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2020 Best Schools Offering AP Courses in the Norfolk AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area with advanced placement courses based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Take an AP test to get college credit and find schools to help you ace AP exams. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 64
Best Schools
64 results

  1. Veritas Collegiate Academy

    • Private School
    • Chesapeake, VA
    • K-12
    • 107 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Parent: My young kids love this school. They have made really sweet friends and they are learning a ton! We really like the classical approach because it emphasizes mastering traditional knowledge such as history, geography, scripture, grammar, phonics, art, science, math, and music. The memory period is very effective for teaching memorized material through song, and there are many fun special holidays, events, and field trips, as well as swim team/swim lessons and school play!

    The middle and high school are also amazing! The humanities/omnibus courses are really unique in combining classic literature with history, religion, politics, and philosophy--so it's all combined in a way that connects and make sense. Students read the primary texts from that time period rather than just reading a vague summary in a typical textbook. A great preparation for college and a great way to gain wisdom for life!
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 259 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • 1-12
    • 135 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: Extremely competitive environment. Takes a special type of ambitious, intrinsically driven, child to thrive here. Teaches kids skill such as confidence in ones ability to perform as well as how to talk to adults in a professional manner, these are skills that just can't be learned in public school. There is a lot of extreme social, academic, and athletic pressure to perform well here. There is little to no space for type B personalities and you will find a lot of extremely driven "Work hard play hard" type students here! its always "go go go go time" at NA
    Read 135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,203 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Ocean Lakes High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 587 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: I transferred to Ocean Lakes my Junior year and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The school is beautiful and the staff is so supportive and they offer to help you before you even have a chance to ask. I have had the amazing opportunities to take advanced classes that truly challenge me a prepare me for college. The fine arts are amazing, and they are like a second family for me. Ocean lakes is one of the best schools in Virginia Beach!
    Read 587 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,135 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Cape Henry Collegiate

    • Private School
    • Virginia Beach, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 65 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Parent: An AMAZING school! Our family switched from a Greenbrier private school to Cape Henry this year – by far the best decision I’ve made for my kids in terms of education and growth. Cape Henry Collegiate embodies the essence of Christian principles although it is not a religious school. They welcome every religion, every color, and host a robust exchange program with students from numerous countries not to mention a vast amount of students of NATO civilian and military staff in the area. However, it was the NEXUS program that sold me! The NEXUS program is the ONLY ONE in the State of Virginia. The program incorporates science and research, enabling students in every grade to experience different cultures in countries around the world. Cape Henry Collegiate students, teachers, and parents are honed in on ensuring every student succeeds. It is a culture of collective positive reinforcement and truly supportive of the students’ individuality and personal growth.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 949 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Suffolk, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 49 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Parent: NSA has established a caring and supporting environment for my young children. The classroom teachers and assistants truly know them and go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that each one is encouraged in a way that best suits their individual learning styles and personalities. My children love coming to school every day, and I'm excited about the opportunities offered as they head into Middle and Upper Schools!
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 877 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Grassfield High School

    • Chesapeake Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 610 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Alum: what I liked most about Grassfield high school was that the teachers working always working their absolute hardest to help the students graduate. The teachers were very nice, easy to understand, and helpful at all times. The staff was just as good the principles were listening to students' ideas and would try to make them come true. The counselors would continuously help their students with whatever they needed from emotional issues to college preparation. Security at the school was good they would walk around the building and interact with students as well as breaking apart any confrontation that arose. The one thing that needs to change are the clubs there were no clubs I was interested in and I feel like I lost my high school experience. If there were clubs that are interesting to everyone I would've joined and a lot of my friends would too.
    Read 610 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,107 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Walsingham Academy

