In addition to the broad spectrum of programs in each comprehensive high school, Chesterfield County Public Schools offers high school students the opportunity to focus on special interests. Specialty centers provide unique opportunities for students to explore a four-year curriculum related to special interests within a fully comprehensive high school setting. Specialty center students are encouraged to take advantage of unique learning opportunities and to develop their academic, social and emotional growth.

During eighth grade, students who are residents of Chesterfield County decide if they would like to apply to one or more of the specialty centers, governor’s schools or to the regional high school for technology and coding. Students complete applications in the fall of their eighth grade year, and offers of admission are made the following spring. Accepted students begin at the specialty center in the fall of their ninth grade year. Applicants are only accepted as rising freshmen because the course of study for specialty centers, governor’s schools and CodeRVA regional high school is a specified, four-year curriculum.

Students who reside in Chesterfield County may apply to participate in two regional governor’s school opportunities. Learn more about the application process for these schools here. Students may also apply to CodeRVA, a regional magnet school for computer science.