EXPLORE
EXPLORE
At the start of each school year, students receive a printed copy of the Parent Handbook and Standards for Student Conduct to bring home. This webpage includes that same parent handbook information along with additional helpful resources.
Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment. This parent handbook offers helpful information for families and includes standards for student conduct and attendance. Parents should sign and return to their child’s school the acknowledgement form printed in the handbook or acknowledge receipt via ParentVUE.
School attendance is vital to academic achievement. Every day counts! Good attendance boosts academic success and prepares students for future employment. Absences add up, and excessive absences may affect receiving credit for classes or promotion to the next grade.
Students are expected to attend school daily on time. Send your children to school every day unless they are sick. This creates good habits and shows that school is important to your family.
Please notify the school if your student will need to be absent. If you are having difficulty sending your child to school for any reason, please contact your school’s social worker or counselor. School Board policy 4020, which covers attendance, is included in the standards for student conduct and attendance section of this publication.
All students who attend any public school in Chesterfield County are expected to dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment. Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is prohibited and may result in disciplinary consequences. The dress code policy (School Board policy 4009) is included in the standards for student conduct section of this publication.
If it becomes necessary to close schools or delay opening because of bad weather or for any other reason, such as a power failure, announcements will be communicated via phone, text and email and posted on oneccps.org and social media. Parents should make emergency closing childcare arrangements at the beginning of the school year so that students know what to do and where to go if there is an early dismissal.
Parents are asked each year to fill out emergency information for every student. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. The information notifies school officials about student health issues and about how to quickly reach parents if an emergency arises.
To share your details, you can use paper cards provided by your school or you can submit the information online. The online option means you only have to verify once for each student instead of filling out multiple copies of the paper card. Here’s how to submit emergency information online:
Up-to-date contact information is vital to the school division’s ability to communicate effectively with parents. Be sure to update your school whenever there is a change in your child’s health; your address, email address, cellphone, home phone or work phone; or the people authorized to pick up your child if you cannot be reached during an emergency.
The school system actively monitors and addresses environmental issues. For more information, call 804-717-6466.
There are many ways that students can become involved in their school. The school division’s policy on extracurricular activities provides guidance to schools, complies with legal requirements and ensures consistency in the treatment of student organizations and clubs. School Board policy 4070 is on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
Chesterfield County families can pay many school fees and charges online at osp.osmsinc.com/ChesterfieldVA. Parents can also pay in person during fee nights when they are arranged by individual schools. Some fees can be waived or reduced for students with economic hardships (please communicate with your principal about this). Fees include $210 for behind-the-wheel driver education and $50 for full-year parking permits for high school students. There may be fees for damaged, lost or stolen Chromebooks, and there are fees for individual classes for items that are considered consumables. Fees are subject to change. Returned checks will be sent for collection to Envision Payment Solutions, which will charge a fee in addition to the amount collected on behalf of the school division. School Board policy 3080 covers student instructional fees and other charges.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that provides educational supports and services for students experiencing homelessness. Attending school and accessing supplies and/or school-sponsored activities may be difficult during a time of transition or while living in temporary housing. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to support school access, school stability and academic success for students residing in transitional living situations.
Chesterfield County Public Schools will ensure that all students who are experiencing homelessness shall have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth and are given meaningful opportunities to succeed in school. Homeless children and youth shall not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless.
Students may be eligible for McKinney-Vento supports and services if they are living in these situations:
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, there are specific rights that a student has:
To assist families during this time of transition, McKinney-Vento packets of information are available at all Chesterfield County schools. Contact the McKinney-Vento support specialist at 804-348-8347 for help.
Regular and meaningful communication among home, school and community is encouraged at every level in the school division.
Chesterfield County Public Schools uses SchoolMessenger to communicate with parents via phone, email and text message. SchoolMessenger is used to notify a parent about a child’s absence, share information about upcoming events, deliver messages about lunch accounts and provide updates in the event of an emergency.
So that this communication tool can work effectively, please make sure that your child’s school has your correct phone numbers (cell, home and work) and email addresses. You may choose to opt out of phone and email messages by contacting your child’s school. Opting out means that you will receive no communication whatsoever via SchoolMessenger; this includes information about a child’s absences, school lockdowns and emergency closings.
Students are allowed to possess a cellphone or other personal electronic communication device while on school property during the instructional day. However, the phone or other personal electronic communication device should be turned off and stored in their backpack. If the procedures are violated, it may result in confiscation and other consequences that are outlined in policy 4010-R. The complete policy is included in the standards for student conduct section of this publication. Chesterfield County Public Schools is not responsible for lost or stolen personal cellphones or other personal electronic devices.
The school division, news media and community partners regularly photograph and videotape events, activities and success stories at schools. If you do not want your child’s image or name used in publications or other media, you must annually notify the principal in writing within the first month of school.
The purpose of school libraries is to provide students and teachers with a wide range of educational and recreational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with diversity of appeal, allowing for the presentation of many different points of view.
Chesterfield County Public Schools is at the forefront of ensuring that parents and guardians have transparency about school library books; details are on the library page of every school’s website:
Chesterfield County Public Schools does not condone acts of sexual or gender-based harassment. If a student experiences any form of sexual harassment or gender-based harassment or sexual assault, then this should immediately be brought to the attention of any CCPS staff member at the school, or you may report it directly to the building level Title IX coordinator so that the school can respond promptly and investigate. For details about the school division’s Title IX practices and procedures, see School Board policy 6131 on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
Student calendar dates for 2026-27 are online at bit.ly/CCPSCalendar. Parents are encouraged to plan ahead for holidays and early dismissals. If student calendars change during the school year, Chesterfield County Public Schools will notify families and update the dates online. Please check the website for current calendar dates.
Virginia public schools must be in session at least 180 days or provide a minimum of 990 instructional hours each school year. Chesterfield’s 2026-27 calendar is 177 days long but meets, as permitted, the state’s minimum requirements for seat time.
To provide a safe environment conducive to learning, the school system maintains and enforces uniform written regulations stating the system’s standards for student conduct and attendance. Policy 4010 and the corresponding policy regulation pertain to the standards for student conduct. These standards are included in this publication, along with a form for parents to sign acknowledging receipt. They also are on oneccps.org. The standards apply to students on school property (including school buses), at school-sponsored events and going to and returning from school. Included in these standards are regulations prohibiting weapons and drugs on school property. Lookalike and toy guns are included in the weapons policy. The School Board strongly supports the weapons and drugs regulations. Students who violate these regulations are subject to expulsion and, if the offense is a violation of the law, to prosecution. A student’s intent for having a weapon on school property has no bearing on a recommendation for expulsion. Anyone who knows or suspects that someone has a weapon at school should report it immediately to a school official — teacher, school counselor or principal — or should call Crime Solvers (804-748-0660).
