To almost every family, schools are a key driver in selecting a new home. Those new to the area consistently are delighted to learn that our choices for both public and private schools are among the best in the country.
Public Schools
Each greater Richmond locality operates its own school system, with nearly 150,000 students enrolled in the five regional systems. Each system offers magnet and specialty programs, while gifted students may apply to attend Richmond's Governor's School for Government and International Studies or Petersburg's Governor's School for Arts and Technology.
Virginia participates in the Standards of Learning (SOL) program that measures students' performance against high academic standards. All students take SOL tests in English, math, science and history four times during their K-12 experience.
City of Richmond Public Schools
In the City of Richmond, nearly 26,000 students are part of a school system that includes 31 elementary schools, nine middle schools and eight high schools. The city provides a richly diverse learning experience meeting the needs of children at all levels of learning, from special needs to gifted and talented.
At the high school level, members of the class of 2005 received approximately $9.7 million in college scholarships, grants and financial aid. More than 60 percent of the class will attend college.
In 1998, Richmond Public School launched the ANSWER (All New Students Will Become Readers) program. ANSWER strives to ensure that every child in the system will read at or above his or her grade level by the third grade.
Click here to learn more about Richmond Public Schools
Chesterfield County Public Schools
In Chesterfield County, more than 56,000 students attend 59 public schools (36 elementary, 12 middle, 10 high schools and one technical center). All 59 schools are fully accredited.
The county is well-known for its extraordinary schools that focus on the needs of the individual child. Many Chesterfield schools have earned national accolades and maintain environments where students consistently earn high marks in standardized testing.
Ten Chesterfield schools are recipients of the National PTA Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification, and the system offers extensive resources for gifted and special needs children.
The annual school system budget is approximately $455 million, with a cost per student of nearly $8,000.
In Chesterfield, the school system proclaims "successes add up … one student, one employee and one school at a time."
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Goochland County Public Schools
Goochland County has five schools serving approximately 2500 students across the county. Goochland also offers a public preschool program that serves approximately 65 students annually. All Goochland schools are fully accredited by the state.
The school system continually proves its commitment to innovation in communication. It recently launched a comprehensive weblog and podcast program to keep parents informed about activities at the schools.
Goochland also demonstrates a commitment to technology. The system operates more than 1,500 computers for its 2,500 students, integrating technology into each classroom. Goochland Middle and Goochland High Schools both are certified by the state for administering SOL tests electronically.
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Hanover County Public Schools
Hanover County operates 21 public schools serving approximately 19,000 K-12 students. All 21 of the county's schools are fully accredited, and eight schools have earned the acclaimed National Blue Ribbon certification.
Additionally, Hanover was America's first school district to earn the U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Award for Continuing Excellence.
The school system's mission statement is: "Hanover County Public Schools, a student-centered and community-driven school district, assures a quality education for a changing society while utilizing resources effectively."
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Henrico County Public Schools
In the county of Henrico, more than 47,000 students attend 66 fully accredited schools (43 elementary, 12 middle, 9 high and two technical centers). Across all schools, the average student to teacher ratio is an exemplary 20.9.
Henrico County schools are known for quality and are especially known for a strong commitment to technology. In an effort to provide computer and Internet access to all students, Henrico partnered with Apple and Dell, becoming one of the first school systems in America to offer free computers to all students.
Through this program, Henrico deployed 24,000 laptops to all students in grades 6-12, along with more than 3,000 to every teacher and administrative staff.
Like Chesterfield, Henrico also operates specialty centers in each of its high schools. Many of the individual schools have earned national accolades as the system consistently delivers quality education to Henrico citizens.
Click here to learn more about Henrico County Schools
Private Schools
Central Virginia is a haven for those families seeking private or independent education, with 81 schools to choose from across the region. Families may choose from a wide variety of traditional and nontraditional curricula.
In the county of Henrico, more than 47,000 students attend 66 fully accredited schools (43 elementary, 12 middle, 9 high and two technical centers). Across all schools, the average student to teacher ratio is an exemplary 20.9.
The Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) is the organization that oversees private school accreditation in our state. To learn more about VCPE, Click Here.
Private schools in the Richmond area fall into a number of categories:
- K-12, with 26 independent schools offering a 13-year program. A number of faith-based programs are offered among these schools. Collegiate School, St. Catherine's School (for girls), The Steward School, Landmark Christian School, and St. Christopher's School (for boys) are among the K-12 choices for parents.
- K-8, with a number of area schools offering education for younger students. St. Michael's, Millwood School, St. Edward-Epiphany, St. Benedict and St. Bridget's are among the choices.
- 9-12, where an independent high school education is offered. Trinity Episcopal School and Saint Gertrude High School (for girls) are two of the largest private high schools in the area.
- Boarding Schools are found mostly in the outlying counties. Parents interested in boarding may explore Stuart Hall (for girls), Fork Union Military Academy (for boys) and Blue Ridge School (for boys).
Colleges and Universities
The Richmond area is home to a number of public and private, four-year and two-year higher education institutions.
Four-year schools:
Two-year schools:
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