Welcome to Crittenden Middle School!

About Our School

The Cougar Creed:

Today I will:

  • Listen as much as I can,
  • Learn as much as I can,
  • Make Crittenden a safe place to be, and
  • Take responsibility for my actions.

Because I am making Crittenden a better place today, I am making the world a better place tomorrow. I can make a difference!

Our Mission Statement:

The mission of Crittenden Middle School is to prepare all students to be responsible and successful citizens in our rapidly changing world by:

  • Encouraging academic excellence in all subjects while emphasizing math, science, and technology,
  • Promoting the utilization of problem solving skills,
  • Fostering a safe, positive and healthy environment, and
  • Motivating students to become lifelong learners.

Our History:

The main section of the school building was built in 1949 as a high school and named in honor of noted scientist George Washington Carver. By 1965, three additional sections had been constructed. The school became Carver Intermediate School in 1971. In 1980 it was renamed in honor of former Principal Homer L. Hines. The school was closed in the spring of 1990 for $7.3 million renovation and another school with the Hines namesake was built in a nearby section of the city.

In 1994, at the recommendation of many citizens, the Board renamed the school Flora D. Crittenden Middle School. Mrs. Crittenden is a retired teacher and guidance counselor who worked in school, for 32 years. She is well known for her service on City Council and as a delegate in General Assembly.

In 1995, Crittenden Middle School became the site of a magnet program with a science, math and technology theme in addition to a comprehensive program for general studies. The school's student body capacity is 1200 with approximately 100 teachers and support staff. The school colors are purple and silver with a Cougar as the mascot.

Magnet Program

Crittenden Middle School is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet.

Our distinctive features include:

  • STEM magnet students will experience innovative instruction in all core subjects in classes taught by STEM-trained teachers. Students will apply the problem solving processes of engineering design, design thinking and computational thinking to solve real-world problems aligned to Virginia academic standards and connected to potential careers.
  • STEM magnet students will develop future-ready skills as defined by Virginia's 5Cs (critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and citizenship skills) and the NNPS Profile of a Learner. Students will have the opportunity to learn from STEM professionals representing community education and business partners, including Newport News Shipbuilding, Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, Jefferson Lab and William & Mary.
  • STEM Magnet students will have access to cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers, 3D pens and rapid prototyping technology, programmable robots, and our interactive 3D SMALLab system. Students will use these tools in specialized courses and programs, some only offered at Crittenden Middle School. These include: JASON Learning, Easy Tech Digital Literacy, Cyber Robotics, Coding, high school earth science, iSTEM and magnet science electives. Students in the STEM magnet program at Crittenden will participate in enrichment opportunities including STEM-oriented clubs, competitive robotics, invention convention and science fair.

Crittenden Academic Expectations and Procedures.

Download the Crittenden STEM magnet brochure.

More Information: NNPS Magnet Programs


Our Namesake

Flora Davis Crittenden, a Brooklyn, New York native born in 1924, moved to Hampton Roads as a young girl. She graduated from the former Huntington High School in Newport News, received her undergraduate degree from Virginia State University, and earned her Master of Science degree from Indiana University. She later continued her education with post-graduate study in advanced Guidance Theory at the University of Louisville.

Mrs. Crittenden worked for 32 years in the Newport News Public Schools as a classroom teacher, extracurricular activity sponsor, department head, guidance counselor, and guidance director. In 1986, Mrs. Crittenden entered public office, serving first on the Newport News City Council before serving as a delegate to the General Assembly. Mrs. Crittenden has also been active in the NAACP, Trinity Baptist Church, and numerous civic organizations. Learn more about Mrs. Crittenden.