Automated external defibrillators, commonly known as AEDs, are devices that can detect specific cardiac arrhythmias and administer an electrical shock to help a person’s heart re-establish its rhythm. AEDs, along with trained response personnel, are in place in every school in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Chesterfield County Public Schools stocks albuterol inhalers in every school clinic, as required by Virginia law. These inhalers are for students who have not been diagnosed with asthma but who experience respiratory distress during the school day. Parents of students with known asthma are expected to provide information and all necessary medications to the school. Stock albuterol inhalers are not available for field trips.
The parent or guardian of a student with a chronic health condition is key to the process of keeping the child safe at school. Parents are at the center of collaborating each year with the school nurse and student’s healthcare provider to develop an emergency action plan for their child. The plan provides vital information to teachers and other staff members. Using guidelines from the school nurse, the parent talks with the student’s healthcare provider to make sure all appropriate measures, including medication, are in place and that an updated individualized healthcare plan is completed by a licensed healthcare provider and provided to the school at the beginning of each school year.
Parents must provide all medication and related supplies/equipment prescribed by the healthcare provider. Parents are responsible for maintaining refills as needed throughout the school year.
Additional information and forms are available on oneccps.org and are included in packets provided to parents or guardians of students with serious health conditions. School Board policy 4133 detailing how the school system serves students with serious health conditions can be found on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
A concussion is a brain injury characterized by impaired cognitive or physical functioning that is caused by a blow to the head, face or neck or a blow to the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head. Students who sustain such a blow will be removed from activity immediately. If it is suspected they have a concussion, they may not return to any extracurricular physical activity until their healthcare provider provides a written medical release. Parents are encouraged to notify the school nurse if their child sustains a concussion during a non-school activity. For more information, see School Board policy 4135 on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
Early detection and treatment of eating disorders offer the best opportunity for positive outcomes and minimal long-term consequences. Additional information can be found on oneccps.org. According to the National Eating Disorders Association:
Chesterfield County Public Schools stocks epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens® or other brand or generic auto-injectors) in every school clinic, as required by Virginia law. These epinephrine auto-injectors are for students who have not been diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy but who have a life-threatening reaction during the school day. Stock epinephrine auto-injectors are not available for field trips. At least two staff members at every school are trained to administer the emergency medication in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction. Parents of students who have been diagnosed with life-threatening allergies are still expected to provide their child’s prescribed medication to the school, along with health-related information and forms signed by a medical provider.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Students may bring alcohol-based, colorless, fragrance-free hand sanitizer to school. Hand sanitizers that contain dye, aloe or moisturizers are not allowed. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are not allowed.
The school system’s health team schedules these screenings of students within 60 administrative days of the beginning of school and notifies parents in writing of any concerns so that they may follow up with their healthcare providers:
Parents of students with an individualized education program or Section 504 plan for vision or hearing disabilities or those who object to screening on religious grounds may opt out of screening for their student in these grades by contacting the school nurse at their child’s school.
Vision screening is completed using either an eye chart or a handheld portable device called a photoscreener. Chesterfield County Public Schools is partnering with Conexus to provide vision screenings for students in kindergarten, third grade, seventh grade and 10th grade. Your child is not required to participate in this free program. If you do not want your child to receive this free service, contact your school nurse to opt out.
Parents often ask, “How can we help our children succeed in school? What can we do?” Good news! There is a lot you can do to promote your child’s success in school. In fact, many of these healthy habits also translate to success in life. The key is to start healthy habits when your children are young, then these habits will follow them as they transition from school to college or career.
Hand-washing prevents the spread of illness. Wash hands frequently using soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom and after handling pets. (If soap and water are not readily available, then hand sanitizer may be used.) Encourage your children to wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Children should follow these steps each time they wash their hands:
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Be sure your children’s immunizations are up to date and well-child exams are conducted routinely. There are additional immunization requirements for students entering seventh and 12th grade. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone from the age of 6 months through adulthood.
Teach your child to do the following when ill:
The Virginia Department of Health, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend the human papillomavirus vaccine for children at age 11 or 12. The vaccine prevents infection with the virus that causes six types of cancer, including most cases of cervical cancer. Get more information at vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/hpv.
Providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment is a goal of Chesterfield County Public Schools. This includes preventing and managing life-threatening allergic reactions so that all students can fully and safely participate in school activities. Because it is difficult to predict the time or severity of an allergic reaction, it is vital to be prepared to respond rapidly in order to maintain a safe educational environment for all students. Supporting the success of a student with a life-threatening allergy requires a team approach and a coordinated plan, so that all team members understand their roles. Team members include the parent/guardian, student, school staff members, healthcare provider, school nurse and community. Information about life-threatening allergies is available on oneccps.org.
It starts with the parent. The parent or guardian of a student with a life-threatening allergy is key to the process of keeping the child safe at school. They are at the center of developing a plan that works for their child. The parent or guardian should:
If it is necessary for a student to receive medication during school hours, parents should contact the school nurse for more information on the medication policy. Under School Board policy 4130 and accompanying regulation 4130-R, all medications and refills must be brought to school by a parent or guardian. Prescription medication requires a written doctor’s order. Parents must sign a student medication administration request form. Except as provided in policies 4130 and 4130-R, students found with medication are subject to disciplinary action.
Prescription medication must be in the original container labeled by a pharmacist. Over-the-counter medication must be in a new, unopened container. Parents of a student with a chronic health condition must provide to the school clinic all medication prescribed by a healthcare provider and related supplies/equipment in the student’s emergency action plan, keeping both refilled as needed throughout the school year.
Parents should be aware that medication is not accessible from the clinic during before- or after-school activities. At the end of each school year, parents must pick up their child’s medication from the school or it will be discarded. The deadline to pick up medication will be announced in May.
Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is a common bacterium that can live in people’s noses or on their skin. Some staph infections are harder to treat because the bacterium has become resistant to antibiotics. Skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, are diagnosed each year. The Chesterfield Health Department and Chesterfield County Public Schools work together to provide ongoing information to families about this common bacterium and ways to prevent its spread.