    • Private School
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 66 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Works Here: Walsingham Academy does a wonderful job preparing students academically and teaching to the whole person. Talented faculty, excellent extracurricular activities and a family atmosphere that prepares students for college, life and beyond!
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 448 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Norfolk Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 46 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Parent: We have been a part of Norfolk Collegiate for four years. The academics are varied and challenging, but the teachers are very hit or miss. The administration has too much turnover. If you get a teacher that has been with the school for 15+ years, you have a great experience. Some of the long term teachers at this school are amazing. Unfortunately, one bad teacher can ruin the whole experience. Politics and money play too much of a role, unfortunately, but I imagine that is the case with any private school. Overall, a good experience, but far from perfect.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 596 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Princess Anne High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 455 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Sophomore: Princess Anne is overall a really good school. If you want to go to a school to better your academic knowledge then PA is probably the right school for you! It is a school that includes the International Baccalaureate Program and, like most other schools with this program, challenges its students. There are many fun and innovative clubs, if you think of anything new clubs are very easy to start. Nearly all of the teachers and administrators at PA genuinely want you to succeed and will do most of everything in their power to see you do well.
    Read 455 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,870 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Grafton High School

    • York County School Division, VA
    • 9-12
    • 271 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Niche User: Teachers and other faculty here seem to be held to quite a high standard, and it shows! Every member of the staff cares, communicates, and make themselves available as resources for the students. I'm lucky to have studied here and I am ever grateful for the opportunities the school provided me!
    Read 271 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,193 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Jamestown High School

    • Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 173 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: My experience at Jamestown High School has been some of the best times of my life. The students here are very involved and made me feel comfortable with everyone around me. What I would like to see change is the diversity there’s not a very good mix of students and sometimes I find myself being the only one of my race in my class. However, overall the teachers are great and always there to help. They try to be very flexible with their schedules to get you where you need to be. I would recommend this school for anyone moving to Williamsburg.
    Read 173 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,350 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Peninsula Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Newport News, VA
    • 8-12
    • 89 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Alum: As with most private schools, what you're paying for is the environment: a culture of high expectations and support and academic rigor. You can't argue with a 100% college acceptance rate, with a good percentage of those acceptances being to the best schools in Virginia and beyond.

    But beyond being a place where a kid can get a great education and be set up for success for the rest of his or her life, what impresses me the most is just how kind, polite, and impressive the students are. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the local private schools took turns outscoring each other in sports and SAT scores etc (although PC frequently comes out on top in those categories as well); but one thing I'd bet good money on is that PC outshines all the competition in terms of providing an environment where every kid feels like part of a family and is taught compassion, kindness, acceptance, and to be the best version of him/herself on a a daily basis.
    Read 89 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 269 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Tabb High School

    • York County School Division, VA
    • 9-12
    • 225 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: Tabb High School is an amazing school that offers so many opportunities for students. With a broad list of classes like AP's, clubs and activities Tabb HS is the place to be. The possibilities of making your child an all-star student or student athlete is real when they come to Tabb High!
    Read 225 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,183 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Virginia Beach, VA
    • 9-12
    • 60 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Alum: I went to Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School for all four years of high school and enjoyed every minute of it. I was heavily involved in many activities on campus and there really were opportunities available for all interests. I participated in sports, honor societies, clubs, campus ministry and retreat team, and being an ambassador for the school. I am currently a freshman at Virginia Tech and can say without a doubt that Bishop Sullivan prepared me very well for being a college student. Although I may not have enjoyed the course load or high expectations of teachers, I realize now that they were just preparing me for college life and I am so thankful. Bishop Sullivan offers many opportunities for your child to flourish in faith, fellowship, academics, and other activities. The teachers are always willing to lend a helping hand and genuinely care about your child's well-being. I am so blessed to have gone to Bishop Sullivan and your children will be too!
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 434 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Hickory High School

    • Chesapeake Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 462 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: At Hickory High, I enjoy the opportunities to better my academics with the AP classes and dedicated teachers available. I am able to take numerous AP and honors courses with teachers that are always available to provide me with additional help or advice. My teachers have always gone above and beyond to ensure my peers and I feel confident and prepared for tests and assessments while also connecting with us personally. However, something I would like to see change at Hickory High is an increase in the funding and attention of extra curricular activities. The theater and arts departments do not receive nearly the amount of attention and funds that sports do, and some less popular sports suffer as well. While academics are important, extra curricular activities should also be a focus to provide students with a balance of education and social development.
    Read 462 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,712 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Stone Bridge School

