Henrico Schools to begin staggered start to school year for first time

For the first time, Henrico County Public Schools will begin the school year next month with a staggered start, meaning some students will begin Aug. 24, while others will start Aug. 25.

The plan is designed to allow preschool and kindergarten students to spend time in a small group setting with their teachers, while allowing sixth- and ninth-graders the chance to acclimate to new buildings in less-crowded conditions.

All middle schools and high schools will operate on the same staggered-start plan, but each elementary school has its own set schedule for preschoolers and kindergartners. If a pre-K or kindergarten student attends Monday, he or she will not attend Tuesday, and vice versa.

All schools will operate on a normal schedule beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, with all students in attendance.

Parents and guardians can view their students' schedule at https://www.henricoschools.us/backtoschool or on their individual school’s website.

Henrico Schools 2026-27 staggered start schedule: Monday, Aug. 24

• First day for half of pre-K and kindergarten students (Day 2 students do not attend);
• First day for students in grades 1-5;
• First day for students in grade 6 and grade 9;

Tuesday, Aug. 25

• First day for second half of pre-K and kindergarten students (Day 1 students do not attend);
• First day for students in grades 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12;
• All students in grades 1-5, 6 and 9 also attend

Wednesday, Aug. 26

• All students attend

For other back-to-school information, visit www.henricoschools.us/backtoschool.