The ABC’s of Back to School 📚

Many students in Richmond will be returning to in-person learning in the next month. Today we’re sharing our comprehensive back-to-school guide + resources to help you and your students hit the ground running this fall.

First days 💡

RPS Virtual Academy, Grades 6-12 | Aug. 26
Richmond Waldorf School | Aug. 26
St. Catherine’s School | Aug. 30-31
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School | Sept. 7
RPS PreK-12 grade in-person + PreK-5 Virtual Academy | Sept. 8

Starting with supplies ✏️

School supply lists are no joke on a budget, especially for older students. We went digging for some ways to save money + get the essentials.

The Virginia Apartment Management Agency Backpack Heroes School Supply Drive is gathering materials through Aug. 25. Richmonders can register online to get a backpack at the giveaway event at the Diamond. Want to get involved? You can donate money or supplies yourself through Aug. 18.
Tax-free weekend starts Friday, which means you won’t have to pay sales tax for things like qualifying school supplies, clothing + shoes.
College students can check out their university bookstore using their class course number and professor. VCU, VUU, and UR all have this option online. There are also rental options for new or used textbooks, laptops, and full-price computer software.
We know teachers also have classroom supplies they need each year — Pass The Apple in the Hancock Village shopping center in Chesterfield (~25 minutes from downtown Richmond) has resources for special needs students, arts and crafts, classroom essentials + products to keep you organized.

Getting in the mental game 🧠

Half the battle is all in your head, and anyone who’s gone back to work after a long vacation knows it takes a minute to shake off the dust.

Little Scholars, a Richmond-based one-on-one tutoring service, is offering “Tune Up Classes” for Kindergarten through rising 5th grade students. They continue next week, August 9-13, for rising 4th and 5th graders — you can find their pricing and the times for other elementary school students here.

👋 See you later, summer

In the midst of running around, school prep + health requirement changes in the household this month, it’s also important to slow down and breathe. Here are a few ways to enjoy the last days of true summertime with your family.

Maymont has family events almost every week in August, with features like Animal Keeper for a Day, a Family Night Hike + a program called Maymont Explorers for rising 2nd and 3rd graders to explore the estate’s wildlife and history.
Park365 is an all-abilities playground, where anyone in your family can take the day into your own hands. You can even bring a picnic + take a break from the heat at the misting stations. Park365 was just recognized this year as being one of the best parks in Virginia.
Art Factory + Party Place is hosting a Family Fun Creative Canvas event, if your family wants to get out of the heat. Find your muse while an instructor leads you step-by-step through a whole canvas painting. All art supplies will be provided + the kids get to hang up something they created themselves — and not just on the fridge.

ProTip: School start times have changed for RPS. This year elementary school students start at 7:45 a.m., middle school students at 8:15 a.m. + high schoolers at 9 a.m. Free after-school care will be available for all RPS parents/guardians until 5 p.m.

😷Health + safety precautions

Richmond Public Schools is hosting a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Fair at John Marshall High School from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. today. At this all-day event, you can ask questions and stay updated on your school’s COVID policies, as well as other health-related needs. If you can’t make it to this event, check the RPS website for more information.

Additional Information