Education
Virginia's goal is to elevate the levels of educational preparedness and attainment of our citizens.
- In January 2008, Education Week reported that Virginia ranks among the top five states in the overall quality of its public educational system.
- Virginia students compare favorably with their counterparts across the United States in their performance on standardized tests and successful completion of advanced coursework. Yet there is widespread agreement that current levels of educational achievement are not sufficient to sustain the state's economy and standard of living. Additional education or training beyond high school has become essential for ensuring individual success and regional prosperity.
- Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL) have gained national recognition for their effectiveness in advancing educational attainment and improving the performance of our schools.
- Newsweek magazine ranked 9 Virginia high schools among the nation's top 100 in 2008; US News and World Report cited 4, including the #1 school in the nation (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va.).
- Three Virginia universities ranked among the top universities in the U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges 2008" report.
- Virginia's rate of graduation for bachelor's degrees is the 9th highest in the nation.
The education indicators help to assess the progress we are making, understand the key elements that influence performance, and clarify the role the Commonwealth is taking to improve educational preparedness and attainment.
