Best School Districts Near Richmond for Families
Richmond’s school landscape is shaped by Virginia’s independent city/county structure, with each jurisdiction operating its own school system. The suburban counties surrounding the City of Richmond generally offer stronger district-wide performance, though the city has notable individual schools. Here’s your guide.
Henrico County Public Schools
Henrico County Public Schools is often cited as the top overall district in the Richmond metro. The district serves areas including Short Pump, Glen Allen, and the Henrico suburbs surrounding Richmond on three sides. The district offers strong academic programs, robust specialty centers, and comprehensive extracurricular activities.
Notable specialty programs include the Advanced Studies programs at Deep Run and Glen Allen High Schools, the Center for the Arts at Hermitage High School, and the International Baccalaureate program. The district’s specialty center system allows students to access focused programs regardless of their zoned school.
Housing in Henrico County ranges from $250,000 to $600,000, with the western end (Short Pump, Glen Allen) commanding premiums. The combination of school quality, lower property tax rates compared to the city, and housing value makes Henrico one of the metro’s strongest options for families.
Chesterfield County Public Schools
Chesterfield County Schools serves the southern suburbs including Midlothian, Brandermill, and Chester. The district is the largest in the region and offers comprehensive programming across numerous schools. Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (a regional school) is accessible to Chesterfield students.
The district has invested in facilities and programming as the county has grown, particularly in the Midlothian corridor. Housing ranges from $250,000 to $550,000, with strong value relative to school quality.
Hanover County Public Schools
Hanover County Schools serves Mechanicsville, Ashland, and surrounding communities north and east of Richmond. The district is highly regarded for its academic performance, community involvement, and personalized education approach. The smaller size compared to Henrico and Chesterfield creates a more intimate school experience.
Housing in Hanover ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, and the rural-suburban character adds lifestyle appeal.
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
This regional magnet school in Richmond serves gifted students from multiple jurisdictions across the metro. Maggie L. Walker is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the nation. The school provides an exceptional academic opportunity for qualifying students, and its presence in the metro is a significant educational asset. Admission is competitive and based on academic performance.
Richmond Public Schools (RPS)
Richmond Public Schools serves the city proper with significant variation between schools. The district faces urban challenges but includes individual schools with strong performance. Open High School, Community High School, and the IB program at Thomas Jefferson High School provide notable options.
The district’s magnet and specialty programs offer pathways to strong education within the city. For families choosing to live in Richmond’s urban neighborhoods, these programs provide alternatives to private schools.
Private School Landscape
Richmond has a strong private school tradition, with options including Collegiate School, St. Christopher’s, St. Catherine’s, The Steward School, and numerous faith-based schools. These institutions provide an alternative for families who prefer city living with access to strong education.
The Bottom Line
Richmond’s school landscape offers strong public options in the surrounding counties and competitive magnet programs within the city. Henrico and Hanover counties consistently perform well, and Chesterfield provides solid value. Factor school quality into your housing search and explore the jurisdictional property tax differences that affect total cost.