Applications for current eighth graders will be available at the beginning of October. Students currently enrolled in an HCPS school will complete their application online. Eighth grade students who currently live in Henrico County but do not attend an HCPS school may also apply.  To do so, please download a hard copy of the application and return it directly to the specialty center(s) to which you are applying.

The admissions process to HCPS specialty centers begins in late September of a student’s eighth grade year. There will be two evening meetings where all specialty centers will be available to answer questions. In addition, each specialty center will host an  open house; ours will be on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7 p.m. For more information and a timeline,  please go to our Prospective Students page.

At the Center for Leadership, Government and Global Economics, the admissions process is designed to identify students with an interest in political and social sciences.  The application committee seeks to include a diverse entering class with students from across the school division, while insuring that students who enter the program have a strong potential to succeed.

Students must be Henrico County residents in order to apply.  We do not accept applications after the class is selected for the 9th grade year.

The selection process is competitive, with roughly 350 applications for the 75 available positions in each entering class.  Successful applicants have excellent grades, produce thoughtful and articulate written work, provide an engaging video introduction, score well on standardized testing, and have been active in their school and/or community.

If offered during the middle school years, it is recommended (but not required) that entering 9th graders have completed a high school credit course in World History I.  Generally our successful applicants have also completed Earth Science, Algebra I (or higher), one year of a world language, and were enrolled in honors level English.

• The Specialty Center Application for Henrico County Public Schools will be available 9/30/24.

• Current HCPS students will complete the application online. Once you get the application, take your time and present yourself in the best light possible. The committee reads everything you write, and your responses are very important.

• Resident, non-HCPS students will download a hard copy of the application and deliver directly to the specialty center(s) to which they are applying.

• All applicants will take a standardized test. HCPS students will take the test at their middle school. Resident non-HCPS students will register for a test.  Details are here..

• All applicants will submit a video introduction of themselves. HCPS students will submit via a Schoology Dropbox; non-HCPS students may submit via a link on YouTube or Vimeo, or may include a flash drive with their application. Please save the file as an .mp4 or .mov file. PLEASE make sure you have adjusted viewing privileges so that the committee can see your submission. If you have problems, contact Mr. Peck at rfpeck@henrico.k12.va.us. 

• The entire application will be submitted in November. Some middle school counseling departments will help students compile applications; check with your school counselor about their policy and deadlines for submission.

• Contact Mr. Peck at 804-673-3700 or rfpeck@henrico.k12.va.us if you have questions.

• September 30, 2024 – Application will be available online

• November 15, 2024 - Applications are due by midnight (online) or 4:00 pm (paper). (check with middle school counselors for local timelines).

• December 3-5, 2024  - Private School testing dates

• February 14, 2025– Students provided online access to check application status/acceptance; all students will also receive an email re: their application status 

• February 21, 2025 – Deadline for applicants to declare intent or accept waitlist offers online. Students may accept one center and one waitlist.

•  March 28, 2025 – All students being offered a spot from the waitlist must inform specialty center chairs of their intent to accept an offer of admission.