by Daniel Yoon | eXp Realty | Richmond, Virginia
School quality is the number one factor driving neighborhood choice for families in the Richmond, Virginia area. The short answer: Henrico County (west side) and Hanover County have the strongest overall school ratings. Chesterfield is strong in the Midlothian zone. Richmond City schools are improving but lag behind the counties. Here is the detailed comparison.
Henrico County Public Schools
Best for: Families in Short Pump and Glen Allen who want top-10-in-Virginia high schools.
- Deep Run High School: Consistently top 10 in Virginia. 96%+ graduation rate. Extensive AP/IB programs.
- Glen Allen High School: Strong and growing. Newer facility.
- Tucker High School: Solid option in central-west Henrico.
Henrico spends approximately $12,800 per student. West Henrico schools significantly outperform east Henrico schools on most metrics. Where you buy within Henrico matters enormously.
Hanover County Public Schools
Best for: Families who want top school quality at lower home prices than Henrico.
- Atlee High School: Top 15 in Virginia. Strong AP program. 95%+ graduation rate.
- Hanover High School: Smaller, community-oriented, solid academics.
- Patrick Henry High School: Growing programs in the Ashland area.
Hanover spends more per student than the state average and maintains smaller class sizes than Henrico or Chesterfield. This is the under-the-radar choice for school-focused families.
Chesterfield County Public Schools
Best for: Families in Midlothian who want strong schools with more house for the money.
- Midlothian High School: Strong in the Bettie Weaver to Robious to Midlothian feeder pattern.
- Cosby High School: Competitive athletics and solid academics.
- Clover Hill High School: Well-regarded, particularly for STEM.
Chesterfield is the largest district (63,000+ students). Quality varies more by zone than in Henrico or Hanover. The Midlothian feeder pattern is the sweet spot.
Richmond Public Schools
Best for: Families who want urban living and are open to magnet/specialty programs or private schools.
Richmond city schools face more challenges than the suburban counties. Graduation rates and test scores are lower on average. However, specialty programs like Open High School, the CodeRVA Regional High School, and magnet programs at some schools offer strong options within the city system. Many Fan and Museum District families supplement with private schools (Collegiate, St. Catherine’s, Steward).
The Bottom Line
If schools are your top priority and budget allows: west Henrico (Short Pump/Glen Allen zone). If schools are top priority but budget is tight: Hanover (Atlee zone). If you want balance of schools and value: Chesterfield (Midlothian zone). If you want urban living: Richmond city with private school or magnet program backup.
FAQs
Which county has the best schools in the Richmond VA area?
West Henrico (Deep Run High) and Hanover (Atlee High) consistently rank highest. Both have schools in Virginia’s top 15. Chesterfield’s Midlothian zone is also strong.
Are Richmond city schools improving?
Yes, but they still lag behind suburban counties on most metrics. Specialty and magnet programs offer strong options within the city system.
Need help finding a home in the right school zone? Call Daniel Yoon at (804) 896-2694. I verify school assignments on every property and help families match neighborhoods to their education priorities.