Summary:
Zip code 23421, serving the Parksley area of Virginia's Eastern Shore, contains just one public school: Metompkin Elementary, a PK–5 school with 435 students in the Accomack County Public Schools district. The district ranks #69 out of 131 Virginia divisions (47th percentile, 2 stars), while Metompkin's own statewide elementary ranking is much lower at #964 out of 1,111 (13th percentile, 1 star) for 2025–2026, meaning it is one of the lower-performing schools in a mid-tier district.
Metompkin's brightest spot is 4th grade Virginia Studies, where 82.05% of students scored proficient—12.5 points above the district and 11.5 above the state. Reading in 5th grade is also a strength at 67.61%, the only tested subject where the school exceeds its district average. Chronic absenteeism is excellent at just 7.0%, far better than the district's 10.1% and the state's 14.8%. However, math proficiency is a major concern: the school's average fell from 60.07% in 2024–2025 to 49.75% in 2025–2026, a drop of over 10 points while the district improved to 62.70% and the state reached 73.24%. Science also declined sharply, from 51.92% to 43.66%, and 3rd grade reading remains a persistent weakness at 45.61%—nearly 22 points below the state average.
The free/reduced lunch participation rate of 101.15% indicates virtually all students come from low-income households, yet the school still achieves strong attendance and a standout Virginia Studies result. The 25.69-point year-over-year jump in Virginia Studies suggests either a strong teacher or small-cohort effect worth studying. With reading flat overall and math and science lagging, the most urgent takeaway is the sharp math decline, especially since the district and state both improved. Families in 23421 have limited choice—there is only one elementary school in the zip code—and students must transition to middle schools outside the area after 5th grade. Targeted math intervention and early reading support appear critical for improving Metompkin's low state ranking.
Thank you for your feedback!