Tanners Creek Elementary

Tanners Creek Elementary is a PK–5 elementary school in Norfolk, VA, serving 517 students in Norfolk City Public Schools. The school serves a highly economically disadvantaged population — essentially every student qualifies for meal assistance — and its overall state ranking places it in the bottom decile of Virginia elementary schools, with SOL proficiency rates generally below both district and state averages across math, reading, science, and social studies.

While Tanners Creek's rank of 9th percentile is low, it is not alone in the area. Coleman Place Elementary ranks in the 2nd percentile, and Little Creek Elementary sits at the 9th percentile. But close neighbors with similar poverty rates post much stronger results: Tarrallton Elementary had 5th grade reading at 91.7% and science at 86.1% — roughly 30–40 points higher — while Larrymore Elementary also significantly outperforms Tanners. Even Norview Elementary, the closest school, beats Tanners in most subjects. This variability suggests school-specific programs and leadership can make a real difference.

There are genuine positives worth noting. Chronic absenteeism has fallen dramatically from 40.6% in 2021–22 to 16.5% in 2024–25, now below the district average. English learner students ranked in the 54th percentile statewide, a standout result. And after a particularly difficult 2023–24 school year, scores rebounded sharply: 5th grade math jumped from 19.8% to 55.0% proficient and science from 14.8% to 43.8%. Overall, the school's state rank improved from the 2nd percentile in 2022–23 to the 9th percentile in 2025–26.