Schools in Zip Code 23112

Zip code 23112 in Midlothian, VA contains 11 public schools within Chesterfield County Public Schools, serving approximately 13,791 students across 6 elementary schools (PK–5), 2 middle schools (6–8), and 3 high schools (9–12). The district ranks 73rd of 131 Virginia districts, but schools within this single zip code vary dramatically, ranging from the 94th percentile statewide to the 28th percentile in their most recent rankings.

For families seeking top performers, Woolridge Elementary is the highest-ranked school in the zip code at the 94th percentile with a 5-star rating, featuring strong academics like 95.8% proficiency in 4th-grade math and minimal chronic absenteeism at 7.4%. Cosby High leads the high schools with a 97.3% graduation rate—well above both state and district averages—and the lowest free/reduced lunch rate at 16.0%. Among middle schools, Swift Creek Middle outpaces Bailey Bridge Middle, ranking in the 77th percentile with much lower chronic absenteeism (11.6% vs. 18.4%). Perhaps the most compelling success story is Alberta Smith Elementary, which earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 87th percentile despite serving a 76.8% free/reduced lunch population, demonstrating that poverty does not have to dictate outcomes.

The data reveals consistent patterns. Schools with lower poverty rates like Woolridge Elementary and Cosby High tend to outperform, while high-poverty schools like Manchester High (74% FRL) and Thelma Crenshaw Elementary (78% FRL) rank lowest in their levels. Chronic absenteeism closely tracks performance, with struggling schools showing rates near or above 15% while strong schools stay below 12%. Interestingly, more spending does not guarantee better results: Manchester High spends the most per student ($8,735) yet ranks lowest among high schools, while Woolridge Elementary spends the least ($7,165) and ranks first. Year-to-year volatility also appears, such as Bailey Bridge Middle's 8th-grade math proficiency rebounding from 3.57% to 39.81%. For parents, the key takeaway is that while 23112 offers excellent options like Woolridge Elementary, Cosby High, and Swift Creek Middle, individual school choice matters greatly—and attendance and school climate can be just as influential as demographics.