Education in Newport News Free education K-12 prepares Newport News students for college and careers The community is served by the award-winning Newport News Public Schools. In addition to Early Childhood Centers (pre-k), Elementary (K-6), Middle (grades 7-9), and High Schools (grades 10-12), special programs are offered. Newport News parents may also choose from several private and parochial schools. Christoper Newport University is a small, selective public university. Thomas Nelson Community College awards Associate (two-year) degrees in a variety of disciplines. And the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School prepares students for careers in the shipbuilding trades. Other degree-granting institutions in Hampton Roads: • The College of William and Mary • Hampton University • Eastern Virginia Medical School • Norfolk State University • Old Dominion University • Virginia Wesleyan College • Regent University • Tidewater Community College