Education

  • 94.3% of James City County population age 25+ who are high school graduates (2013-2017)
  • 47.9% of James City County population age 25+ who have earned a Bachelor's Degree or higher (2013-2017)
  • 92.1% on-time graduation rate (Class of 2018)
Source: Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Higher Education


William & Mary 


Founded in 1693, William & Mary is the second oldest college in the nation. One of only eight “Public Ivy” schools in the nation, William & Mary offers a world-class education and resources. It has more than 8,500 students in five undergraduate and graduate schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Law and Marine Science. The school offers more than 30 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and professional degree programs in Business, Education, Law and Marine Science. William & Mary also offers many state-of-the-art facilities and resources for your business, including:
William & Mary
  • Applied Science Department: Research and consultation in materials design, synthesis, characterization, modification, control and imaging.
  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science: Research and consultation for aquaculture and maritime industries on technical and regulatory issues, economic development and environmental matters. 
  • Mason School of Business Administration: Assistance in forecasting, domestic and international marketing, operations management, information systems and regulatory compliance.

Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC))


Virginia Peninsula Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. The college provides financially accessible, high quality, comprehensive educational programs and services to meet the educational needs of citizens of all ages and to support the economic development of the Commonwealth. To this end, the college offers:

  • Associate’s degree programs for technical and paraprofessional workers 
  • Associate’s degree programs to prepare individuals for transfer, as upper-division students, to baccalaureate degree programs at four-year institutions 
  • Diploma and certificate programs to prepare individuals for careers as technicians and as skilled and semi-skilled workers 
  • Developmental courses to prepare individuals for further instructional programs 
  • Student development services to assist individuals with decisions regarding occupational, educational, and personal goals 
  • Industrial training programs for new or expanding businesses, industries and professions 
  • Continuing education programs, including credit and non-credit courses, seminars and workshops for individuals who wish to continue or expand their learning experiences 
  • An educational partnership with a variety of local businesses including Jefferson Lab, NASA Langley and Siemens 
TNCC

K-12 Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools


Over 11,400 students attended Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools during the 2019-2020 school year.  The division consists of nine elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools and has a graduation rate of 92%.  In 2018, WJCC High School students earned a 3, 4 or 5 on nearly 74% of all Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken. To be considered for credit, colleges require a 3, 4 or 5 score on an AP exam. All WJCC schools earned full accreditation for the 12th year in a row in 2019. In the last six years, only 13 Virginia school divisions had all schools maintain full accreditation.

Other Nearby Institutions

More than a dozen higher education institutions are within an hour’s drive of James City County. Many offer collaboration and research by graduate students and faculty.

  • Atlantic University 
  • Christopher Newport University 
  • Eastern Virginia Medical School 
  • Hampton University 
  • Medical College of Virginia 
  • Norfolk State University 
  • Old Dominion University 
  • Rappahannock Community 
  • Regent University 
  • Richard Bland College 
  • University of Richmond 
  • Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • Virginia State University 
  • Virginia Union University