Newport News Public Schools Earn Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards

Hilton Elementary School in Newport News was one of 89 public schools earning the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, the highest achievement award for a public school issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Students in these schools are soaring far beyond the minimum requirements of the Standards of Learning and No Child Left Behind,” said Governor Kaine. The schools recognized must meet the high standards of the program for consecutive two years. Nine more elementary schools earned the Virginia Board of Education’s Excellence Award, the VIP program’s next highest award level. An additional 7 elementary schools earned the VIP program’s third level award, the Virginia Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award. All together, 17 of Newport News’ 26 elementary schools (65%) earned Virginia Index of Performance awards. VIP awards are based on the percentage of students achieving at the advanced level on Virginia’s Standards of Learning assessments and progress made toward educational goals adopted by the Virginia Board as part of its comprehensive plan for further strengthening public education.