We’re almost there! School starts Monday
We’ve been making final preparations to welcome you and more than 64,000 students to classes the week of Aug. 18. It’s hard to believe the summer is already over!
Grades 1-5, 6 and 9 begin Monday, Aug. 18
Grades 7-8, 10-12 begin Tuesday, Aug. 19
Prekindergarten and kindergarten students start on different days:
Some students attend Aug. 18-19; others attend Aug. 20-21.
Schools assign students to specific days to allow students to become more familiar with their new surroundings in a smaller classroom setting.
Starting Aug. 22, all prekindergarten and kindergarten students attend daily.
Make sure to check our calendars page for important dates.
Families can get ready for the new school year by visiting the CCPS back-to-school hub for transportation information, Chromebook details, fee payments, supply lists and more.
Have a student who is ready to start school? Families can still register their little ones for kindergarten.
We’re excited to welcome all of our returning and new students to the 2025-26 school year!
VIDEO: What to expect with weapons detection
Weapons detection systems are bringing an additional layer of security to every Chesterfield County middle school and high school.
Starting at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, students and school visitors (including CCPS staff members who do not have badge access to a building) will enter through OpenGate scanners, which are similar to those used at amusement parks, concerts and sporting events.
What will that be like? Watch this video that shows the process and what to expect. Mira en Español.
For more details, read the email sent to families and staff on Aug. 1, 2025.
CCPS, CCPD encourage safe driving as school starts
Chesterfield County Public Schools and the Chesterfield County Police Department have released the following joint message:
Every child deserves a safe journey to school, and every parent deserves peace of mind as they send them on their way. The start of school brings increased traffic and new routines, and we ask for your support.
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, Chesterfield County School Board, Chesterfield County Police Department and Chesterfield County Public Schools have worked closely together to prepare for the changes that accompany the start of the academic year. Police and school division leaders have been coordinating to anticipate and address potential traffic challenges around our schools. While the beginning of the school year naturally brings more cars and pedestrians, our approach is centered on encouraging patience, vigilance and cooperation from everyone.
The well-being of our students is a responsibility we all share. We ask for everyone's cooperation in following traffic rules and taking extra care, being mindful that some people will be unfamiliar with new routes and procedures.
Here’s how you can help:
Drive responsibly: Follow posted speed limits, especially in school zones, and stay alert for buses and pedestrians.
Practice patience: Build in extra time for your commute and expect heavier traffic during arrival and dismissal.
Follow guidance: Respect the direction of school staff and law enforcement helping to manage traffic flow.
The safety and well-being of our students is a top priority. With your help, we can
ensure that the start of the school year is safe, smooth and successful for every Chesterfield County family. Thank you for your continued partnership.
CCPS in the Know: Getting into a Routine
How do you adjust to the start of a new school year after summer break? By getting into a routine! This episode of CCPS in the Know shares practical tips and tricks for students and families to get into a routine for a great school year. Mira en Español.
Do you have a question for CCPS In the Know? Ask it here for a chance to be featured. Watch all past episodes of CCPS in the Know on YouTube.
Final beam placed in construction of new west area elementary
On Aug. 11, CCPS marked a major milestone in the construction of the new west area elementary with a topping-off ceremony – a construction industry tradition celebrating the placement of the final structural beam and symbolizing strength, partnership and progress.
“This school reflects the innovation, flexibility and student-centered design that define the future of education in Chesterfield County,” said Superintendent Dr. John Murray. “It will be a place that sparks curiosity, invites exploration and nurtures young learners for generations to come.”
Scheduled to open for students in August 2026, the new school in the Matoaca District is part of a community facilities bond plan approved by Chesterfield County voters in 2022. Virginia Public School Authority bonds will cover the building’s $52 million budget. The school’s design is based on Chesterfield’s elementary school prototype, with the community selecting the exterior colors.
The two-story school will accommodate up to 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. See the full news release at oneccps.org.
This Week: What’s Next Wednesdays returns with tips about the college application process
Start the new school year with What’s Next Wednesdays! Kicking off Aug. 20, this monthly virtual series helps students and families navigate their next steps in education after high school.
