CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Chesterfield County Public Schools is an award winning school system in the state of Virginia, enrolling over 58,000 students in 62 schools. There are 38 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 11 high schools. Of the 11 high schools, students have the ability to enroll in 13 different specialty centers, 3 technical centers, and 2 Governor’s Schools.
The reputation of the public schools in Chesterfield County often inspire many families to move here. Chesterfield is among the country’s 70 largest school systems. Chesterfield County students continue to outperform their peers year after year with their Standards of Learning tests. More than 4,300 students graduated in 2016, 59% earning advanced diplomas, and 83% planned on continuing their education. The graduation rate in Chesterfield continues to outpace the state average. In 2015, the graduation rate for Chesterfield was 91%, whereas Virginia’s was 90.5%.
Chesterfield County attracts the best teachers and staff members in the industry. 2,199 teachers with Master Degrees, 116 National Board Certified Teaches, and 97 employees with doctorates.
To find out more about what makes Chesterfield County Schools so special, let’s take a look at the high schools in the area.
Cosby High School
Cosby High School, home of the Titans, opened in 2006-07, is located in the Matoaca district of Chesterfield County, offering a specialty center of Health and Science. The Health and Science Specialty Center partners with organizations such as Bon Secours, VCU School of Medicine, and Chippenham/Johnston-Willis Medical Center, to prepare students for a career in the healthcare industry. Students will experience practical applications of healthcare as well, such as becoming CPR certified. Some of the courses included in this program include IT Fundamentals, Computer Science, Forensic Chemistry, Medical Law and Ethics, Drawing Programs, Geospatial Technology/Auto CAD, 3D Animation, and more.
Cosby High School was one of only 335 schools in the nation to receive a Blue Ribbon Award for School Excellence. According to niche.com, Cosby High has a 98% average graduation rate.
Midlothian High School
Midlothian High School, home of the Trojans, is located off Charter Colony Parkway, and was established in 1911. Midlothian High School offers the International Baccalaureate Programme as its specialty center, which opened in 2001. This program aims to “develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” The IB Program works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education. Midlothian High School also placed higher on their SOL scores than the Virginia Average, as well as the Chesterfield Average, and has a 97% average graduation rate according to niche.com.
James River High School
James River High School, home of the Rapids, offers the Leadership and International Relations Specialty Center, offering a unique learning experience to students who possess the ability to become leaders and desire to impact the world. Students will participate in interactive and experiential learning opportunities, encouraging self-understanding and personal growth.
In 2000, James River High School was recognized by the United States Department of Education as a School of Excellence, earning the high honor of Blue Ribbon. In 2009, James River High School was listed in America’s top 1,500 schools, ranked at number 246, which was the highest in the Richmond metropolitan area.
The average graduation rate according to niche.com is 88%.
Clover Hill High School
Clover Hill High School, home to the Cavaliers, originally opened in 1972, but moved to a newer location in 2010. Newsweek magazine named Clover Hill High School as one the United States’ top high schools in 2007, ranking it #729. Clover Hill High School offers the Math and Science Specialty Center where students can receive a deep understanding of math, science, English, and social studies. Many graduates of this program continue on to pursue careers in medicine, law, engineering, business, and architecture. Courses include Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Chemistry, World Languare, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and more.
According to niche.com, Clover Hill High School has a 93% graduation rate.
Matoaca High School, home of the Warriors, is located in the southern part of Chesterfield County, opening its doors in 1963. Matoaca houses the Center for Teaching and Learning through Technology which allows students to become engaged in an intensive program of technological studies collaborating with business and academic communities. The center is for students who are interested in pursuing careers in digital or computer related fields, or feel like they learn best when they are able to use technology. Some courses include: Introduction to Gaming, Basic Technical Drawing, Electronic Communications, Principles of Business and Marketing, and more.
According to niche.com, Matoaca High School has an 89% average graduation rate.
Manchester High School
Manchester High School, home of the Lancers, is another Blue Ribbon High School which houses 2 different specialty centers. The Center of Mass Communications at Manchester High School teaches the elements of graphic design, print layout, advertising, journalism, and television production. The Center for Spanish Immersion helps students to become fluent in Spanish by teaching all of a student’s core classes (except for English) in Spanish. Manchester High moved into its current building in 1992 and serves over 2000 students, with a faculty of 155.
According to niche.com, Manchester High School has an 88% average graduation rate.
Lloyd C. Bird High School
Lloyd C. Bird High School, home of the Skyhawks, was named after the former Virginia state senator, Lloyd C. Bird. It is also home to the Governor’s Career and Technical Academy for Engineering Studies, where students have the ability to explore a wide range of engineering field. The curriculum that a student follows is centered around a lab experience to prepare students for a rapidly changing technologically based field. Students in this program will have the opportunity to take advanced classes in math or science, learn how to utilize integrated computer skills, and gain some field experience.
According to niche.com, Lloyd C. Bird High School has an 88% graduation rate.
Monacan High School
Monacan High School, home of the Chiefs, was founded in 1979, and offers the Center for the Humanities and the new Health and Physical Therapy Center. The Center for the Humanities was founded in 2000 and exposes students to ideas and experiences in history, science, literature, philosophy, and the arts. They learn to think critically and to express themselves clearly.
The Health and Physical Therapy Center at Monacan High School offers students the ability to explore healthcare careers that focus on therapy and prevention such as: athletic training, physical and occupation therapy, sports medicine, physical education, and exercise science. This center is partnered with the local medical community allowing students to learn in a clinical setting.
According to niche.com, Monacan High School has a 92% average graduation rate.
Thomas Dale High School
Thomas Dale High School, home of the Knights, is located in the village of Chester in southern Chesterfield County and is the oldest of the 11 high schools, originally founded in 1906. Thomas Dale is home to the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts where students can expolore their creative potential in music, theater, dance, or the visual arts. According to niche.com, Thomas Dale High School has a 92% average graduation rate.
Meadowbrook High School
Meadowbrook High School, home of the Monarchs, was established in 1963 and is located off Route 10, and houses an International Baccalaureate Program. The IB program is similar to Midlothian High School’s International Baccalaureate Program in that it aims to “develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” The IB Program works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education. According to niche.com, Meadowbrook High School has an 83% average graduation rate.
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