    • Private School
    • Chesapeake, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 39 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Sophomore: Based on my experience at Stonebridge School, my opinion has been shaped to believe that StoneBridge has some of the most challenging and thought-provoking academics in the area. The teachers care about their students and are willing to go out of their way for them. Students of StoneBridge School tend to be more intelligent and talented than average students, causing them to excel in nearly every task. Not only are they academically gifted, but they are genuinely good people. Due to the Christian nature of the students, they plant themselves in God’s Holy Word, molding them into selfless and kind people. The facility is in need of much improvement. The halls are very thin-in-width, causing students to be pushed around. Nearly every class in the upper school are held in small trailers. Lastly, there are not many clubs or electives for the students. Personally, I believe not having enough ways to venture beyond the general classes is a serious issue in need of fixing.
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 347 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Salem High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 558 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: No one really likes school, but I'm glad to say that it could be far worse. I hear my peers at other schools complaining about daily struggles that, I'm thankful to say, I've never even thought about coming across at mine. There is definitely a place for everyone, and there's a general sense of community among all grade levels. The fact that we have a diverse student body is amazing. You can find all types of people with different backgrounds, all of which are immediately accepted. The faculty try their hardest to spread the spirit and provide guidance, but most days, the students do that themselves. We have many activities that keep us pumped yearly, but I wish we had more to do during the spring when exams and SOLs are happening. It's a very difficult third quarter, and maybe if we had more engaging activities, it would lift the mood. Other than that, I love my school. I'm proud to call myself a Sundevil!
    Read 558 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,722 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. York High School

    • York County School Division, VA
    • 9-12
    • 195 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: The administration and principal are so engaging and passionate about the school and have made so many amazing things happen within the last three years! In this span, we have started having homecoming parades starting in 2015, different pep rallies, like glow in the dark with glow sticks! We have raised over 20,000 dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma after our principal said she would skydive and honored her commitment! County wide powderpuff with all the high schools in York County, County wide marching band expo, which have both been very successful! We have also have over 95 percent pass rates for all SOL tests. The students, community, and administration absolutely love this school and are proud to be part of the Falcon family!
    Read 195 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Tallwood High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 753 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: Tallwood is a great school with a diverse group of students of many talents and personalities. I first started going to Tallwood my sophomore year, and ever since then, I've felt so welcomed. The students--especially my graduating class- were so welcoming and kind. It was easy to make friends. The learning environment is very comfortable and open, and the teachers do indeed care about helping their students. The events and little things that go on a daily basis are what make Tallwood amazing!
    Read 753 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,996 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Frank W. Cox High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 429 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Niche User: Teachers are fairly good. A lot of them are hit or miss. Guidance is absolutely useless, however. You'll be planning anything college related yourself... or at least you'll wish you had.

    What they don't tell you:
    Take easy AP's early on if you want to go to a top college
    Always request for the easier teacher
    Get excused blocks if you have a tough schedule... Mental Health> Grades
    Sweet talk teachers- you're grades will reflect how much they like you

    Bottom line- Be friendly to everyone, expand your horizons, explore your interests with a breadth of classes, get good at writing for college essays, work hard for SAT/GPA/recommendations

    Good luck!
    Read 429 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,827 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Landstown High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 565 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: What I like about Landstown High School is how the teachers care about their students a lot and want them to do nothing but succeed in their academics and in life. They will schedule tutoring with students who does not understand what is going on in a subject, the school provides clubs to keep their students occupied after school, and there are also sports! So far Landstown is a great school to attend and very fun.
    Read 565 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,250 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Great Bridge High School