Chesterfield County Public Schools stocks naloxone in every school clinic. Naloxone may be administered by trained staff members to any individual experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose on school grounds during the academic day. Stock naloxone is not available for field trips.
The 2025 General Assembly passed and the governor signed legislation that amended and reenacted §22.1-272.1 about school-connected student overdose policies. In accordance with this law, the Chesterfield County School Board adopted policy 4139 that outlines parent notification procedures.
In Virginia, drug overdoses have been the leading cause of unnatural death since 2013. More Virginians die every year from overdoses than from car crashes. Opioids — specifically fentanyl — are the driving force behind the large increases. In 2021, fentanyl contributed to 76.4% of all Virginia overdose deaths. It was estimated that 98% of fatal fentanyl overdoses in Virginia are caused by the illicit, rather than prescription, version of the drug. A one-pager at bit.ly/VAfen offers information about fentanyl. Awareness and education are two of the best defenses against opioid misuse and overdose:
The school division and the Chesterfield County Risk Management Department encourage parents to consider purchasing optional student accident and limited student medical insurance to help with paying the costs of their child’s medical care if an accident occurs. Information about optional (for purchase) student accident insurance and limited student medical insurance is available on oneccps.org.
Chesterfield schools encourage healthy snacks and limit celebrations that involve food during the school day. Many students have food sensitivities that can lead to life-threatening reactions. At home, parents can manage the foods their children are exposed to. Managing exposure at school is more challenging, so schools take reasonable steps to meet that challenge by asking all parents to follow four simple guidelines:
If you have questions, it is best to ask your child’s teacher about guidance for food in the classroom.
If the outside temperature is 32 to 35 degrees, elementary schools are encouraged to limit outdoor recess. The judgment of school staff members is, however, the ultimate guide. They should be sensitive to weather conditions such as wind, overcast skies, relative humidity and precipitation and their effect on how cold it feels to be outside. As important as the other conditions, students must be dressed for the weather.
In determining whether or not outside activities should be conducted in the heat, school staff should refer to the National Weather Service heat index. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. If outdoor activities are permitted, they should be limited midday (the hottest part of the day); activity should be paced, start slowly and build up; water intake should be increased while exercising; and sugary liquids should be avoided. Students with chronic health conditions may be affected more quickly by extreme temperature conditions.
A heat index of 80 degrees or below is considered comfortable; 90 degrees is beginning to feel uncomfortable; 100 degrees is uncomfortable and may be hazardous; and 110 degrees is considered dangerous. Athletic practices and events and ancillary after-school activities (such as band practice) shall be guided by the athletic trainer, if on site, or shall follow established Virginia High School League guidance.
Head lice may be spread among children who share hats, combs or brushes or who have head-to-head contact. The adult insect is about the size of a grain of rice. Eggs, called nits, are whitish and about half the size of a pinhead. They attach firmly to the base of hair strands especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. When lice are found on a student at school, the parent will be contacted and given information about treating lice. If you have concerns, contact your school nurse.
Although bedbugs are increasing in the United States, few have been observed in Chesterfield County schools. If a bedbug is found, school staff members will follow cleaning and monitoring procedures and will notify parents as appropriate.
School nurses are part of the staff at every Chesterfield County school. School nurses are registered nurses who serve as health consultants for students, parents, school staff members and community members. Services include health education, health counseling, case management, communicable disease investigation and control, immunization review, medication administration, emergency medical care, first aid, screening and prevention programs.
Parents of students with health concerns such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, cardiac conditions or life-threatening allergies should contact the nurse serving the child’s school. Working with the parent, student, healthcare provider, appropriate school staff members and community resources, the school nurse will address the health needs of the student.
In addition to school nurses, clinic assistants are also available in schools to handle minor illnesses, offer first aid, administer medication and help with other student health needs that occur during the school day. Parents or guardians are contacted when a student becomes ill or injured and are asked to make arrangements to pick up the student as soon as possible. In an emergency, the school will call 911.
Scoliosis is a sideways, backward or forward curve of the spine. Curves are often described as S-shaped or C-shaped. Early detection provides the best treatment options in order to minimize the likelihood of complications.
People of all ages can have scoliosis. The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs in children after the age of 10 during their growth spurt. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis. A screening by your child’s healthcare provider is recommended each year between the ages of 10-18 years. This screening may include medical and family history, physical exam, X-ray of the spine and other tests.
If scoliosis is diagnosed, the doctor may recommend observation, bracing to stop a curve from getting worse or surgery to correct a curve or stop it from getting worse when the person is still growing. Other treatments have not been shown to keep curves from getting worse.
Your child should be evaluated by a healthcare provider if you observe any of these signs: prominent shoulder blade (one sticks out more), uneven hips, one shoulder higher than the other or uneven appearance of the back when bent over. The nurse in your child’s school is available to answer questions and provide information.
Students may possess and use topical sunscreen in its original packaging on a school bus, on school property or at a school-sponsored event without a note or prescription from a healthcare professional if the topical sunscreen is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for nonprescription use for the purpose of limiting damage to skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.
Chesterfield County Public Schools is a tobacco-free school system. Students, employees, parents and visitors are prohibited at all times from smoking or using tobacco products in schools, school grounds, offices, facilities, buses and other school vehicles. This ban includes electronic cigarettes and similar devices. For more information, see School Board policy 5390 on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
It is illegal for anyone under 21 in Virginia to purchase, use or possess any tobacco or nicotine product. It is also illegal for anyone to purchase tobacco products for (or sell to) underage youth. Nicotine in any form is highly addictive. E-cigarettes/vapes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. and Chesterfield County youth. Vapes may contain nicotine, although they may be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs. Other tobacco products youth may use include cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, nicotine pouches and synthetic nicotine products.
Most youth who vape or use tobacco products want to quit. If you talk to youth early and often about substance use, including tobacco and nicotine, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice. Here are resources that offer help:
In partnership with families and the community, schools play an important role in promoting student well-being. Through our commitment to support the whole child, schools are actively creating a culture of wellness by enhancing opportunities to make healthy choices and be physically active in all areas of the school environment. The full student wellness policy (4190) is available on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
If your child has symptoms of illness that would prevent participation at school, then please keep your child at home and notify the school to report that your child is sick. Returning to school too soon may delay recovery from illness and may potentially expose others.
