The mission of Newport News Public Schools is to provide a quality education that encourages every student to realize his/her fullest potential.

Newport News Public Schools is a community of lifelong learners that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and values required for productive global citizenship

The Newport News Public Schools division educates over 32,500 children in 5 early childhood centers, 26 elementary schools, 9 middle schools and 5 high schools. Newport News Public Schools has used the results of a curriculum management audit to improve how we teach children, devised a six-year strategic plan, expanded preschool and kindergarten programs, implemented a new reading program in all elementary and middle schools, started a new college prep program in middle and high schools, and worked with the HOPE Foundation to improve school leadership, among other initiatives. We continue to work hard to improve our students’ proficiency in literacy and math by supporting teachers in their instruction, developing a coherent curriculum, and using data to foster continuous improvement. We believe that rigorous course work, coupled with increased time for instruction, new teaching tools, and technology innovations, will boost student achievement. Our efforts are paying off. In 2005, 38 of 41 Newport News Public Schools received full state accreditation, an increase from one accredited school in 2000. Newport News Public Schools also met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals for the 2005-2006 school year. Based on the Virginia Department of Education’s recalculated results, the school division met all 30 of the annual measurable objectives to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Individually our students are achieving as well. Two hundred fifty-five students from NNPS were named 2005 AP Scholars, nine students were recognized as National AP Scholars and Scholars with Distinction. In addition, all five Newport News high schools are listed among the top high schools in the country by Newsweek magazine. And, for the eight consecutive year, SchoolMatch, an independent nationwide service, has selected the school division for the “What Parents Want in Public Education” award. Only 16 percent of school divisions nationally are selected for this award. Educators and staff members from Newport News Public Schools have also earned many awards for excellence, including recognition for publications and teaching as well as having twenty-two teachers gain certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The Newport News School Board was selected the 2005 School Board of the Year by the Virginia School Boards Association. The award recognizes the School Board for governance, promoting quality education, and board development. The division enjoys strong community support as reflected by the more than 65,000 hours volunteers contributed to schools last year as well as by the almost 400 businesses that participate in the school partnership program.