This afternoon, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released the School Performance Report for all Virginia school divisions and the school accreditation distinctions. This report is part of the VDOE’s newly developed School Performance and Support Framework and Accreditation System.

 

Transparency is vital for building trust. I am sharing our individual schools’ information as it provides a crucial snapshot of where we are and where we are headed for all PCPS students. As we work to address many long-standing challenges, we remain focused on making progress for all students.       

 

Where we are making progress:

The changes may be incremental and we still have a lot more work to do, but I believe that together we are moving in the right direction and we will meet the high standards and expectations we have set for our students and staff. Two PCPS schools are moving toward “on track” status and two PCPS schools have gained full accreditation in the last year based on the new accreditation standards. To find more information, visit the VDOE website.

 

How we can continue to improve: 

Our four elementary schools have been classified as “needing intensive support” in the new state framework, while our improving middle school and high school are classified as “off track” this year. Please know that we are working every day to strengthen teaching and learning in all of our schools with support from the VDOE.

 

In January 2025, we implemented a division-wide instructional framework so that every teacher and administrator has access to detailed guidance that outlines what effective teaching should look like in the classroom.

 

This school year, we adopted new high-quality instructional materials aligned to the state’s Standards of Learning (SOLs), along with aligned professional development for our teachers and administrators. These instructional materials provide our students with access to high quality grade level content.

 

In addition, we enhanced our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum by adding additional levels of support. This strengthens our division’s efforts to improve instruction, attendance, and discipline by providing a consistent, research-based SEL framework for all students. With these enhancements, we expect to see increased student engagement, improved attendance, and fewer behavioral incidents across the division.

 

Teacher recruitment and retention continues to be a major priority. We are investing in recruiting licensed teachers, while also supporting alternative license pathways for our license eligible teachers. 

 

While chronic absenteeism remains a real challenge, we are working diligently to identify barriers to regular attendance and provide comprehensive support to our families so that students are in the classroom and learning. This school year, we have school-based attendance teams. Our school attendance teams are designed to support families by identifying barriers to attendance, offering resources, and partnering with you to help ensure your child is in school every day and ready to learn. 

 

In September, we began the process for developing our strategic plan, including our mission, vision, priorities, and goals that will set the pathway for a shared vision, focus, and direction for the next five years. 

 

What's next for PCPS:

Your partnership in this work is essential. Our school communities are essential resources as we ensure excellent teaching and learning happens in every classroom every day at PCPS.

 

School principals will share their individual school data with their respective school communities in upcoming January 2026 community meetings. Please expect more information in the coming weeks. 

 

More about the state’s new school performance framework:

In VDOE’s new performance framework, schools are measured on specific indicators (mastery, growth, readiness, and graduation for high schools) and are assigned a score out of 100 points. For more information on the framework, please visit the VDOE website. 

 

PCPS 2025-2026 School Performance and School Accreditation Summary  

  

School	Virginia School Performance and Support Framework Score  (out of 100)	Virginia School Performance Category
Cool Spring ES	63.6	Needs Intensive Support
Lakemont ES	62.4	Needs Intensive Support
Pleasants Lane ES	61.5	Needs intensive support
Walnut Hill ES	73.9	Needs Intensive Support*
Vernon Johns Middle/Blandford Academy	65.4	Off Track
Petersburg High School	78.9	Off Track

*School Performance Category changed due to federal identification.   
 

PCPS 2025-2026 School Accreditation Rating

School accreditation is an important measure of school quality based on standards set by the state. To find the school accreditation rating system, visit the VDOE website.

 

School	Accreditation Designation
Cool Spring ES	Fully Accredited
Lakemont ES	Conditionally Accredited
Pleasants Lane ES	Conditionally Accredited
Walnut Hill ES	Fully Accredited
Vernon Johns Middle/Blandford Academy	Conditionally Accredited
Petersburg High School	Conditionally Accredited

 

Although the Virginia School Performance and Support Framework is new, we again recognize that we are not yet where we want to be. This data will serve as a baseline to inform our continuing efforts to address our challenges by developing and instituting school and division changes focused on continuous improvement and support. 

 

These results are not just numbers; they are our students' stories. They highlight strengths and reveal opportunities. We will use this information, together with you, to ensure every PCPS student thrives and graduates with a life filled with choices. 

 

If you would like more information on how we are working to strengthen teaching and learning in every classroom, please visit our academic website or email us at academics@petersburg.k12.va.us.