Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 23321

In zip code 23321, there are three elementary schools serving the Chesapeake area, all part of Chesapeake City Public Schools: Western Branch Primary (PK–2), Western Branch Intermediate (3–5), and Edwin W. Chittum Elementary (PK–5). The two Western Branch schools effectively operate as one paired campus serving the same community across two grade bands, while Chittum is a separate full elementary school.

Edwin W. Chittum Elementary is the clear standout by nearly every measure. It has the highest state ranking (81st percentile), the highest SOL test scores in every subject, the lowest poverty rate (20% free/reduced lunch), the lowest chronic absenteeism (7.7%), the lowest student–teacher ratio (15.0), and the highest per-pupil spending ($11,008). By comparison, the Western Branch campuses serve a much higher-poverty population (about 74% free/reduced lunch) but still post respectable attendance numbers at 9.2% chronic absenteeism. Western Branch Intermediate ranks in the 57th percentile and generally scores near or slightly below state averages, while Chittum’s all-test average is roughly 9–12 points higher in recent years.

One of the most important takeaways for parents is the strong connection between poverty concentration and academic outcomes, as seen in the gap between Chittum and the Western Branch campuses. However, attendance is a bright spot across all three schools, with every school beating both the district (11.1%) and state (14.8%) chronic absenteeism rates. The gap between Chittum and Western Branch Intermediate has actually narrowed slightly year over year, helped by improvements in early literacy and math at Western Branch. The largest differences remain in 5th grade science and Virginia Studies, while 3rd grade reading is the most competitive subject. Keep in mind that Western Branch Primary has no test scores because it only serves through 2nd grade, so the fairest academic comparison is between Chittum and Western Branch Intermediate.