Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 23113

Zip code 23113 in Midlothian, Virginia is served by two middle schools—Midlothian Middle and Robious Middle—both part of Chesterfield County Public Schools, serving grades 6 through 8. Both schools earn 4-star ratings, but Midlothian Middle ranks higher overall (60th of 416 in Virginia versus Robious's 103rd), and it is a clear reading leader. Midlothian posts 6th and 7th grade reading proficiency above 90% and beats Robious by roughly 5 to 10 percentage points in every grade. It also has a lower poverty rate (13.91% free/reduced lunch vs. 26.27% at Robious) and higher per-student spending. In contrast, Robious Middle stands out for efficiency and math/science strength. Despite serving a higher-poverty population and spending less per student, Robious beats Midlothian in 7th grade math, 8th grade math (50.75% vs. 30.51%), 8th grade science, and Earth Science, while also posting lower chronic absenteeism (10.7% vs. 12.9%) and a slightly better student-teacher ratio (14.6 vs. 15.4).

Both schools outperform their district, which ranks only 44th percentile statewide, making this zip code a strong academic pocket. They share a major strength in advanced math: both achieve 100% proficiency on the 8th grade Geometry SOL and near-perfect scores on Algebra I. However, the two schools diverge in 8th grade math proficiency. Midlothian’s score of 30.51% is far below the state average and 20 points behind Robious, likely because many of its students have already accelerated into Algebra I or Geometry, leaving a smaller group taking the standard 8th grade test. Still, it is worth watching whether those non-accelerated students receive enough support. Both schools also exceed the state average in reading, with Midlothian standing out as a regional literacy powerhouse.

Science is a mixed story. General 8th grade science proficiency is below the Virginia average at both schools—49.68% at Midlothian and 59.26% at Robious vs. 64.72% statewide—yet Earth Science scores are excellent at both, exceeding 96%. Chronic absenteeism is not a concern here, as both schools are well below the state rate of 14.8%. For parents, the choice is clear: Midlothian Middle offers top-tier reading and higher overall rankings, while Robious Middle delivers impressive math and science results, better attendance, smaller classes, and greater efficiency despite a more economically diverse student body.