| Metric | Suffolk City Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 14,490 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 22 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,237/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 6/10 — Average | — | Near average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 132 rated districts in VA → 52nd percentile → 6/10.
Source: Virginia Dept. of Education SOL, division English Reading & Mathematics pass rates, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Suffolk City Public Schools
Families in zip code 23438 (Suffolk, Virginia) are assigned to Suffolk City Public Schools for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Suffolk City Public Schools spent $12,237 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 18% below Virginia’s statewide $14,900 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 990 students, an estimated 83% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 22 schools serving approximately 14,490 students, Suffolk City Public Schools is a large district. Contact Suffolk City Public Schools to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 6/10 Rating
With a rating of 6/10 (average), Suffolk City Public Schools ranks among Virginia’s average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Virginia’s SOL (Standards of Learning) English Reading & Mathematics assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Virginia is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Suffolk City Public Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Virginia. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 23438
Children in zip code 23438 are assigned to Suffolk City Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 23438, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Suffolk City Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Virginia districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Suffolk
For families considering a purchase in the Suffolk area, district assignment matters financially. Because Suffolk City Public Schools serves zip code 23438, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 23438 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Virginia, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Suffolk City Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 23438.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Suffolk City Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 23438 data.