Serving 671 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Joseph H. Saunders Elementary 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 16% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 671 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School's student population of 671 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
671 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,792 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School is 0.65, 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
#1737 out of 1792 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)16%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)10-14%
59%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
24%
19%
Black
52%
22%
White
14%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School's ranking?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School is ranked #1737 out of 1,792 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School often compared to?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like B.c. Charles Elementary School, L.f. Palmer Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% VA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School?
671 students attend Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School students are Black, 24% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School offer ?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School part of?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School is part of Newport News City School District.
In what neighborhood is Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School located?
Joseph H. Saunders Elementary School is located in the Saunders neighborhood of Newport News, VA.
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