Schools Near Naval Station Norfolk
Top-rated public schools for military families stationed at NSN. Direct guide to Norfolk’s magnet/charter options plus the commute alternatives in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach where school ratings are higher.
Norfolk Public Schools are the closest district to NSN, but average ratings are lower than neighboring Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Many NSN military families navigate this by either pursuing Norfolk magnet programs (Ghent School, Academy for Discovery at Lakewood) or living in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach and absorbing a longer commute.
The data below is from GreatSchools.org (April 2026). For your specific address, always verify on Virginia’s state report card and confirm school zoning with the district.
City-Level School Ratings (Norfolk vs. Alternatives)
Average GreatSchools rating by city and level. Total schools is the count rated.
| City | Elementary avg | Middle avg | High avg | Total schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk | 5.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 45 |
| Chesapeake | 6.0 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 38 |
| Virginia Beach | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 82 |
Source: GreatSchools.org ratings, compiled April 2026. Verify per-school ratings at GreatSchools.org and Virginia DOE.
Top-Rated Norfolk Schools
If you live in Norfolk near NSN, these are the strongest public school options. Note: Norfolk’s top schools are predominantly magnet/specialty programs that require application or zoning consideration.
Ghent School — K-8
Magnet/special program; one of two highest-rated public schools in Norfolk.
Academy for Discovery at Lakewood — K-8
Magnet program; consistently top-rated.
Ingleside Elementary — Elementary
Traditional Norfolk elementary, well-regarded.
W.H. Taylor Elementary — Elementary
Strong neighborhood elementary.
Willard Model Elementary — Elementary
Magnet model school.
Source: GreatSchools.org, April 2026. Application/zoning rules vary; verify with Norfolk Public Schools.
Commute Alternatives for Better Schools
If school quality is a priority, these neighboring options have higher average ratings:
Chesapeake (Greenbrier, Great Bridge, Western Branch)
Top-rated district at this side of the harbor. Notable schools: Hickory High School (rated 9), Grassfield High School (8), G.A. Treakle Elementary (8). 20-30 min commute to NSN via I-264 / Downtown Tunnel.
Virginia Beach
Highest average across all levels. 11 high schools; top-rated include Floyd Kellam (9), Ocean Lakes (8), Salem (8). Longer commute (25-35 min) but no tunnel needed.
Verify exact school zoning per address on each city’s public schools website.
Want a school-first home search?
Tell me your kids’ ages and minimum school rating. I will route the search.
Sources: GreatSchools.org (ratings, April 2026); Virginia DOE state report cards; Norfolk Public Schools; Chesapeake Public Schools; Virginia Beach City Public Schools.