Back to School Guide for Henrico County Public Schools

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your Back to School headquarters this 2025-26 school year! Here's what students and families kicking off a new academic year at Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) need to know.

All Henrico students will head back to school on Monday, Aug. 18.

Things to know and what to bring to school

HCPS told 8News that individual schools each have their own school supply lists, which families should have received through ParentSquare. You may also find them on your respective school's website.

"We always recommend the necessities such as backpacks, pencils, pens, folders, binders, dry-erase markers, etc.," the school district said.

Additionally, HCPS students will receive their new Smart Student ID cards -- with protective lanyards and covers -- on the first day of school. They will need to bring these IDs to school every day and wear them visibly when walking through campus, hallways and when getting on and off the bus.

These cards were first rolled out during the 2024-25 school year as a safety measure.

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Parents and guardians are also asked to either sign up for or verify that they can access ParentSquare, the communications platform through which HCPS can connect with families.

New this year, families can choose to add additional family member contacts to their ParentSquare account, allowing them to receive messages from teachers, other staff and school leaders.

Policies, changes for students and families to know about

Students at all school levels are to store their cell phones away and not use them at any time throughout the school day, per HCPS' 2025-26 Code of Student Conduct. This is a change from previous school district policy.

"Please note that there are exceptions for students who require phones or similar devices to monitor health conditions throughout the school day," HCPS said.

There are also changes to school meals pricing. Starting this year, student breakfasts will cost $1.75 and student lunches will cost $3 -- a 25-cent and 50-cent increase, respectively. To find out if you qualify for free or reduced-cost student meals, or for more information on HCPS School Nutrition Services, click here.

Anything on the calendar before school starts?

Make sure not to miss HCPS' Back-to-School Kickoff at the Henrico Sports and Events Center, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.

In addition to being packed full of fun activities, this event will also offer support to students in need. Backpacks full of donated school supplies will be handed out during the event.

For rising 7th and 12th graders who may still need school-required vaccinations, the Virginia Department of Health's (VDH) Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD are offering multiple free clinics before the school year begins. You can find out more about these clinics here.

For more information