    • Chesapeake Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 352 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: Personally, I have had an excellent high school experience at Great Bridge High School. I not only got an amazing education, but I also got the chance to connect with my peers and teachers in a great learning environment. My teachers pushed me to do my very best every day, which allowed me to be accepted into numerous colleges. I am also involved in sports and clubs at school that allow me to express my active side. I have been on the soccer team for all four years of high school and have participated in Key Club (community service). Being involved in these activities has helped me represent my school in a positive way, as it should be represented. Great Bridge is a community I feel safe and comfortable in and I am beyond grateful to have been a part of this school for the past four years.
    Read 352 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,377 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. First Colonial High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 333 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: The teachers at this institution of learning are some of the most compassionate and qualified individuals which I have ever met. Every student matters to them and they are more than qualified in the knowledge of their subjects. The community here at FC cares for their own; the students, teachers, and parents of the school actively participate in academics and extracurricular activities in order to instill the values of leadership and good citizenship. The few drawbacks here are as follows. The school building has existed since about 1961, and is therefore old and outdated. While many Advanced Placement courses are offered, some of them are not, such as AP World History, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Physics C. Overall, I love this school and frankly wouldn't choose any other school if I had to relive my high school experience again.
    Read 333 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,930 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Floyd E. Kellam High School

    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 355 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Senior: I have loved my experience at Kellam High School! Kellam has a club for every single student at the school and plenty of resources to help everyone thrive. I've been able to grow so much as a person thanks to all the activities that Kellam has to offer. Additionally, there is an endless amount of classes, including AP's to electives, to help fit everyone's needs. This school has a heartwarming sense of community that I am so grateful to be a part of.
    Read 355 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,049 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Warhill High School

    • Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 192 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Norfolk Area

    Junior: I’m a new student at this school and it’s great! The teachers are amazing and are great with 1 on 1 attention if you need help. The school has an academic enrichment period for all students 30 minutes each day letting us get our homework done, go get help from teachers, or even get tutoring help for math in the tutoring hub. I would say the only problem is the counseling department, they aren’t the best with connecting with students and they don’t really update you on college visit info. Sports are average, but we have the best student section in the county! I highly recommend the Theatre Program, I made a lot of friends and it’s a great way to meet people. Overall, Warhill is pretty good school and would highly recommend.
    Read 192 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,305 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Suffolk, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 49 reviews

    Parent: NSA has established a caring and supporting environment for my young children. The classroom teachers and assistants truly know them and go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that each one is encouraged in a way that best suits their individual learning styles and personalities. My children love coming to school every day, and I'm excited about the opportunities offered as they head into Middle and Upper Schools!
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 877 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  34. Review Your School 
  35. Sponsored

    Norfolk Academy

    • Private School
    • Norfolk, VA
    • 1-12
    • 135 reviews

    Senior: Extremely competitive environment. Takes a special type of ambitious, intrinsically driven, child to thrive here. Teaches kids skill such as confidence in ones ability to perform as well as how to talk to adults in a professional manner, these are skills that just can't be learned in public school. There is a lot of extreme social, academic, and athletic pressure to perform well here. There is little to no space for type B personalities and you will find a lot of extremely driven "Work hard play hard" type students here! its always "go go go go time" at NA
    Read 135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,203 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Veritas Collegiate Academy

    • Private School
    • Chesapeake, VA
    • K-12
    • 107 reviews

    Parent: My young kids love this school. They have made really sweet friends and they are learning a ton! We really like the classical approach because it emphasizes mastering traditional knowledge such as history, geography, scripture, grammar, phonics, art, science, math, and music. The memory period is very effective for teaching memorized material through song, and there are many fun special holidays, events, and field trips, as well as swim team/swim lessons and school play!

    The middle and high school are also amazing! The humanities/omnibus courses are really unique in combining classic literature with history, religion, politics, and philosophy--so it's all combined in a way that connects and make sense. Students read the primary texts from that time period rather than just reading a vague summary in a typical textbook. A great preparation for college and a great way to gain wisdom for life!
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 259 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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