2023 Best Places to Teach in Virginia

• Arlington, VA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.42 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: I attended H-B Woodlawn, an alternative combined middle and high school. I have loved my time at H-B and treasure the connections, experiences, and memories made there. I have grown significantly in confidence, work ethic, and communication and I truly believe H-B is to thank for that. H-B has taught me to advocate for myself and to work for what I want.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $102,483

• Charlotte Court House, VA•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: The administration in Charlotte County Public Schools are beyond helpful. Being that graduation is very close they have gone out of their way to make sure us seniors are prepared. Since freshman year teachers have made sure that we started off on the right foot. Guidance counselors are very involved as well. They helped us plan out our schedules the whole 4 years, apply to colleges, and even helped us when we struggled at times.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $67,684

• Falls Church, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Alum: I would say it was overall a good experience. I was in this school system from K-12. Elementry and Middle school provided good teaching staff, extracurriculars, and resources for women in STEM. The high school experience was illuminating, with classes becoming segregated by class and race. The system was very biast and pushed certain students above those who historically had not attended college.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Average teacher salary $102,638

• Charlottesville, VA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Junior: For our sports programs, Basketball, Track, Wrestling, and Soccer thrive. but, Football and Baseball kinda suck. Sports like Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, and others are underrepresented. The Fine Arts programs here are Amazing (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Choir, and Theater), However, money is frequently an issue. For academics, It's a coin toss whether or not you'll like your core courses, however, your electives will always be amazing. Our Engineering program is phenomenal, even rivaling some colleges. The Community is welcoming, but it can be rather cliquey. However, you'll fit in just fine. There are a lot of great people here. There are many great teachers that you will instantly become friends with, but you'll have at least one bad teacher every year. Additionally, The Janitorial staff does an amazing job as well. Some students trash the place sometimes and the next day, it's like nothing ever happened. Also, the food could be better.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Average teacher salary $77,484

• Monterey, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Highland County Public Schools offers small class sizes with a larger school availability for AP and College courses to Juniors and Seniors. The Teachers take the time to get to know your children and to spend one on one time with them in a teaching atmosphere. Everyone is interested in your childs education and there is a ton of community support. Sports draw large crowds and everyone is involved.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Average teacher salary $63,135

• West Point, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: I loved attending West Point. It is a great environment to learn in. All the teachers go out of their way to help the students succeed in and outside of the classroom. With West Point being so small, the majority of the students participate in many extracurricular activities, so the faculty goes out of their way to support the students. It is a great school and community to be apart of.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $57,811

• Lexington, VA•

• School District

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $58,552

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: My experience has been good. I have always felt that I have been receiving a good education. My peers and teachers were good, and the community at school is good not like those stereotypical high school movies.... Read 23 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $63,920

• Wise, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Wise County Public Schools have prepared me for anything in life. The school program has helped me excel in several areas such as academics, business and the Arts. I have been very impressed with the course curriculum and the support of the teachers and academic faculty. I have had several opportunities as FBLA Regional president, 4-H Virginia State president and getting to be a part of the thinsat-satellite program with Wallops Island NASA program. I would like to continue my academic career enhancing my public speaking skills . This might be a small town school system; however it is connected to the world.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $53,407

• Williamsburg, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: I like that the environment is not only surrounded by education, but also sports. Many teachers grew up in this area and participated in the same activities as students are today. There is a big sense of unity in that aspect. However, the sportsmanship between the schools has/has been toxic for years. There is a sense of superiority from the older schools, which is understandable. However, it is sometimes overwhelming when people doubt your skills and talent because of the school you go to. The sport experience between schools is something that I wish would change for the better.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $66,004

• Falls Church, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  627 reviews

Alum: Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are a great choice for families looking for a quality education. FCPS has a strong academic program and provides plenty of extra-curricular activities such as band, choir, robotics, and more. The school district also offers many advanced courses, such as AP and IB, for those students looking to further their education. Additionally, FCPS is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment for all students, with a comprehensive anti-bullying policy and well-trained staff. The district also offers excellent support services, such as counseling, special education, and mental health services. FCPS also pays special attention to students who need additional support, providing a number of helpful services. Finally, FCPS has a strong administration and support staff who are always available to help. With all these factors combined, FCPS is an excellent choice for any family looking for a quality education.... Read 627 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $83,603

• Bristol, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: We have had a good experience with the schools. Our children have had very good teachers and lots of opportunities for sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. I do think sometimes things could be more consistent and have more follow through. Sometimes some policies do not make sense, but the administration makes an effort to keep people informed and get feedback. The system has a very "family" feel, with schools and staff supporting each other, and the School Board recognizing students and staff who have done positive things. There have been a lot of improvements in technology as well as things to make the schools safer. I appreciate the opportunity for students to do dual enrollment at no charge. I am sure there are other districts with more resources or course offerings, but Bristol has a good balance of size and opportunities.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $57,599

• Charlottesville, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  65 reviews

Senior: My experience at Albemarle High School has been nothing but positive and memorable. The teachers at this school support the students in the best way they can and are always there to help anyone out. There is always a time to either see a teacher, study by yourself, or sit down and spend time with friends. Our loud and lively pep rallies got people jumping and screaming, and boosted our support for the school. I wouldn't really change anything about Albemarle, we have most of the resources we need and the work load isn't as bad as I thought it would be.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $64,075

