Best High Schools in Virginia Beach, VA

Last spring, a parent in Virginia Beach was standing in the kitchen with their high school course catalogue and listening to their eighth grader excitedly talk about all of the opportunities for high school. Questions were asked about Advanced Placement (AP) classes, sports teams, STEM programs, and college preparation. At the same time as questions were being asked, concerns were also present, like – will my child receive the support they need and if there is enough teacher attention for my child? Is this school right for my child for the next 4 years?

If you are reading this, you may be in the same situation. 

When looking for Best High Schools in Virginia Beach, it isn’t just about the rankings or the test scores that will help you decide where to enroll your child; rather it is about finding a school that fits your child so that he/she can grow in confidence, develop interests and relationships, and prepare for adult life after graduation.

There are many different types of excellent high schools within Virginia Beach with strong academic programs, competitive athletic programs, programs that support and promote the arts, and opportunities for students to prepare for college. There are also different types of students such as those who perform better in larger schools with more activities than in smaller schools with less activity.

As parents we want our children to have a “good” school, we are ultimately looking for the “right” school for our child.

This guide will give you an overview of the Best High Schools in Virginia Beach (2026 List) in layman’s terms so that you will make an informed decision regarding which school is best suited for your child.