Join us online at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, for “Gearing Up for Senior Year: The College Application Process” – an overview of the FAFSA application process, timelines, and tips for crafting strong college essays. Register here to attend this and other What’s Next Wednesday programs.
"What’s Next Wednesdays" is designed to help families and caregivers support their secondary school-aged students as they plan for life after high school. From finding the “right fit” to navigating financial aid, this process can be stressful for students and the adults in their lives. Topics vary monthly and address the many things you and your student must navigate as you make this decision.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed, get inspired, and get ready for what’s next! Watch past sessions and learn more about our programs for families.
Want to become a teacher or know someone who does? Join us Aug. 20 and 21 to learn how
If you or someone you know is passionate about education, has a bachelor’s degree, and wants to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher – iteach can help. Chesterfield County Public Schools is organizing two free information sessions:
In-person session - Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 5-6 p.m. at Tomahawk Creek Middle School (11001 W. Providence Rd.)
Virtual session - Thursday, Aug. 21, from 4-5 p.m. through Google meet.
Join us to take the next step in your career. Learn more about iteach’s alternative teacher certification program.
Don’t wait! Submit nominations for the Hall of Fame until Aug. 31
Nominations are open for the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools until Aug. 31. This is your chance to recognize former employees and volunteers who made a significant difference for CCPS students and communities. Individuals who have been nominated in previous years may be considered. Submit your nominations and learn more here.
The Hall of Fame is a partnership between the school system and the Chesterfield Education Foundation to recognize retirees and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. See past Hall of Fame honorees on our website.
Gifted education referral windows for the 2025–26 school year
Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to recognizing and nurturing advanced academic potential in all students through engaging gifted programming options. Gifted evaluations take place during specific windows each year, and students may be evaluated only once per school year.
Referrals must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. Please note the new fall deadline is earlier than in previous years.
Grades 2–12: Oct. 3, 2025
Grades K–1: Feb. 27, 2026
The online Gifted Services Referral and Review Form will open at noon on August 22, 2025 for referring students in grades 2–12. Referrals may be submitted by a parent, teacher, student, or community member. Students in grades 2–12 who reside in Chesterfield County but are not enrolled in CCPS may also be referred for an assessment opportunity during the fall window only.
To learn more about gifted education in Chesterfield County Public Schools, review the Gifted Education Overview flyer or visit the CCPS Gifted Education webpage.
SchoolCafe app is all you need for school meals
Families will find it much easier to manage school meals with the move to SchoolCafe. This powerful app is replacing three apps previously used for viewing menus, paying for meals online and applying for free or reduced-price meals (MealViewer, MySchoolBucks and MySchoolApps).
In addition to making life simpler for families, SchoolCafe offers a great user experience and will continue to help families:
Make online payments for meals
View breakfast and lunch menus
Monitor your child’s cafeteria purchases
Set spending limits
Receive low balance notifications
Here’s what to do to get started with SchoolCafe:
Go to schoolcafe.com or download the free SchoolCafe app to your phone.
Create an account using your child’s student ID number. (You can find your child’s student ID via ParentVUE or by contacting your school.)
Set preferences and add funds as needed. (Any money that was in your MySchoolBucks account has been transferred to SchoolCafe.)
If you have questions or need help setting up your account, then call 866-442-6030 (toll free) or click the purple icon at the bottom of the screen to check out FAQs or chat with the SchoolCafe support team.
Learn more about the Food and Nutrition Services Department of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Registration open for CCPS Night School through Aug. 21
Night School provides high school students the opportunity to earn credits at no cost in the evening. Students engage in intense academic study to complete a traditional yearlong course in a single semester.
Night School in-person and virtual classes take place 5-9 p.m. two days each week with in-person classes meeting at Carver College and Career Academy (12400 Branders Bridge Road).
A wide variety of courses are offered including English 11 and 12, graphic design, driver’s education, ecology, U.S. history and more.
Students and families should contact their school counselor to register for Night School. Learn more about Night School and other alternative educational options.