Virginia Beach has 11+ public high schools through VBCPS, plus charter and magnet programs. School zone is one of the largest factors in family resale demand. This 2026 comparison guide covers the major Virginia Beach high schools with feeder neighborhoods, academic profiles, and median home prices in each zone.
Key takeaways at a glance
- Cox, Kellam, and First Colonial consistently rank among VBCPS's top high schools.
- Princess Anne, Bayside, Tallwood, Salem, Ocean Lakes are mid-tier with strong specialty programs.
- Kempsville, Green Run, Landstown offer affordability inside VBCPS.
- Green Run Collegiate is the IB magnet program housed at Green Run High School.
- School zone determines resale demand and median price in many Virginia Beach neighborhoods.
| Tier | High Schools | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Cox, First Colonial, Kellam | Strongest academic + highest resale demand |
| Mid | Salem, Ocean Lakes, Tallwood, Bayside, Princess Anne | Strong specialty programs |
| Value | Kempsville, Green Run, Landstown | Affordable inside VBCPS; Green Run Collegiate IB magnet |
| Magnet | Green Run Collegiate (IB) — at Green Run HS | Application/lottery-based across city |
In this guide
Top-tier Cox, Kellam, First Colonial
- Cox — 23454/23451, Great Neck/Alanton/Bay Island/Croatan, $685k median
- Kellam — 23456/23453/23457, Red Mill/Strawbridge/Sandbridge, $485k median
- First Colonial — 23454/23451, Great Neck/Linkhorn/Alanton, $615k median
Mid-tier high schools
- Salem — 23464, Salem/Lake Christopher, $475k median
- Ocean Lakes — 23456, Ocean Lakes/Lago Mar, $455k median
- Tallwood — 23464/23462, Larkspur/Centerville, $445k median
- Bayside — 23455, Bayside/Thoroughgood/Aragona, $425k median
- Princess Anne — 23452/23462, Lynnwood/Holland, $385k median
Value tier
- Landstown — 23456, Landstown Lakes/Castleton, $465k median
- Kempsville — 23464, Kempsville/Larkspur, $405k median
- Green Run — 23452, Green Run, $355k median
Magnet and IB
Green Run Collegiate is VBCPS's IB program housed at Green Run High School - by application/lottery, draws students from across the city.
How to verify a school zone
Always pull the assigned elementary, middle, and high school for the SPECIFIC address (not the neighborhood). VBCPS publishes the official attendance map at vbschools.com. School zones can shift as the division rebalances enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best high school in Virginia Beach?
Cox, Kellam, and First Colonial consistently rank among the top 3 by academic measures. Best for your specific situation depends on commute, programs, and home price tier.
How do I find out my Virginia Beach school zone?
Check vbschools.com's attendance map by entering the specific address. Don't rely on neighborhood-wide assumptions - zones can split inside neighborhoods.
What is Green Run Collegiate?
The IB (International Baccalaureate) magnet program housed at the Green Run High School campus. Application/lottery-based; students come from across the city.
Can VBCPS school zones change?
Yes. VBCPS rebalances zones periodically. The current official zone for an address is what matters - not what the neighbor's zone was 5 years ago.
Are there magnet programs in VBCPS?
Yes - Green Run Collegiate (IB), the Old Donation School (gifted), the Renaissance Academy (alternatives), the Center for Effective Learning, and Virginia Beach Tech. Also several specialty academies at the regular high schools.
How does the school zone affect home prices?
Cox, First Colonial, and Kellam zones have median prices roughly $100-$250k above other VBCPS zones. The premium reflects family resale demand for top-academic feeder patterns.
Are private schools an option?
Yes - Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, Star of the Sea, etc. Most charge $20k-$30k+/year for high school.
How are Virginia Beach schools rated overall?
VBCPS is one of the larger and more respected public school divisions in Virginia. State assessment scores are above state average but below the top divisions like Williamsburg-James City County.
Have a question about your home purchase?
Talk to a Hampton Roads buyer's agent or loan officer who can walk through your specific situation - no pressure, no obligation.
Sources & further reading
Information reflects 2025-2026 conditions and rules. Always confirm current details with the relevant agency, lender, or licensed professional before relying on any specific figure or rule.
About the Author
The VaHome Team is dedicated to providing expert real estate insights for Hampton Roads, Virginia. Contact us at (757) 777-7577 or tom@vahomes.com.
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