Henrico Schools introducing staggered start for first days of 2026-27 school year

HENRICO, Va., July 27, 2026 — New for the 2026-27 school year, Henrico County Public Schools will begin the school year with a staggered start, with some students set to attend Monday, Aug. 24, and others Tuesday, Aug. 25.

By staggering the days students come in, preschool and kindergarten students can feel more comfortable starting school by spending time with their teacher in a smaller group setting. At the middle and high school level, the staggered start introduces sixth- and ninth-grade students to their new schools and routines without the larger group of upperclassmen. This also provides an additional day for them to navigate hallways and common areas when the building is less crowded.

While all middle schools and high schools will operate on the same staggered-start plan, each elementary school has its own set schedule for preschoolers and kindergarteners. If a pre-K or kindergarten student attends Monday, they 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 are encouraged to confirm their students’ attendance schedule at Back at School or on their 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

Go to Back to school for all back-to-school information, including updated policies and the HCPS Back-to-School Kickoff, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.