| School | Grades | GreatSchools rating |
|---|---|---|
| Park View Elementary School | PK-5 | 3/10 |
| William E. Waters Middle School | 6-8 | 2/10 |
| I. C. Norcom High School | 9-12 | 2/10 |
Ratings from GreatSchools.org, checked Sept 2026. Ratings change, and school zones vary by address — always confirm the assigned schools with Chesapeake Public Schools.
A Neighborhood Named for a School That's No Longer a School
One of the more interesting quirks of Shea Terrace is that its namesake elementary school, built in 1925 and designed by noted Virginia architect Charles M. Robinson, closed in 2000 and was later converted into senior housing rather than continuing on as an active school. [3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_Terrace_Elementary_School)
That means families moving into Shea Terrace today are zoned into a different set of Portsmouth Public Schools than the neighborhood's name might suggest, which makes verifying current zoning even more important here than in most neighborhoods.
What Typically Serves This Area
Portsmouth Public Schools assigns elementary, middle and high schools by home address, and central Portsmouth listings in and around Shea Terrace have commonly been zoned toward schools such as Park View Elementary, William E. Waters Middle School and I. C. Norcom High School, based on recent listing records in the immediate area.
Because attendance zones can be redrawn and can vary block by block even within a small neighborhood, I want to be upfront that I have not personally verified an exact, current boundary map for every street in Shea Terrace, and I'd rather point you to the source than guess.
What Families Tell Me About These Schools
Families moving into central Portsmouth neighborhoods like Shea Terrace often ask how these schools compare to options in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach. Park View Elementary carries a GreatSchools rating of 3 out of 10 [1](https://www.greatschools.org/virginia/portsmouth/1315-Park-View-Elementary-School/), William E. Waters Middle School carries a GreatSchools rating of 2 out of 10 [2](https://www.greatschools.org/virginia/portsmouth/1320-Wm.-E.-Waters-Middle-School/), and I.C. Norcom High School carries a GreatSchools rating of 2 out of 10 [3](https://www.greatschools.org/virginia/portsmouth/1307-I.C.-Norcom-High-School/). I encourage every family to look beyond a single rating number and visit in person, review the Virginia School Quality Profile for each school, and talk to current families in the neighborhood, since a school's fit can vary a lot depending on your child's specific needs.
You can look up current ratings and profiles directly through the [Virginia Department of Education's School Quality Profiles](https://schoolquality.virginia.gov) or GreatSchools.org.
How to Confirm Your Zoning
Before you write an offer, use the Portsmouth Public Schools [attendance zone tool](https://www.ppsk12.us) or call the division directly at the number listed on their website, and give them the exact address you're considering. This takes just a few minutes and removes any guesswork.
If schools are a top priority in your search, tell me early. I'll help you narrow in on Shea Terrace streets, or nearby options like Park View and Sterling Point, based on verified zoning rather than assumptions.
Learn More About the Neighborhood
For the full picture on what it's like to live in Shea Terrace, including housing stock, commutes and flood considerations, see my buying guide and selling guide for the neighborhood, or start with my Portsmouth city overview.
