Serving 462 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Richard Bowling Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 462 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Richard Bowling Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Richard Bowling Elementary School's student population of 462 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
462 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
All scholars will be promoted from Richard Bowling Elementary School with the ability to transfer their learning as independent thinkers and problem-solvers to become global leaders.
School Mascot
Hornets
School Rankings
Richard Bowling Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Richard Bowling Elementary School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1738 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)30%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤10%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
8%
Hispanic
5%
19%
Black
88%
22%
White
2%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornets
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Bowling Elementary School's ranking?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is ranked #1738 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Richard Bowling Elementary School often compared to?
Richard Bowling Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jacox Elementary School, Bay View Elementary School, Coleman Place Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Richard Bowling Elementary School?
462 students attend Richard Bowling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Richard Bowling Elementary School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Richard Bowling Elementary School?
Richard Bowling Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Richard Bowling Elementary School offer ?
Richard Bowling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Richard Bowling Elementary School part of?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is part of Norfolk City School District.
In what neighborhood is Richard Bowling Elementary School located?
Richard Bowling Elementary School is located in the Broad Creek neighborhood of Norfolk, VA.
School Reviews
1 6/23/2017
I have been dealing with richard bowling elementary school since last year, my son has been bullied ALL YEAR. And he is only in kindergarten!! Students are hitting him, slapping him,calling him names. It got to the point to where he would cry because he didn't want to go to school, he would tell me that he didn't feel like anyone loved him or cared for him at the school and that he was scared of some of his class mates. I just pulled him out of the school two weeks early because it has gotten so bad. His teacher was great but the schools approach on bullying and their "zero tolerance for bullying" is a joke. He will not be coming back next year, I will drive him to an out of district school. I don't feel like it's a safe environment for children who are dealing with bullies.
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