Acceler8 (formerly Academy 360) is a one-year opportunity for middle school students who have been retained at least once. This program offers students the opportunity to complete middle school requirements while earning up to five high school credits to get back on track for graduation. Acceler8 provides a safe learning environment and nontraditional option for middle school students to improve their social and study skills and achieve academic success. There is small-group instruction, mentoring, positive behavior interventions and supports and restorative practices. Transportation is provided from students’ home schools to the Career and Technical Center @ Courthouse for academic instruction. Student referrals will be evaluated from middle school counselors in the spring for the next school year.
Adult Continuing Education provides opportunities for residents 18 and older in workforce training, GED classes and testing and English as a Second Language classes. Enrichment classes are open to all ages. Adult Continuing Education is also an authorized Pearson Vue testing center. Program guides are printed and posted online in July and December. For more information, call 804-768-6140 or go to tinyurl.com/CCACEcatalog.
Chesterfield County Public Schools provides Chromebooks to students at all grade levels. In addition to using the computers throughout the school day, students have the opportunity to use their Chromebooks outside of school and engage in anytime, anywhere learning. This blended learning initiative puts thousands of Chromebooks into the hands of Chesterfield County students. A mobile device agreement for students and parents to fill out is on oneccps.org.
Chesterfield County Public Schools has created a digital teaching and learning environment to better prepare students for college and careers. A key component of this digital ecosystem is our learning management system, Canvas. All teachers may use Canvas for online instructional management and course communication. Additionally, Canvas integrates with the many applications students use for learning. Computers and internet access are vital in education because they are vital in almost all 21st-century careers.
When teachers leverage rich, interactive digital content in their instruction, students are provided with greater opportunity to personalize and tailor learning to their personal and immediate needs. In addition to engaging students in self-directed and relevant learning, this approach allows the teacher to help more students individually when needed rather than teaching large groups at the same pace through the same content. This method of instruction, which combines technology with face-to-face teaching, is called blended learning.
When all students have mobile computing devices, teachers are more apt to provide small group and individualized instruction rather than lecturing to an entire class. When every student has a device, students have additional opportunities to develop higher order and critical thinking skills. Mobile devices allow students more choice in directing their learning, help them create products that demonstrate their knowledge and provide easy access to up-to-date information; all of this leads to increased student engagement and academic achievement.
With anytime and anywhere learning, education extends beyond the classroom and the traditional school day. With increased access to collaborative tools like Google Drive, students will find it easier to manage their materials. Instead of using printed workbooks that are quickly outdated, students can access current information. Computer-fluent students rapidly shift from being consumers of information to becoming producers of creative and innovative work. As a result, students are more likely to take greater pride in their knowledge and schoolwork and are more likely to see the value of education, thereby reducing the dropout rate and raising the community’s level of education.
Prekindergarten serves 4-year-olds with the greatest need, helping them build skills and prepare for kindergarten. Children who reach their fourth birthday by Sept. 30 and who live in a school attendance zone where prekindergarten is offered may apply. A limited number of spots are available. Applications are accepted beginning in February. Call 804-706-6061 or check out the prekindergarten page on oneccps.org.
Virginia’s first recovery high school program, Chesterfield Recovery Academy is open to central Virginia Region 1 high school students who are in recovery from substance use disorders. Chesterfield Recovery Academy students receive the academic, emotional and social support necessary to complete their high school education and set a path toward continued success. Once enrolled, students may remain in the program as long as needed to ensure continued success. To be considered for enrollment, students should complete the interest form at oneccps.org/chesterfield-recovery-academy.
The CCPSOnline program offers students the flexibility to choose from a comprehensive online collection of high school credit courses. All courses are taught by licensed CCPS teachers and are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Students choose coursework through CCPSOnline for a variety of reasons related to the need for personalized academic solutions and flexible scheduling, but many students simply prefer or are more successful with online coursework. Students can take all of their courses through CCPSOnline or take courses in addition to a full schedule in their brick-and-mortar school. Complete information, including a list of courses and fee details, is available at oneccps.org/ccpsonline.
Common reasons families choose CCPSOnline include:
A GED preparation program is available at Carver College and Career Academy. Space is limited. For more information, please call 804-768-6165, Ext. 3.
The Office of Gifted Education recognizes and identifies gifted learners and provides comprehensive services that:
Facilitate the development of self-directed learners and development of talent in all students.
Deliver an appropriately differentiated instructional program responsive to student ability.
Address social and emotional needs of gifted students.
Support an educational environment that challenges gifted learners.
Students may be identified as gifted with areas of academic strength in English, math, social studies or science. Gifted elementary and middle school students are cluster-grouped with other identified gifted learners as possible, and students in grades 3-8 may further qualify to participate in a center-based gifted program. Advanced academic needs of gifted high school students are met through honors, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses self-selected by students.
In addition, high school specialty centers and regional governor’s schools exist to serve the different needs of gifted high school students by offering programs that concentrate on various disciplines. Teachers consider readiness, achievement and interests to modify curriculum and instruction while striving to provide an appropriate challenge.
For a student to be evaluated for possible gifted services, a referral form must be submitted by the individual wishing to refer a child. Parents/guardians, community members, teachers or students may refer a child for gifted services; private and homeschooled students in second grade or higher also may be referred in the fall by following this referral process and testing at the school they would attend if currently enrolled. Referral forms must be submitted before the referral deadline for the child’s current grade level. Deadlines and the referral form are available at oneccps.org/gifted-education.
Children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2026, can register to enter kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Registration starts on oneccps.org with a preregistration form.
Each year by Aug. 15, families who choose home instruction rather than school attendance for their children must notify the homeschool support specialist of Chesterfield County Public Schools and provide a list of the subjects to be studied as well as evidence they meet the criteria to provide home instruction.
Each year by Aug. 1, homeschooling families must provide the homeschool support specialist with evidence of progress. Details regarding the evidence of progress requirement can be found in the Virginia Department of Education parent handbook, on oneccps.org and in the verification letter that is sent upon receipt of the notice of intent.
Each academic year, homeschooled students may apply to enroll in up to two middle school or high school courses at their home-based school or through CCPSOnline or may apply to enroll in one course at either of the two Career and Technical Centers. Students must apply for classes by Dec. 1 of the preceding school year, and participation is on a space-available basis.
High-school-age home instruction students may participate in Advanced Placement and Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test examinations. Contact the school counseling department of your child’s home-based high school by Sept. 15 for PSAT registration information and by Sept. 30 for Advanced Placement test registration information (including the availability of financial assistance from College Board to low-income or qualified students).
