Under Virginia's new accountability model, all 19 York County schools are fully accredited; majority rated 'distinguished'

Dr. Skinner and Miss Beasley walked the board through Virginia's new bifurcated accreditation and accountability model at the Dec. 15 work session, explaining that accreditation now assesses evidence the division meets standards of quality while accountability assigns framework scores from mastery, growth (elementary/middle), graduation (high school), and readiness measures.

Under the point-based School Performance and Support Framework, York County reported that every one of its 19 schools is "fully accredited" for the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Skinner said several schools earned high framework scores: at the elementary level Bethel Manor, Dare, Grafton Bethel and Tab were identified as distinguished; at the middle-school level Tab Middle was distinguished; and all four high schools were identified as distinguished — two schools (Tab and York River Academy) scored above 100 points under the state's point calculation. Dr. Skinner also said the division's four-year graduation rate is 96 percent.

Presenters emphasized that the framework uses point values (not simple percentages) for mastery and growth and that some small changes in scoring mechanics mean two schools with scores of 89.9 remain "on track" rather than distinguished because the state does not round values. Staff said next steps include school-level data breakdowns, continued SOL-focused instruction presentations, and targeted work to expand advanced coursework, internships and work-based learning to improve readiness measures.

Dr. Skinner urged families to consult the VDOE School Quality Profiles and the division's posted FAQ and support materials for detailed school-level data.