Expanding on the exciting and challenging learning opportunities available to all Henrico County middle school students, the Centers for Innovation provide a platform for students to unleash their creativity, engage in hands-on projects, and explore exciting career paths in business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Thanks to a special collaboration with VCU’s da Vinci Center for Innovation, as well as various businesses and community groups, students will learn directly from experts in their areas of interest. They will also build the skills and passion they need for STEM careers in areas like creating content, starting their own businesses, working with data, keeping information secure, engineering AI and providing health care services, among other possibilities.

The Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School opened for the 2024-25 school year. The Center for Innovation at Quioccasin Middle School will open for 2026-27. Students from all over the county have the chance to apply to one of the centers based on their zoned middle school. Students will be selected through a lottery admission process.

At the Center for Innovation, HCPS offers students hands-on projects and career exploration in business and STEM fields through unique partnerships with VCU's da Vinci Center, businesses and community groups. Students learn from experts and develop skills for careers in content creation, entrepreneurship, data science, cybersecurity, AI engineering, health care and more.

Students at the Centers for Innovation are:

• Empathetic, creative and critical thinkers.

• Interested in business, entrepreneurship and STEM.

• Collaborators and communicators who enjoy “learning by doing.” 

• Inquisitive about career opportunities.

Who is eligible to apply to the Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School?

Students currently in grade 5 who reside in Henrico County and are zoned to attend middle school at John Rolfe, Elko, Fairfield, Brookland, George Moody, or L. Douglas Wilder middle schools are eligible. All other Henrico middle schools are zoned for the Center for Innovation at Quioccasin, which will open for the 2026-27 school year.

What is the application window and where can I apply?

The application window opened on Sept. 12 and closes Oct. 7. Students currently in grades 5 who are enrolled in Henrico County Public Schools can apply through ParentSquare using the link sent Sept. 12 through Parent Square. Residents whose children do not currently attend HCPS can join the community group to have access to the application in ParentSquare. Directions can be found at this website: Middle School Centers for Innovation | Henrico County Public Schools (henricoschools.us) 

The application window for the Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School will open during fall 2025 in preparation for 2026-27. Students zoned for the Center for Innovation at Quioccasin Middle School are not eligible to apply to the Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School.

Are students who are homeschooled this year eligible to apply, and do they have to enroll for fall 2025 before being considered for the lottery?

Yes, students who are homeschooled are eligible for the lottery; they are not required to enroll until accepted into the center.

How many seats per grade are available, and are academics factored into decisions?

Fifty seats per grade level are currently projected for sixth grade. Academics are factored into the decision only with the requirement that students have successfully completed course requirements for the current year. Beyond course requirements, selections are based on the lottery.

Is this Center for Innovation another center or program similar to the Gifted Young Scholars Academy or the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program? Can you apply for more than one center or program?

The Center for Innovation is a new center/program option for middle school students, with a specialized curriculum and approach to teaching and learning. Eligible students may apply to multiple centers and programs but may only select one to attend. Notification letters for all three centers/programs will be mailed on the same day so students and families can make an informed decision.

Can students currently enrolled in the Gifted Young Scholars Academy or the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program apply to the Center for Innovation?

Students currently enrolled in the GYSA or IBMYP are eligible to apply once they have successfully withdrawn from their current program and returned to their home school. However, doing so does not guarantee admission to the Center for Innovation and students’ seats in GYSA or IBMYP are not held upon withdrawal.

How will the curriculum align with high school specialty centers?

The Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School will be aligned similarly to all middle schools within the county. Students enrolled at any middle school in Henrico County have access to all prerequisite courses that may be required to apply to a high school specialty center.

What is the process after lottery selection? What are the criteria for the student selection process?

If selected, students will secure a place at the Center for Innovation, provided all necessary criteria for advancing to the next grade level is met. Upon being chosen through the lottery, students will receive an acceptance form to confirm attendance at the Center for Innovation. Additionally, there will be a registration procedure for enrolling at John Rolfe Middle School.

How do I know if my child is a good candidate for this center?

Students interested in a platform where they can unleash their creativity, engage in hands-on projects and explore exciting career paths in business and STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — should consider applying to the Center for Innovation.

Will transportation be provided?

Transportation for students not currently zoned to John Rolfe Middle School will be provided through the hub system and is arranged from a neighborhood bus stop using the student’s home address. Transportation for students currently zoned to attend John Rolfe Middle School will use their assigned bus stop location. It will be consistent with the same bus stop location for “zoned” students. New students will complete a transportation registration form provided by the specialty center or program coordinator. Detailed information can be found at https://www.henricoschools.us/page/bus-route-design/

Will the Center for Innovation be available at high school?

While the Center for Innovation is specific to the middle school level, there are a number of course offerings and programs available in both the comprehensive and specialty center settings at the high school level that allow students to continue following their passion and pursue their academic and career goals.

If a student is accepted, will John Rolfe Middle School become their home school?

Yes, John Rolfe Middle will become the student's home school.

Will students in the Center for Innovation have the opportunity to be a part of the John Rolfe Middle School community?

While courses specific to the Center of Innovation — math, reading, history and science — will be available in designated spaces throughout John Rolfe Middle School,  all other courses, general school day activities, extracurricular activities and athletics will take place within the John Rolfe Middle School community.

Is there an opportunity to increase the number of program seats in the future?

HCPS is committed to systematic evaluation of all programs to meet the needs and demands of the students.

If accepted, will students have to reapply each year?

No, students are not required to reapply each year, however students are required to remain in good standing academically and conform to the HCPS Code of Student Conduct.