Back to School Guide for Richmond Public Schools

RICHMOND, 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 Richmond Public Schools (RPS) need to know.

For students in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 5 and grades 6 and 9 -- their first day is Monday, Aug. 18. For students in grades 7, 8 and 10 through 12, their first day is Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Things to know and what to bring to school

The school district told 8News that all students will be given a free clear bookbag along with basic supplies at their school's open house or back to school nights, courtesy of the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive,

Supply lists for specific schools are posted on the schools' websites -- which can be found here. Any community supply drives that RPS is aware of will be posted in their Community Corner and RPS Direct.

According to the school district, all students will receive meals for breakfast and lunch at no cost to them throughout the school year. There will also be meals selected during RPS' March taste test challenge that will be offered in middle schools and high schools.

Policies, changes for students and families to know about

As part of ongoing safety efforts, the school district is asking parents and students to be aware of their clear backpack protocol and cell phone policies.

All students are required to use a clear backpack, and will follow a bell-to-bell cell phone policy, meaning they must refrain from using devices after the first bell at the start of the day, until the dismissal bell.

There will also be metal detectors at the entrances of RPS high schools and middle schools.

Anything on the calendar before school starts?

The school district encourages students and families to attend RPS Summer Fest, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Marshall High School, located at 4225 Old Brook Road.

This back to school event offers free school supplies, fun activities, community resources, live entertainment and more. For additional details, click here.

William Fox Elementary School will have a ribbon cutting for its reopening on Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the Richmond High School for the Arts is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

For more back to school information, visit the RPS website.