones for relocation buyers

Green Run Collegiate (9/10)

• Public charter school with IB, AP, & rigorous coursework

• Outstanding reading & math proficiency

• Smaller student body and specialized programs

Ocean Lakes High School (8/10)

• High SAT/ACT averages

• Magnet-level Math & Science Academy

• One of the best combined academic + extracurricular environments in VB

Salem High School (8/10)

• Great mix of AP, advanced courses, and strong academics

• High reading proficiency

• Popular for its balance of academics and affordability

📚 Good, Well-Rounded Schools (Strong Balance of Academics & Value)

Princess Anne High School (7/10)

• IB program + AP options

• High SAT/ACT scores

• Great central location near Town Center

Tallwood High School (7/10)

• Global Studies & World Languages Academy

• Consistently strong reading/math proficiency

• Diverse, established neighborhoods

Landstown High School (7/10)

• Home to STEM & Technology Academy

• Growing suburban families and new development

• Excellent graduation rate

First Colonial High School (7/10)

• Legal Studies Academy

• Strong sports programs & academics

• Very desirable Great Neck/Oceanfront corridor

💡 Value-Focused Zones (Affordability + Convenience)

Kempsville High School (6/10)

• Solid academics without premium pricing

• Centrally located with easy commuting access

• Highly appealing for budget-conscious buyers

Green Run High School (6/10)

• Large, diverse student body

• Good graduation rate and improving test metrics

• Strong neighborhood affordability

💰 Most Affordable School Zone for Buyers

Bayside High School (5/10)

• Magnet Health Sciences Academy

• Very convenient location near beaches & military bases

• Strongest price value for buyers wanting location + affordability

🏡 What This Means for Home Buyers in Virginia Beach

Best Overall for Academics

• Kellam

• Green Run Collegiate

• Ocean Lakes

Best Mix of Academics + Value

• Princess Anne

• First Colonial

• Salem

• Landstown

• Tallwood

Best for Affordability

• Kempsville

• Bayside

• Green Run High

📍 Choosing the Right School Zone for Your Home Search

Your choice should align with:
✔ Budget
✔ Lifestyle
✔ Commute
✔ Academic needs
✔ Magnet/Academy interests (IB, Legal Studies, STEM, Math & Science)

As local REALTORS®, Tom & Dariya Milan help families compare neighborhoods, schools, and home values so they can make the best long-term decisions.

We can show you:

• Homes for sale in your target school zone

• Price ranges for each neighborhood

• Commute times, safety, and lifestyle factors

• Future resale value based on school rating trends