• Norton, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Junior: The thing I like about Norton City Schools is that everyone is there to help you in any way they can. I consider school my second home and all the administrators welcome you with open arms. The teachers will teach you to the best of their abilities and if you struggle they will help you in any way they can. There isn’t really anything that I would change about it. Our guidance counselor and college advisor helps so much with getting you ready for college. You never feel left out of anything here. The students always enjoy meeting new students that come in and help them hit in. No one is really mean to others as long as you are not mean to them. The food here can be a little nasty but there are many options to choose from. The music and art program are the best. Every sport group is supportive to the others and they all come out to see each other play.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Average teacher salary $47,779

• Clintwood, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: teacher have personal interest in students... although teachers have received no real raise for quite some time, they are dedicated to our students we have great caring, loving, and dedicated staff members who go the extra mile for kids... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Average teacher salary $47,290

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  241 reviews

Senior: The education given and the help provided is really what helped me through my school career my whole life. Teahers are so passionate of their jobs and helping students strive to be their best selves. From K-12th grade I have never experienced a teacher who doesn't care! All I want to see change, honestly, is the food. It is more on the healthy side which I understand but the quality of food makes the taste way better!... Read 241 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $66,830

• Yorktown, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  52 reviews

Junior: I love how much of a community York County is. This year has been very hard on York County, but it has also been really beautiful to see how well they come around students and faculty during rough times. My school caught on fire in early February, thus displacing thousands of students. Our surrounding schools immediately cared for us and provided us with places to continue our learning. I am truly impressed with our school board, our teachers, and our students. I couldn't ask for a better place to start and end my high school career at!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $59,646

• Alexandria, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  82 reviews

Sophomore: The 2020 goal was ¨Equity for all¨ which the district did well in. There were food, technology, health(both mental & physical) resources offered to ALL students and the families of students. The ACPS 2025 goal is ¨Empowering all students to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world¨They set this goal this year, with all the progressive movements coming to light. I feel the district (being made up of extremely diverse populations whether it is ethnically, racially, socio-economically, religiously, etc.) I feel that the district will be able to reach this goal of empowering all students. I already see ways that they are doing so. They have given students a chance to rename schools that were named after pro-segregationists, given less represented students more college readiness resources, and take advice from STUDENTS, not only parents on what steps need to be taken to better our school system. I rate a 4/5, because like everything in the world, we arent perfect.... Read 82 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Average teacher salary $113,366

• Mineral, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  34 reviews

Alum: Louisa County Public Schools have proved to go above and beyond when it comes to preparing their students for the road ahead. College is a breeze thanks to Louisa County Schools. Not only do they prepare their students, they also take pride in this and in their extracurriculars. Sports, theatre, clubs, etc. all receive recognition for their accomplishment. At Louisa County, they really do make it feel like a family. Go Lions!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $58,520

• Waynesboro, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: Wonderful and memorable teachers and guidance counselors who couldn't be more supportive of students reaching their goals. Provides an excellent platform for contributing to the community and becoming a successful adult after high school.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Average teacher salary $65,820

• Colonial Heights, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: The teachers that work for Colonial Heights City Public Schools are amazing. Each and every one of them takes their time to genuinely help their students! I have made all A honor roll since second grade, when I moved here, and I would not have been able to do it without the help of all of my wonderful teachers! In high school there are many clubs. I believe there is a club for everyone. Everyone has somewhere they can fit in. Since the city is so small, Colonial Heights City Public Schools are a family.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $60,420

• Ashburn, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  277 reviews

Sophomore: I have lived in Loudoun County for most of my life, and each day I love it more and more. The people here are very diverse and academically prestigious. I also enjoy how much people care about the environments wellbeing. Though, I think here in loudoun we can work on accepting different religions. For example, my friend prays 5 times a due to their religion being Muslim. They were in a certain class and the teacher wouldn't allow them to leave the class to pray because it was apparently "interfering with their academics." This is something very important for creating an accepting community, so working on being respectful of everyone is critical.... Read 277 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $76,560

• Rocky Mount, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  61 reviews

Senior: Attending Franklin County public schools has been one of my best experiences! Our school works hard to keep all us engaged with our work. Not only that, but they also help assure that you are safe outside of school as well. The teachers here are absolutely outstanding! They interact with their students while also using multiple different teaching techniques to provide an alternate way of learning. I have seen the faculty do lots of kind-hearted things that was honestly out of their pay grade. They do it anyways though, out of the kindness of their heart. That’s what I personally love lost about my school system. Franklin County public schools is a great place to come to learn!... Read 61 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $62,536

• Christiansburg, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: I have been in the Montgomery County Public Schools my entire school life and the experience has been fantastic. The teachers, students, and faculty have been so amazing and very understanding. The schools prepare their students with great thinking and understanding of what colleges are looking for and expecting of their future students. Being in these schools have made me a better person socially, emotionally, and physically because they help you become open and make you feel so welcomed in their schools. I truly love and will miss not only my high school but also Montgomery county. We may be small but we are very loving and caring and our schools make our students feel safe, happy, and ready for the real world.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Average teacher salary $51,834

• Heathsville, VA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: I love the community and the people. I moved here in 8th grade and have now been here for 5 years. Something that was very different was how small of a school it is compared to my old school in Maryland but that just means there are way more opportunities for kids that need extra help and one-on-one time with teachers. You grow great connections with teachers and the other staff. It is overall a beautiful school with a great range of higher educational opportunities!... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Average teacher salary $57,374