Lloyd C. Bird High School is a public high school located in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It is part of the Chesterfield County Public Schools district. Lloyd C. Bird High School first opened its doors in 1982 and is named after Lloyd C. Bird, a former educator and Superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Quick Answer
Based on various school ranking and review platforms, Lloyd C. Bird High School is considered one of the top high schools in the state of Virginia and the United States. It is ranked in the top 500 high schools nationally by U.S. News and World Report and Niche.com ranks it as the #2 best high school in the Richmond, VA metro area.
National Rankings
Here are some of the major national rankings for Lloyd C. Bird High School:
- U.S. News & World Report: Ranks #377 in National Rankings in 2022
- Niche: Ranks A+ overall in 2023 and #2 in Richmond Area High Schools
- US News: Earns a gold medal, indicating a high level of college readiness
Lloyd C. Bird earns strong rankings on these national platforms due to its high test scores, college readiness, and academic performance. For example, it scored an 86.7 on College Readiness Index by US News based on AP participation and performance. It also has a 97% graduation rate according to Niche.
Academic Performance
Here are some key metrics that contribute to the school’s high academic performance and rankings:
| Average SAT Score | 1160 |
| Average ACT Score | 25 |
| AP Pass Rate | 76% |
| Graduation Rate | 97% |
Lloyd C. Bird students consistently score above average on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. In 2022, the average SAT composite score was 1160 compared to a statewide average of 1080. The AP pass rate is also significantly above the national average of 60%, indicating that students are well prepared for college-level academics.
Student:Teacher Ratio
Lloyd C. Bird maintains an excellent student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. This low ratio allows teachers to provide more personalized instruction and attention to each student. According to ratings on Niche, 91% of students say the teachers put in extra effort to help students learn.
Awards and Recognition
Lloyd C. Bird High has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding academics, including:
- Named to America’s Top High Schools list by Newsweek in 2021
- Earned the Virginia Index of Performance Award from the state of Virginia for exceeding academic standards.
- Recipient of the Silver Medal ranking from U.S. News Best High Schools.
- Magnet School of Distinction award from Magnet Schools of America
The school has a competitive Signature Academies magnet program that offers concentrated study in areas like International Baccalaureate, STEM, Government and International Studies, and more.
Extracurriculars
In addition to strong academics, Lloyd C. Bird offers over 25 sports teams and dozens of clubs and extracurricular activities. Some of the most popular clubs are:
- DECA business club
- Bird Life student newspaper
- National Honor Society
- Key Club for volunteering
- Anime Club
Students can also participate in award-winning theater, choir, band, and orchestra programs. Over 75% of students participate in an after-school sport or extracurricular activity.
College Acceptance Rates
With its rigorous curriculum and high test scores, Lloyd C. Bird High sees very high college acceptance rates for its graduating classes. On average, 95% of graduating seniors go on to two-year or four-year colleges.
Here are some top colleges that Lloyd C. Bird students were accepted to in 2021:
- Virginia Tech
- James Madison University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Old Dominion University
- Christopher Newport University
- College of William & Mary
- University of Virginia
Students are often accepted to top universities within Virginia and also matriculate to selective schools across the country. This demonstrates the caliber of education received at Lloyd C. Bird High.
Accreditation
Lloyd C. Bird High School is fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. The school underwent its most recent accreditation review in 2018, receiving the highest rating possible. Accreditation provides assurance that the school meets rigorous educational and operational standards for factors like curriculum, teacher quality, and student outcomes.
Enrollment and Demographics
Here are some key facts about the student population at Lloyd C. Bird High:
- Total enrollment is approximately 1,900 students
- Student to teacher ratio is 16:1
- 57% of students are White, 21% Black, 13% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Asian, 3% Multiracial
- 32% of students are economically disadvantaged
- 12% of students receive special education services
- 3% are English language learners
The student body is diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The school provides resources and programs to support all types of learners and backgrounds.
Faculty and Administration
Lloyd C. Bird employs approximately 150 teachers and staff members. Here are some key facts about the faculty:
- 95% hold a master’s degree or higher in their field
- Student to teacher ratio is 16:1
- Average teacher has 11 years of experience
- Teachers are rated as excellent by 95% of students on Niche
The administration includes Principal Randy Strawbridge along with four assistant principals and academic deans who oversee the curriculum and operations.
Financial and Community Support
As a public school in Chesterfield County, Lloyd C. Bird receives funding from state and local taxes. However, the school also benefits from strong community support and partnerships that enhance the student experience. For example:
- Parent-Teacher-Student Association provides over $50,000 in annual funding
- Partnered with 17 local businesses for career education and internships
- Over 200 parent and community volunteers contribute thousands of hours per year
This community support allows the school to fund new technology, upgrades to facilities, student scholarships, and other enrichment programs.
Facilities and Resources
Lloyd C. Bird High School’s campus spans over 100 acres and includes the following facilities:
- 10 academic buildings containing 75 classrooms and labs
- Auditorium seating over 800
- Competition gym with over 2,500 seats
- Football stadium with field house and track
- Media center and library with over 16,000 books
- Cafeteria and auxiliary gym
- Dance studio, art studios, and chorus/band rooms
In terms of technology and learning resources, the school offers:
- Over 1,200 computers and laptops for student use
- Promethean interactive whiteboards in every classroom
- Chromebook carts available for student projects
- Student laptops provided in specialty academies like IB and STEM
- Modern science labs with equipment like 3D printers
The campus infrastructure and wealth of resources available contribute to the school’s nationally recognized academic program.
Parent and Student Reviews
Lloyd C. Bird High earns overwhelmingly positive reviews from current students and parents. On Niche, 92% of students would recommend the school and 97% of parents give an “A” rating. Here are some common pros highlighted:
- Caring, dedicated teachers who challenge students
- Rigorous curriculum with abundant AP and honors options
- Variety of magnet academy programs to match interests
- Beautiful facilities like media center, stadium, and auditorium
- Very involved parent community that enhances student experience
The few critical reviews focus on aspects like large class sizes in standard classes, limited parking, and competition within such a high-achieving student body. But overall, reviews are excellent.
Conclusions
In summary, Lloyd C. Bird High School is ranked as one of the top high schools in Virginia and the nation due to its outstanding academic performance, college readiness, test scores, curriculum, teachers, resources, and more. It offers a comprehensive and challenging education within a supportive community environment. Lloyd C. Bird sets its students up for success in college and beyond, living up to its motto as a “School of Excellence.”
