Schools

The York County School Division consists of ten elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools and one charter school. Enrollment has increased steadily since the 1990s, with growth slowing slightly in 2006 due to military operations and base reassignments. While the lower County historically was responsible for most of the growth in enrollment, recent developments and projected construction in the upper County will create the most enrollment increases in future years.

By almost every measure of academic achievement - such as promotion rates, graduation rates, and standardized test scores - York County 's school students rank among the best in the state. As a result, York County is among the leading localities in the percentage of high school graduates planning to continue their education. `

In 2002, York County Public Schools received a Special Recognition Certificate for their Blue Ribbon Rating by

Expansion Management Magazine in its annual Education Quotient Report. Each year Expansion Magazine ranks over 2,500 school districts across the country on how well that district is preparing its students to be part of the work force after graduation. The Education Quotient Report is mailed to over 45,000 CEOs, Vice Presidents, and Directors of companies, who have indicated an interest in expanding into new geographic areas.

Quality of Education

York County has one of the top public school systems in Virginia. Money Magazine named York County schools one of the top 100 education buys in the country. There are also eight colleges and universities and three community colleges in Hampton Roads. The region has the highest concentration of colleges and universities in the entire State of Virginia.
Of the County's adult population (25+), 92% has at least a high school diploma; 21% has at least a bachelor's degree; and 16.4% has an advanced graduate or professional degree.
The high levels of education among County residents are reflected in the types of jobs they hold. 40% of the County's employed residents in 2000 held professional or managerial occupations.

2000 Educational Attainment, Peninsula Jurisdictions (Highest level achieved)
Jurisdiction	Less than Grade 12		High School Diploma		Associate Degree/Some College		Bachelor's Degree		Graduate or Professional Degree
	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent
Hampton	13,402	14.5%	25,890	28.0%	33,047	35.7%	12,500	13.5%	7,638	8.3%
James City County	3,655	10.7%	7,099	20.9%	9,148	26.9%	8,449	24.8%	5,691	16.7%
Newport News	17,053	15.5%	33,125	30.1%	38,015	34.5%	14,735	13.4%	7,155	6.5%
Poquoson	890	11.5%	2,100	27.1%	2,320	29.9%	1,371	17.7%	1,078	13.9%
Williamsburg	557	10.4%	1,115	20.8%	1,275	23.8%	1,268	23.7%	1,145	21.4%
York County	3,008	8.3%	7,649	21.1%	11,999	33.2%	7,567	20.9%	5,945	16.4%
Peninsula Total	38,565	13.5%	76,978	26.9%	95,804	33.5%	45,890	16.1%	28,652	10.0%
Source : U. S. Census Bureau

Higher Education

Three major colleges and universities have their main campuses on the Virginia Peninsula - Christopher Newport

University, the College of William and Mary, and Hampton University – in addition to five others throughout the region – Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Regent University. Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) supports a significant presence Peninsula wide, providing a wide range of opportunities in continuing education. TNCC maintains a very close relationship with the region's business community, providing specialized curriculum development to meet some of the region's specialized workforce development needs.

Colleges & Universities

• Old Dominion University
• College of William & Mary
• Virginia Wesleyan College
• Christopher Newport University
• Norfolk State University
• Eastern Virginia Medical School
• Hampton University
• Regent University

Community Colleges

• Tidewater Community College
• Thomas Nelson Community College
• Paul D. Camp Community College
• Rappahannock Community College