Except as stated below and in the accompanying regulation, a student must attend the school within the zone of residency unless he/she has been accepted to either a regional or division-wide educational program in Henrico County Public Schools. Exceptions to the above will be made only after investigation and subsequent recommendation is initiated through the variance application process.
Variance requests will not be granted to schools designated as over program capacity by the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee. Variance applications shall not be approved following a residency hearing, if the family is found to be out of compliance with residency guidelines.
Students whose parents/legal guardians are permanent full-time or permanent part-time employees and live in Henrico County may submit a variance application for their child(ren) to attend the school where their parent/legal guardian works, on a space available basis as determined by the principal of the requested school. Qualifying parents/legal guardians must initiate the variance application process pursuant to the related regulation.
Students whose parents/legal guardians are non-resident permanent full-time or permanent part-time employees may apply for a variance and, if approved, pay tuition for their child(ren) in grades K-12 to attend a 'comprehensive' Henrico school which excludes Specialty Centers and Programs as defined in the Henrico Planning Guide.
The tuition rates and payment schedule will be determined annually and approved by the School Board in accordance with Section 22.1-5 of the Code of Virginia in the amount equal to the per-student cost of the local share.
Transportation is the responsibility of the parents/legal guardians for approved variances.
Virginia High School League (VHSL) Eligibility
- Participation in Virginia High School League (VHSL) athletics and activities is not a valid reason to request a variance.
- Students who transfer schools after the start of their 9th grade year may be ineligible to participate in VHSL athletics or activities for 365 days. HCPS adheres to all VHSL rules and criteria.