Additional information including required forms and deadlines is available on oneccps.org/homeschooling and doe.virginia.gov or by calling 804-348-8321.
Students in grades 3-8 take the NWEA MAP Growth assessments in reading and mathematics. High school students enrolled in algebra I and geometry take the NWEA MAP Growth assessments.
The Naglieri General Abilities test is administered to all second grade students. The test measures a child’s critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is administered to all fifth grade students to measure nonverbal reasoning and general problem-solving abilities. The results of both tests are used to inform classroom instruction and in the review process for accelerated and gifted education program opportunities.
The Preliminary SAT is administered in the fall; it is a standardized test that measures skills in critical reading, math problem-solving and writing. The test is offered at no cost during the school day to all students in grades 9-11. The PSAT provides feedback on strengths and weaknesses on critical high school knowledge and skills, helps with SAT preparation and identifies student potential for advanced learning opportunities.
The SAT is administered during a school day in March. This test measures skills in critical reading, math and writing and provides a measure of a student’s readiness for college. The SAT is offered free to all 11th grade students.
Night School provides high school students the opportunity to complete and earn high school credits for free in the evening. Students engage in intense academic study to complete a traditional yearlong course in a single semester. Classes meet twice a week 5-9 p.m. at Carver College and Career Academy. Because of the accelerated nature of the program, students will be withdrawn with a failing grade after five unexcused absences. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from Night School. Contact your school counselor for more information or to register.
PACE is a centralized program offered through CCPSOnline that allows students to complete high school course requirements in an accelerated format. Schools identify students who, for a variety of reasons, require personalized solutions to meet their anticipated graduation timeline. CCPSOnline works with the school to provide a licensed teacher, courseware and student support. Ask your school counselor for details.
Middle school students must pass five subjects (math, science, social studies, language arts and an elective, which can be two-semester courses) to be promoted to the next grade. Failing a high school credit subject, such as algebra I or earth science, cannot be a barrier to promotion to ninth grade. Virginia requires that each middle school student take at least one course related to career exploration (such as career investigations) or receive this curriculum in an alternative way before exiting the eighth grade; however, this course is not a barrier to promotion.
High school promotion standards are:
Virginia requires high school students to meet additional diploma requirements such as passing an economics and personal finance course, completing an online course experience, etc. Additional information about the state’s graduation requirements is available at doe.virginia.gov. For more information about promotion standards, see School Board policy 3042 at oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section. For information about retention and remediation, see policies 3042 and 3173.
Chesterfield County Public Schools administers all tests as required by the Virginia Department of Education and federal law. These are planned for the school year:
Students enrolled in Virginia public schools are expected to take the applicable state tests. Virginia regulations do not allow opting out. If parents refuse to have their student participate in one or more of the required Virginia tests, their student’s state assessment score report will reflect a score of 0 for any test that is refused. Graduation requirements differ based on the year a student entered high school. Your school counselor is a valuable resource in explaining your student’s exact graduation requirements.
StudentVUE and ParentVUE allow K-12 students and their parents to track attendance and update some student and transportation information. Also, academic progress can be accessed for students in grades 2-12. Teachers are expected to post assignments and make grades visible to parents and students every two weeks. ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps are available free from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Using their Chesterfield County Public Schools network login credentials, students may access their account at studentvue.ccpsnet.net. Parents of students in grades K-12 may access their account at parentvue.ccpsnet.net. Parents should contact their child’s school to receive an activation code if they do not have one. Helpful tips about ParentVUE are available at oneccps.org.
Summer school programs provide a second exposure to the curriculum with in-person and virtual opportunities. Enrichment opportunities include camps for elementary, middle and high school students.
Academy offerings in the summer and during the school year include free SAT prep for high school juniors and seniors to help prepare for these college entrance exams. The SOL/W!se Academy provides support for students who have passed a class but have not passed the end-of-course test required for graduation. Talk to your child’s counselor to determine what requirements they may need to fulfill and for more information about the academy. Details can also be found on oneccps.org.
As Chesterfield County Public Schools continues to examine the best balance in student testing, school principals work within Virginia Department of Education and division testing windows to ensure the best balance in student testing and student learning. In addition to required testing, principals determine additional types of assessments that may best guide student learning.
Parents who are concerned about bullying should contact their student’s school and follow the reporting procedure.
Everyone plays an important part in creating safe, supportive and nurturing learning environments by modeling respectful behaviors every day and reporting disrespectful or bullying behaviors. Chesterfield County Public Schools standards for student conduct (School Board policy 4010-R) prohibit bullying, which is defined as, “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.”
The school system’s anti-bullying program is Promote Respect, which teaches and models respectful expectations and behaviors when interacting with others. All schools use a common language and approach to respond to actions of disrespect, and each school has identified expectations of respect and a procedure to follow if there is a concern of bullying behaviors. Staff members are trained in these expectations before supporting students and informing parents.
It is important for all stakeholders — adults and students — to be informed of Promote Respect expectations and how to respond if they observe or are involved with an act of disrespect or bullying. Everyone is encouraged to be an upstander by safely intervening and following the reporting procedures with the intention of stopping the behavior. Upstanders use three steps to respond to bullying: approach, intervene and follow-up.
While youth may show spontaneous aggressive behavior or signs of difficulty fitting in, parents should become concerned when alienation or antisocial behavior is shown over a period of time. Parents can seek help from their child’s school by contacting a school counselor, school social worker or school psychologist. Additional help is available from Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services at 804-748-1227. To anonymously report suspicious behavior or other concerns, parents and students may call Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
Internet safety is incorporated into the curriculum. As students learn to use the internet, they also learn about online safety, digital citizenship and manners, cyberbullying and intellectual property, including copyright, plagiarism and piracy. In addition, the school division has contracted with a third-party vendor (Lightspeed Alert) to support the safety of students by combining machine learning technology, which flags content, with people who review questionable content in online file storage.
The approach of Chesterfield County Public Schools to supporting student mental health is preventive and responsive and focuses on partnering with students, families, educators and community resources to maximize student safety and adjustment. Our Mental Health Support Services team includes mental health support specialists who collaborate with school-based personnel to provide training to educators about signs of psychological distress and how to assess threats of harm to self or others. They facilitate our seventh and 10th grade Signs of Suicide prevention program in partnership with school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists and Chesterfield County Prevention Services professionals.
Chesterfield County Public Schools offers a connection to mental health telehealth services for students in grades 6-12. These free, virtual sessions by Hazel Health can help students manage stress, anxiety or sadness. Parents can access this service via ParentVUE. Additionally, Chesterfield County Public Schools partners with county, regional and state mental health service providers to help families access mental health support services for students in need.
