Schools in Zip Code 23221

Zip code 23221 in Richmond, Virginia, is served by two public schools in the Richmond City Public Schools district: Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary (grades PK–5, 262 students) and Albert Hill Middle (grades 6–8, 505 students), with no high schools in the immediate area.

These two schools tell very different stories. Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary is the clear standout: despite serving a student population where 100% qualify for free/reduced lunch, it earned 3 stars and ranks in the 61st percentile statewide, up from the 41st percentile two years ago. Its 5th grade math proficiency is 95.24% — dramatically above the district’s 55.43% and the state’s 72.39% — and 5th grade science and reading also outpace district and state averages. In contrast, Albert Hill Middle is a 1-star school sitting in the 19th percentile. Grade-level proficiency is generally low, yet the middle school posts exceptional results in advanced math: 100% proficiency in 7th grade Algebra I and 95.83% in 8th grade Geometry. This pattern suggests a strong advanced-track program while standard grade-level courses struggle, particularly in 7th grade math (20.41% proficient in 2024–2025) and 8th grade science (8% proficient).

Attendance is a likely driver of the gap. The elementary school’s chronic absenteeism is just 7.2%, compared to the district average of 20.5%, while the middle school’s rate is 21.2% — nearly three times higher. The elementary school also spends more per student ($13,950 vs. $10,550) and has improved its state percentile by 20 points in two years, while the middle school’s rank has stagnated firmly in 1-star territory. Both schools serve almost exclusively low-income families (99.8% and 100% free/reduced lunch), yet Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary demonstrates that high-poverty schools can achieve strong outcomes, especially in upper elementary grades. For parents, the elementary school offers a clear upward trajectory and strong academic performance, while Albert Hill Middle offers a high-performing advanced math pathway but inconsistent results for students in standard courses.