Henrico County Public Schools: An Overview
Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) is a Virginia school division operating as an independent branch of the Henrico County government. It administers public schools within the county, serving a diverse student population across a wide geographic area. With a commitment to providing every student "The right to achieve. The support to succeed," HCPS strives to foster a positive and productive learning experience for all.
General Information
Located in Henrico County, Virginia, United States, HCPS is a public school district. As the sixth-largest public school division in Virginia, the school system serves the families of vibrant Henrico County, which wraps west, north and east of the independent city and state capital of Richmond. It is one of the larger school bus programs in Virginia as well as in the United States.
The district encompasses 72 schools and program centers, serving approximately 50,000 students. The schools include 46 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 9 high schools, 3 Advanced Career Education Centers, 3 alternative program centers, and a virtual academy. Additional schools are being planned to be built as of March 2023.
HCPS employs more than 7,000 staff members and is recognized as one of Virginia’s top employers by Forbes for three straight years.
Student Demographics
The student body at Henrico County Public Schools is diverse. The student body is 32.1% white, 35.4% Black, 13.4% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 13.3% Hispanic/Latino, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. In addition, 5.5% of students are two or more races, and 0% have not specified their race or ethnicity. Also, 48% of students are female, and 52% of students are male.
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As of 2022, 90% of the students graduated on-time, and there were 3,716 graduates.
Faculty and Staff
As of the 2023-2024 school year, Henrico County Public Schools had 3,468.50 full-time classroom teachers. The district employs more than 7,000 staff members.
At the elementary level, the pupil/teacher ratio is 19.1, while at the high school level, the ratio is 18.3. There are 2,893 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers in the district.
HCPS is actively hiring creative and dedicated professionals who believe that every student is entitled to have a positive and productive learning experience.
Administration and School Board
The current superintendent of HCPS is Amy E. Cashwell, who took office on July 1, 2018, succeeding the retiring Dr. Patrick C. Cashwell previously served as the chief academic officer of Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
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Henrico County is divided into five magisterial districts, each represented by a member of the Henrico School Board. The Henrico County School Board for 2022 consists of: Kristi B. Kinsella, chair from the Brookland District; Alicia S. Atkins, vice chair from the Varina District; Roscoe Cooper III of the Fairfield District; Marcie F. Shea, vice chair from the Tuckahoe District; and Michelle F. The members of Henrico County Public Schools Board of Education are elected to four-year terms.
Financial Information
Henrico County Public Schools spends $12,540 per student each year. It has an annual revenue of $768,425,000. Also, 44.2% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Academic Performance
In Henrico County Public Schools, 56% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 63% tested at or above that level for math. Also, 56% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 56% tested at or above that level for math. And 83% of high school students tested at or above that level for reading, and 77% tested at or above that level for math.
Specialty Centers
Henrico County Public Schools is notable for its specialty center programs. These programs feature advanced curriculums that are tailored to a specific field or subject, ranging from the medical sciences to the visual and performing arts. Programs may also provide special opportunities like internships, dual enrollment classes, culminating projects, etc.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools
Henrico County Public Schools has five International Baccalaureate schools: John Randolph Tucker High School, Henrico High School, Fairfield Middle School, Tuckahoe Middle School and George H. Moody Middle school.
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Historical Context
Henrico began transportation of some children via farm wagons, and the program quickly grew. In 1933, Henrico County Public Schools began operating school buses. By 1960, the county was operating 118 buses expanding to 158 by 1964. As of the 2021-22 school year, Henrico County Public Schools used a fleet of 627 school buses.
Virginia Randolph (1874-1958) became notable for her many years and contributions to the development of educational programs for African-American students during the days of segregated schools in Virginia. In 1892, Randolph opened the Mountain Road School in the north-central part of the county. As the supervisor of 20 three elementary schools in Henrico County, Virginia Randolph developed the first in-service training program for African American teachers and worked on improving the curriculum of the schools. In Glen Allen, the Virginia Randolph Home Economics Cottage was made into a museum in memory of Randolph in 1970. In 1976 the museum was named a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior, National Park Service. Randolph is interred on the museum grounds.
Jackson T. Davis (1882-1947) headed school divisions in Williamsburg and Marion before coming to Henrico as division superintendent in 1905. After his tenure at HCPS, Davis became state agent for African American rural schools for the Virginia State Department of Education from 1910 to 1915.
Technology Initiatives
HCPS has been a leader in technology integration, notably with its laptop distribution program.
Henrico County Public Schools used a fleet of 627 school buses to distribute laptop computers to students, during the 2001 school year. Initially, the four-year, $18.6 million project was for high school students alone. However, the middle school program was also phased in 2002. Up until the 2005-06 school year, Apple computers were used exclusively. In 2005, Dell was awarded a contract with HCPS for high school students. Middle school students received Dell units at the beginning of the 2010-11 school year.
School Nutrition Services
HCPS’ Department of School Nutrition Services is currently hiring for managers and assistant managers in our cafeterias who play leading roles in keeping 50,000 students fed and thriving as learners.
List of Schools
Henrico County Public Schools operates 81 schools, including:
- Elementary Schools: Arthur Ashe Jr., Anthony P., Chamberlayne, Charles M. Johnson, David A., Douglas S. Mills, E.
- Middle Schools: Fairfield Middle School, Quioccasin Middle School (formerly Harry F. Byrd Middle), Tuckahoe Middle School, George H. Moody Middle school
- High Schools: Henrico High School, John Randolph Tucker High School.
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