Chesterfield County Public Schools

All Chesterfield schools are fully accredited, and students continue to perform well on Virginia’s Standards of Learning tests. In fact, Chesterfield students achieved perfect scores on 5,787 SOL tests in 2011-12. More than 89 percent of Chesterfield students graduate on time, outperforming their peers across Virginia. In 2012, there were 4,614 graduates: 55 percent earned advanced diplomas, and 80 percent planned to continue their education. The class of 2012 earned $20.8 million in scholarships. Chesterfield makes attracting and retaining the best teachers and staff members a priority. Working in Chesterfield schools are 1,801 teachers with master’s degrees, 100 National Board Certified Teachers and 82 employees with doctorates. Chesterfield’s curriculum is rigorous and relevant. Initiatives include a school readiness program for 4-year-olds at a few schools, world language instruction in some elementary schools and algebra for every student during middle school. Safety nets help struggling students reach their goals. Alternative study options include day and night programs and online courses. Also, about a dozen online classes are available to students outside Chesterfield. Center-based programs in elementary and middle schools meet the needs of gifted learners. High school students may choose to attend their neighborhood school or apply to a specialty center, technical center or two regional governor’s schools based on individual interests and talents. The number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement class increased to 3,679 in 2011-12 from 2,699 in 2006-07. Dual enrollment registrations increased to 2,519 in 2011-12 from 381 in 2001-02. Each year, about 2,000 career and technical education students earn industry certification. More than 3,500 students live in homes where English is not the dominant language. The majority of English for Speakers of Other Languages students speak Spanish as their first language, but more than 60 other languages are represented. Hundreds of businesses, faith communities and organizations partner with schools, and thousands of individuals volunteer.