Education Program

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academies at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School and Henderson Middle School are a part of our Passion4Learning initiative. In alignment with Priority 1 of Dreams4RPS, Passion4Learning is a multi-year effort to nurture our students' natural curiosity by creating theme-based middle and high schools that tap into their interests and passions.

Academics + Community Engagement

The Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) champions the academic and linguistic achievements of English Language Learners (ELLs). Tailored to address the unique needs of each student, LIEP combines innovative teaching, cultural inclusivity, and a supportive community to ensure learners excel in English proficiency and academic success. By fostering collaboration among students, families, and educators, we are committed to building a foundation of opportunity, equity, and excellence for every student in our diverse community.

Education Program

Lit Limo is a mobile library designed to help implement RPS’ literacy and reading strategies as well as create excitement for books for all school age children. Every child who visits the Lit Limo (news article) receives a book of their own, participates in a read aloud, and signs up for a Richmond Public Library card. The converted school bus aims to generate enthusiasm among kids, like ice cream trucks, by letting students pick their books when it arrives in their neighborhood.

Community Engagement

The Community Hub Model was launched in 2020 and is a unique way to bring the school to families. Each hub is staffed with several Family Liaisons who serve as neighborhood experts that bridge the gap between schools and RPS families. They work together with families to help improve attendance, share important information, and provide engagement opportunities that promote student success.

Education Program

RVA Men Teach is a program dedicated to improving students’ academic, social, and professional outcomes by recruiting, retaining, and professionally developing male educators of color. A committee of veteran Richmond Public Schools Male Educators of Color provide mentorship and direction for the initiative. RVA Men Teach includes licensure and certification support, expansive partnerships, and regular celebrations for the recognition of excellence.

Community Engagement

This annual event raises money for music and cultural arts programs for Richmond Public Schools in the East End. Last year the Festival raised $64.535. Current purchases for schools include pianos for Reid Elementary and Boushall Middle School, art supplies for Armstrong and Franklin Military Academy and other music and arts-related supplies for Henry Marsh, Martin Luther King, Jr and other schools in the City’s East end.

Community Engagement

On Friday, February 11,2022, the William Fox Elementary School was gutted by a 3-alarm fire resulting in a total loss of the building and displacing students, faculty and staff. The school has stood on the site since 1911 and is the cornerstone of the community. In response to this devastating fire, the RPS Education Foundation created a fund targeted specifically to support faculty, staff and students in the recovery process.

Special Recognition & Support

Excellent educators and efficient instructional practices are an integral part of Richmond Public School’s strategic plan, Dreams4RPS. The first four goals of Dreams4RPS – Accreditation, Graduation, Academic Growth, and Teacher Retention—all speak to the importance of student achievement. Recognizing and celebrating the excellence of our RPS educators is an important way to display our appreciation for the work they do in our schools everyday. At this annual event, Richmond Public Schools will present five major division-level awards to its staff: Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, the Lucille M. Brown Impact Award, and the Rodney A. Robinson Equity in Education Award.