Chesterfield County Public Schools also uses Lightspeed Alert, an online tool that monitors web activity and scans Google files written by students on their Chromebooks. If students write, share or search for something that suggests a mental health or safety concern related to self or others, engages in bullying behavior or uploads inappropriate content to their Google Drive, Lightspeed sends an alert to schools and the Mental Health Support Services team for assessment and response. During school days, the school-based administrative and counseling team reviews documents and meets with students to assess concerns and collaborates with students and their parents to address alerts and offer resources. After school hours, parents are notified of alerts and resources for mental health or community support by mental health support interventionists who are on call to respond to alerts about student mental health and safety as quickly as possible. This information is shared with parents immediately with a focus on rapidly securing student safety and well-being. If a student is at risk of imminent harm and parents cannot be reached, law enforcement will be contacted to make a safety check at the home.
If parents do not wish for their child to purchase meals in the cafeteria, an opt-out form must be submitted annually. Parents can elect for their child not be allowed to purchase breakfast, lunch or both. Parents can also check that a meal cannot be charged to the child’s account, meaning a meal will not be provided if there are no funds to purchase the meal. This form is available at oneccps.org/food-and-nutrition-services.
School safety is a priority. Chesterfield County Public Schools maintains a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment so students and staff members feel secure, comfortable and supported and can achieve their best.
The school system works with the Chesterfield County Police Department to assign school resource officers to each secondary school. Additionally, school security officers are assigned to every school. Weapons detection systems are in place at middle schools and high schools. Schools have written plans to prevent and respond to emergencies, and there are trained safety teams in every school. Tornado, fire, lockdown and other emergency drills are practiced on a regular basis.
A school emergency may require a lockdown, shelter in place, evacuation or other actions. Please do not call or come to the school during an emergency, as it will tie up phone lines and endanger you and others. SchoolMessenger, the school division’s website (oneccps.org) and social media will be used to communicate when it is safe to release students and how parents will be reunited with their children.
The purpose of school counseling is to develop mindsets and behaviors in support of academic, social/emotional and college/career readiness development. School counseling services in Chesterfield County Public Schools are provided by licensed professional school counselors.
Academic counseling and advisement help students and parents learn about curriculum choices, plan an appropriate program of studies, arrange and interpret academic testing and seek postsecondary academic opportunities. School counselors also work with students, teachers, administrators and parents to address obstacles to student learning and teach skills that improve academic achievement.
College and career counseling helps students acquire information about a range of postsecondary options, access career planning resources and develop decision-making skills to plan for and access postsecondary education and career opportunities. Students also learn how coursework and career technical training opportunities offered in Chesterfield County Public Schools can help them explore career pathways of interest and earn industry credentials before graduation.
Social and emotional counseling helps students develop an understanding of themselves and others and how their choices affect themselves and others. Students learn how to resolve conflict constructively and define individual goals that reflect their interests, abilities and aptitudes. This counseling may be provided in core counseling curriculum lessons (for example, all fifth graders learn mindsets and behaviors for a successful transition to middle school) in which universal issues of social development are addressed or through structured individual or small group counseling sessions that focus on specific student concerns (for example, adjusting to family transitions, acclimating to a new school and managing strong feelings in appropriate ways at school).
Classroom lesson plans and materials to be used at each grade level are available for review. Parents can review the lesson plans at specific grade levels for each classroom group guidance activity. To review lesson plans or school counseling materials, parents should contact their student’s counselor to set up an appointment for the review. Parents may exclude their child from personal or social counseling and classroom lessons facilitated by the counselor. If a parent does not want a child to participate, a request should be made in writing to the principal before the scheduled classroom lesson. Alternative lessons will not be provided.
Participation in small group counseling requires written parental permission for all students. Parental consent is not required for any student for brief social/emotional counseling that is needed to maintain order, discipline or a productive learning environment.
The school counseling curriculum of Chesterfield County Public Schools is aligned with the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, which are online at doe.virginia.gov.
Student lunch costs $3.75 at elementary schools and $4 at middle and high schools. Breakfast is $2.75 for all grades. Families can use the SchoolCafe app to view menus and to pay online for meals and a la carte items. More information is available on oneccps.org.
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, go to schoolcafe.com. If you need a paper form, then contact your student’s school. In addition to free or reduced-price meals, filling out the application can connect families with summer EBT food assistance, reduced or waived internet fees and waived school and testing fees. Parents will be notified of the status of their application by email or letter, so be sure your student’s school has the correct email and mailing address.
For the 2026-27 school year, 43 Chesterfield County schools are covered by the community eligibility provision, which means all students in these schools are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day without families paying a fee or submitting an application for free or reduced-price meals:
Elementary schools: Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Bon Air, Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy, Chalkley, Marguerite Christian, Thelma Crenshaw, Crestwood, Curtis, Davis, Ecoff, Enon, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Gates, Harrowgate, Hening, Hopkins, Jacobs Road, Matoaca, Providence, Reams Road, Salem Church, Elizabeth Scott, Alberta Smith and Wells
Middle schools: Bailey Bridge, Carver, Elizabeth Davis, Falling Creek, Manchester, Matoaca, Providence and Salem Church
High schools: Bird, Carver College and Career Academy, CTC@Courthouse, Thomas Dale, Matoaca, Manchester, Meadowbrook and Monacan
To keep students safe, the school division will check the names of school visitors, including volunteers, against the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. The sex offender registry is online at www.vspsor.com.
When visitors arrive at a school, they must enter through the main entrance after communicating with office staff via the intercom and show photo identification (driver’s license, military ID, passport or other identification issued by a government agency), which will be scanned into a computer to be checked against the sex offender database and school-specific alert databases. Only the visitor’s name, photo and date of birth will be stored in the computer; no other personal information will be collected.
The visitor check-in system and other security measures help ensure the safety of students and staff members. School Board policies 6141 and 6142 detail expectations for visitors and public conduct on school property, and policy 6133 relates to sex offenders. They can be found on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
Everyone within Chesterfield County Public Schools works to support students and help them grow into strong young people. When problems arise that get in the way of learning, schools want to connect with students and families to solve those problems. But we can only solve problems that we know about, so communicating with school staff members is how problem-solving starts. When parents have a concern, the best path is to begin with the adults most directly involved in your student’s school life: teachers, school counselors, coaches, assistant principals and principals. Most problems can be solved by connecting with one or more of these professionals. If the first school employee is unable to resolve the situation, then this chart shows the next step to take. (It may be tempting to jump over steps, post on social media or contact a news organization, but those actions will not be as helpful for your student as following this problem-solving process.)
