Virginia public schools showed notable improvements in the state’s K-12 accountability ratings for the 2025-2026 academic year, according to data released by the Virginia Department of Education on Wednesday. The proportion of schools rated as “distinguished” nearly doubled to 44 percent, up from 23 percent last year, marking the second year under the new accountability system introduced during former Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration.
The updated system was designed to provide a more detailed and transparent evaluation of school performance by assigning one of four ratings: “distinguished,” “meets expectations,” “approaching expectations,” or “need intensive support.” These ratings are based on multiple performance indicators, including standardized test results, academic growth, attendance rates, and graduation rates. The two middle categories were renamed this year from “on track” to “meets expectations” and from “off track” to “approaching expectations.” This change was prompted by a December report from Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which found that the previous terminology could misleadingly imply whether schools were improving or declining.
State officials reported that 38 percent of schools advanced to a higher performance category, with average school scores increasing by four to five points compared to last year. The department highlighted that much of the improvement in elementary and middle schools stems from higher scores on the academic growth measure. However, a recalculation method for this measure was introduced this year, making direct comparisons to last year’s results more complex.
The accountability ratings are now distinct from the state’s accreditation status, which evaluates criteria such as instructional programs, staffing levels, and safety standards. In 2026, 99.7 percent of Virginia schools achieved full accreditation.
Several school divisions, including Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield counties, reported gains in the number of distinguished schools. Richmond Public Schools had nine schools rated distinguished, rising from five the previous year, while Henrico County increased its distinguished schools from 10 to 28. Hanover County saw an increase from seven to 12 distinguished schools, and Chesterfield County reported 22 distinguished schools, up from 15 last year.
Richmond’s Superintendent Jason Kamras noted optimism about progress, citing that six Richmond schools exited the highest level of federal identification, indicating movement toward concluding the district’s Memorandum of Understanding with the state. At the same time, Kamras acknowledged ongoing challenges, emphasizing that the accountability system still requires refinement. He expressed concerns that the current version of the system may penalize schools that have made actual improvements.
To support schools identified for additional assistance, the state plans to allocate $26 million in competitive federal grants. These funds aim to further bolster efforts to raise school performance across Virginia.