Best High Schools in Zip Code 23838

Zip code 23838, located in Chesterfield, Virginia, is served by a single high school, Matoaca High, which enrolls students in grades 9–12 as part of Chesterfield County Public Schools. For families considering this area, Matoaca High is the only option within the zip code, so the most meaningful comparisons are against the district and state averages.

Matoaca High shows a mix of bright spots and areas of concern. On the positive side, the school's graduation rate is 93.3%, which is above both the district (89.2%) and the state (92.3%). Reading proficiency is a consistent strength, with 10th-grade English Reading at 70% and 12th-grade English Reading at 84.6% in 2025–26—both above state averages. Seniors also perform exceptionally well on many end-of-course tests, including 100% proficiency in Algebra I and 90.3% in Biology. However, the overall proficiency picture is below district and state averages, dragged down by very low scores in upper-level math and social studies: 10th-grade Geometry is just 16.3% proficient, Algebra II hovers around 18%, and VA & US History sits at 25% proficient. The school has dropped slightly in its state percentile ranking, from the 23rd percentile in 2024–25 to the 17th percentile in 2025–26.

Understanding the school's full context matters. With 74.2% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, Matoaca High serves a high-poverty population, yet it still graduates students at a rate above the state average. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 17.0%, higher than the state's 14.8%, and the dropout rate of 5.3% is just above the state average of 5.0%. Per-student spending is $8,251, which may be low given the level of need. The school also shows a strong cohort of 9th graders taking advanced math—with 100% proficient in Algebra II—but the broader standard math and social studies courses need targeted support. Overall, Matoaca High offers a solid foundation in reading and graduation, but families should be aware of the significant challenges in geometry, Algebra II, and history, along with attendance issues that may impact student success.