Schools are offering more options for students with special dietary needs and are working with parents to make cafeterias safer and more welcoming for students with food allergies. Federal law requires that schools offer safe substitute meals, at no extra charge, to students whose food allergies constitute a disability. Parents must submit a written statement from a state licensed health-care professional including a description of foods to be omitted and recommended substitutions. This form is available from the school nurse or at oneccps.org/health-wellness.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other items that contain peanuts have been removed from school menus. Many cafeterias provide allergy-aware tables where students are not to have food that could cause an allergic reaction. Meal modifications can be made for students who are lactose intolerant or gluten intolerant or who have documented food allergies.
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, special education and related services are provided at no cost to eligible CCPS students with disabilities ages 2-21. Determining a child’s eligibility for special education and related services is a detailed process that involves making decisions that significantly affect a child’s educational programming, preparation for school completion and postsecondary life. The eligibility process involves reviewing the student’s academic and behavioral data, observing the student in educational environments and compiling information from families, teachers and specialists who have knowledge of the student’s academic and functional performance. Members of the eligibility team determine the need for a psychological, educational and sociocultural evaluation and review and interpret the results of assessments once they are completed. During the special education eligibility process, a team (including the parents) determines whether the child has a disability that requires special education. Once a child is found eligible for services under the IDEA, an individualized education program will be developed to address the student’s academic and functional needs.
Chesterfield County Public Schools and school staff members are subject to the rules and laws as outlined in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children With Disabilities in Virginia and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (2004).
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects qualified students determined, through an eligibility process, to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Section 504 requires that school divisions provide a free appropriate public education to qualified students. If you suspect your child has a disability, you may make a referral to your school’s special education coordinator or school administrator. If your child is not enrolled in Chesterfield County Public Schools, contact an administrator at the school your child would attend based on your home address.
Information is available on oneccps.org about services for students identified as deaf, hard of hearing or visually impaired.
Parent partnerships are an essential component of the special education and Section 504 processes. If you have questions, contact your child’s school or the Department of Special Education at 804-348-8263.
Employees of Chesterfield County Public Schools who, in their professional or official capacity, have reason to suspect that a child is abused or neglected are to immediately report the situation to the appropriate authorities. See School Board policy 5031 for more information.
Chesterfield County Public Schools defines a threat as any communication or observable behavior that indicates that an individual intends to cause harm or pose a danger to the safety of themselves or others. Threats may be communicated verbally, non-verbally, behaviorally or through gestures, in writing, visually or electronically. Often, warning signs are communicated to peers, faculty and staff and family members. It is vital for everyone to be aware of risks and report any concerns, so that interventions can be taken to safeguard everyone in our community. To maintain a safe learning environment for all students and staff, Chesterfield County Public Schools takes every potential threat seriously.
All threats reported to a school official are investigated by a threat assessment team that includes school-based mental health professionals (school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists), as well as administrators, school resource officers, school nurses and central office support teams, as needed. The threat assessment team follows evidence-based procedures modeled by the University of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Threat assessment team members are regularly trained that exceed Virginia state requirements. The purpose of the threat assessment team is to work with the student, family, and school staff to assess the nature of the threat and potential risks. The goal of the threat assessment is to determine how best to support students, increase access to resources and interventions, and prevent harm.
Safety planning is another way these teams support students in crisis. Each plan is created in partnership with staff and the student and family to help map supportive resources, assistance and interventions that best meet the needs of each student in crisis. In some cases involving out-of-school assistance or intervention, a follow-up plan is developed jointly by parents/guardians, school professionals and other interventionists to support the student’s transition back into the school community.
The threat-assessment process does not eliminate discipline procedures outlined in the standards for student conduct (School Board policy 4010-R). At the end of the threat-assessment process, parents receive copies of the action plan summary, any signed agreements, the follow-up plan and list of community resources. These documents are also filed in the student’s educational record.
As a component of a comprehensive safe school plan, video surveillance with or without audio may be used in the common areas of schools and on school buses. Surveillance equipment may or may not be monitored at any time. Video recordings may also be used for disciplinary purposes. In a criminal investigation, law enforcement representatives may view video surveillance. Parents may view video surveillance recordings where their student is the subject of the video without the consent of the parents of other students who may be seen in the same video recording. However, no parent will be allowed to have a copy of a video surveillance recording where multiple students can be seen.
School bus transportation is available to most students attending county schools in accordance with School Board policy 7160. The policy is available on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
• Families are asked to keep up-to-date student transportation information by logging into ParentVUE and checking your home address and any alternative addresses. For a link to ParentVUE and more details, go to oneccps.org/parentvue-studentvue.
• Prekindergarten, kindergarten or early childhood special education students may sit with an older sibling at the front of the bus.
• Bus stops are placed in the safest location possible with a maximum walking distance of 0.3 miles for students in prekindergarten through grade 5 and 0.5 miles for students in grades 6-12 when possible during the school year. Distances may be greater during summer school.
• Bus stop information is available to parents via e-Link by using a student’s ID to sign in. Routes and stops are subject to change at any time.
• Students must be at their assigned bus stop five minutes before their bus is due to arrive. School buses will not wait for students.
The My Stop web and mobile application allows you to locate your child’s bus via GPS tracking to see where the bus is and its estimated arrival to your bus stop. The location of the bus is updated on the map every five seconds, so there are no surprises in the event of a delay. If My Stop is not working, then be at your bus stop five minutes before the bus’s planned arrival time. Here’s how to access My Stop:
• Via app: Search for My Stop in the app store and select “Versatrans My Stop.” There are several My Stop apps; choose the Versatrans version.
• Via computer: chesterfield.tylertech.com/elinkrp/
Express cards (or radio frequency identification cards) add an extra level of safety and efficiency for the youngest students as they board and disembark school buses.
• Cards have been issued to PK-5 students to be used throughout their school years in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Students should bring their cards to school every day; they may be used on the bus, in the school library and in the school cafeteria.
• Students place the card against a sensor as they board and disembark. The tablet will make a happy sound if the student is boarding/disembarking at the correct locations.
• Parents can use My Stop to follow the bus the student rides, and the points at which the student enters and leaves the bus are recorded.
