HCPS ranks second in commonwealth with 34 schools recognized in program’s history
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has recognized 10 more Henrico County schools for environmental education as part of the commonwealth’s “Virginia Naturally” recognition program. Henrico County Public Schools has now had 34 schools honored, many on a continuing basis, since the program was created in 2000. HCPS’ total is the second highest among Virginia school divisions.
Recognition by the Virginia Naturally program highlights a school’s ongoing efforts to incorporate environmental literacy in its curriculum and increase environmental awareness and stewardship among students. The efforts also support the school division’s Henrico Learner Profile, and the Virginia Department of Education’s “Profile of a Virginia Graduate,” which emphasizes communication, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and civic responsibility. For more about the Henrico Learner Profile, visit henricoschools.us/page/learner-profiles. Read more about the Profile of a Virginia Graduate at doe.virginia.gov/?navid=1095.
“Henrico’s schools are leading the way in hands-on, meaningful environmental learning,” said Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. “This recognition is a reflection of the creativity and passion of our educators and the enthusiasm of our students for becoming responsible stewards of Virginia’s natural resources.”
Schools are evaluated on two criteria:
Authentic, hands-on learning: Implementation of real-world learning experiences in the classroom that emphasize environmental and sustainable education, including civic engagement and STEM connections.
Experiential learning beyond the classroom: Opportunities for meaningful field experiences that connect back to classroom learning.
HCPS schools recognized for the first time in 2025:
George Baker Elementary School
Chamberlayne Elementary School
Jackson Davis Elementary School
Henrico Virtual Academy
Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School
R.C. Longan Elementary School
Raymond Pinchbeck Elementary School
Shady Grove Elementary School
Skipwith Elementary School
Tuckahoe Elementary School
HCPS is a regional leader in environmental education and sustainability initiatives. The division broke ground Sept. 29 on its Living Building environmental education center at historic Wilton Farm in eastern Henrico County. The 15,000 square-foot building on the James River will be among the world’s most sustainable K-12 public education construction projects.
Among other initiatives, rooftop solar systems are being installed on most new HCPS buildings, and the HCPS Transportation Department recently added propane-powered buses to its fleet.