• The cards do not track students. The cards only associate students with the bus they are riding, so parents know where their students are and drivers know which stops are the correct stops.
Bus transportation is a privilege, and students riding school buses are required to obey all rules and regulations established by the school and the driver. All buses are equipped with surveillance cameras to assist in safe transportation. Parents are encouraged to remind their children to respect the property of the school division and neighbors living near a bus stop. Inappropriate conduct while riding a school bus may result in denial of this privilege. The school principal and Transportation Department make disciplinary decisions about school bus transportation.
Families are responsible for getting their children to the bus stop safely, reviewing safety and behavior expectations and reinforcing these with children. Please treat bus drivers as you wish to be treated. If you have concerns about a driver, then contact the transportation area office at 804-464-3077; choose option 2 for special education transportation or choose option 3 for general transportation. Alternatively, you can communicate with the Transportation Department using an online form at oneccps.org/transportation.
• Know which days your student will need transportation to school.
• Use ParentVUE (oneccps.org/parentvue-studentvue) to indicate any alternate addresses (i.e. daycare provider) where they will be picked up or dropped off on a routine basis.
• Know your bus stop location before school begins. Visit e-Link at chesterfield.tylertech.com/elinkrp/ to locate your assigned bus stop.
• Accompany prekindergarten and kindergarten students at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. Parents of prekindergarten and kindergarten students must come within 5 feet of the bus door to receive their children.
• Parents/guardians or authorized individuals are not permitted to board the bus unless requested by the bus driver.
• Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will be returned to school if an authorized/designated individual is not present at the bus stop to collect the student. At the driver’s discretion, older students may also be returned to school if a designated individual is not present to pick them up.
• Review school procedures for temporary changes to busing arrangements. Students who plan to use transportation other than their regular bus or load or unload at a different stop must have written parental permission and receive prior written approval from the appropriate school official. Documentation of the school’s approval must be presented to the bus driver. Final approval is provided by the Transportation Department based on bus capacity.
• Teach your children about school bus safety, and talk about it often. Ask questions to make sure they understand. Parents are responsible for any damage their child causes to the bus.
• Wait to meet your child on the side of the bus where they will exit. Eager children may disregard safety training.
• Recognize drivers for performing their jobs safely.
The bus is considered an extension of the classroom, and families should emphasize this to students. Riding the bus is a privilege that can be taken away if the rules are not obeyed. Review the Chesterfield County Public Schools standards for student conduct, which also apply at bus stops and on school buses.
Before loading the bus, students should
While on the bus, students should
When leaving the bus, students should
Parent/guardian guidance
Bus stop supervision
Bus and safety conduct
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They have the right to:
The legal and ethical maintenance of student records is important, and the school system recognizes its responsibility to protect the rights and privacy of the student and parents and to adhere strictly to statutes designed to safeguard information in your child’s record. If you have questions, please contact the principal.
In compliance with Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other federal and state laws and school policies and regulations, Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to nondiscrimination with regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, color, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment prevails in all of its policies and practices concerning staff, students, educational programs and services and individuals and entities with whom the board does business.
It is the intent of Chesterfield County Public Schools to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain that discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures, for Title IX and Section 504, have been established for students, their parents and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the school division.
All students attending Chesterfield County Public Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health and physical education, music and career and technical education. Educational programs and services will be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and shall be available for all students, without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, ancestry, marital or parental status or any other unlawful basis.
Individuals holding the following positions have been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include, but are not limited to, the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
Sex behavior or attitudes;
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors or ministers;
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of
Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law; and
Activities involving collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use
Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under state law. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20202.
Under School Board policy 4100, principals who receive notice that a circuit court, general district court, juvenile and domestic relations district court or magistrate has issued a protective order for the protection of any child enrolled at the school or any other order prohibiting contact with such a child will notify licensed instructional personnel and other school personnel who provide direct educational or support services to the child, have a legitimate educational interest in the information and are responsible for the direct supervision of the child subject.
Schools maintain an education record for each student. The principal is responsible for education records. These records contain information about scholastic work, grades, evaluations, registration, health, attendance, standardized test results, programs of study and discipline. Students with special needs and certain students requiring differentiated programs or special services have records related to their educational programs maintained in the education records. All educational records for an individual student are maintained in a cumulative file. Chesterfield County Public Schools forwards education records upon request of a school in which a student intends to enroll.
Access to a student’s education record is limited to parents, eligible students (over 18 years old), school officials and others who have the written permission of the parent or eligible student. Natural parents, regardless of custody status, have the right of access to all student records unless specifically prohibited by a court order.
The school division discloses or makes available to a guardian ad litem, on request, any information, records or reports concerning a student for whom a petition for guardianship or conservatorship has been filed that the guardian ad litem determines are necessary to perform his duties under Virginia Code.
Directory information is information contained in a student’s education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information includes the name, gender, date and place of birth of students, the most recent educational institution attended, the student’s major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, the weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees or awards received by students and photographs, whether maintained by hard copy or in digital format, still or in motion. Directory information may be made public unless a parent or eligible student notifies the principal of their wish not to disclose the information by Oct. 1. The names, addresses and phone numbers of 11th and 12th grade students are disclosed to military recruiters unless the school is notified by Oct. 1 to remove a student’s name. Students’ directory information will be used for armed services recruiting and for informing young people of scholarship opportunities.
School officials review and evaluate scholastic records at the fifth, eighth and 12th grades. Information required under state law is retained permanently. The school system will provide to parents upon request a list of the types and location of education records collected and maintained by the schools, as well as written policies and procedures on the management of education records. A parent or eligible student may request a copy of the records policy and procedures from the principal.
Chesterfield County Public Schools maintains student records at the last school attended for at least five years after a student graduates or withdraws from the school system. Parents or students 18 and older may request a copy of the student record within that five-year window. After that period, student records are purged and information that is not required to be permanently retained is destroyed. (Note: After a child with a disability graduates, ages out of or otherwise leaves any public school, the school retains the special education records of the child for at least seven years. The school notifies the parents of each such child of the opportunity to obtain such records during the retention period.) To make a record request, contact your last school of record or visit the school system’s transcript website at oneccps.org/request-a-transcript.
In June 2026, the Chesterfield County School Board adopted policy 4210 regarding surveys and questionnaires in order to safeguard student privacy and ensure parental rights in connection with instructional materials, surveys, evaluations and certain physical examinations, particularly those associated with federally funded programs. The policy is available on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.