Welcome to Henrico County Public Schools and the Ward Elementary Colts Family! We are proud to serve the many military families who work and live in our community, and we are committed to providing support, resources and enriching programs to empower all military-connected students with the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, and experiences to be life-ready. 

From parental deployments to the academic and social challenges that come with changing schools, HCPS strives to ensure families have the best resources possible to assist students in reaching their full potential. This page is designed to provide information to military families that are relocating to the Ward Elementary School zone in HCPS and have questions about registration, school locations, academic programs, graduation requirements, calendars, and more. Below you will find some important links and contacts to help in your transition, and we are here to support you every step along the way!

Planning Your Arrival to Ward Elementary School/Henrico County Public Schools:

START HERE! Registering/Enrolling Your Student in Henrico County Public Schools

Quick links:

• HCPS Academic Calendar

• HCPS School Locator

• Instructions for Kindergarten Registration

• Instructions for Enrolling Students in Grades 1-12

• Registration/Enrollment Documents

Please note: Code of Virginia § 22.1-270 requires that a student is immunized and receives a comprehensive physical examination before entering for the first time any public kindergarten or elementary school in a school division. The Code of Virginia § 22.1-360 and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children allow for active duty military dependent children to be enrolled without documentation of immunizations; however, documentation must be provided within 30 days of enrollment. The Compact does not waive the physical examination requirement for these children.

Preparing Your Move From Ward Elementary School/Henrico County Public Schools:

Parents/guardians are encouraged to notify the school at least one week in advance to begin the withdrawal process by contacting the school’s registrar, Vanna Atkinson, in person, via email (vlatkins@henrico.k12.va.us) or by phone (804) 795-7030.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to obtain a hard-copy record to assist with registering in the next location.

Academic Planning for Military Families: 

HCPS offers a variety of academic programs and services at all grade levels, including elementary, such as Gifted Programs, Special Education and more. Visit the Elementary School Education page on henricoschools.us for more information about the division’s elementary school programs. For comprehensive information about HCPS secondary (middle and high school) programs, the HCPS Planning Guide is a great place to start!

Homeschooling policy:

The General Assembly of Virginia does permit parents/guardians to provide home instruction to their children as an acceptable alternative to compulsory school attendance. Parents/guardians must submit to HCPS a notice of intent to provide home instruction. The intent form and more information about home instruction is available on the Henrico Schools Home School.

Special Needs Navigation for Military Families:

HCPS’ Department of Exceptional Education is prepared to assist military connected families and students through the special education process in HCPS. 

HCPS’ Family & Educator Resource Center provides parents/guardians/caregivers of students with disabilities information, support, resources and training opportunities. 

Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program Managers (EFMPs) are equipped to provide information, resources, skills and support to help military families with special needs navigate their systems of care. 

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Families:

The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Virginia Council) was formed to assist in easing the transitions of military students and families as a result of frequent moves and deployments. Virginia is a proud member of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Other Matters of Importance:

School Board of Henrico County Public Schools Resolution in Support of Military Students and Families  

HCPS School Board Policy P6-06-003: Residents- “In the interest of providing educational continuity to the children of military personnel, no child of a person on active military duty…”

Tutor.com for Military – Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, this program provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to active duty service members and their eligible dependents. 

Fort Gregg-Adams School Support Services Page

Virginia Department of Education Military Resource Page

Resources available through Military Child Education Coalition 

Military OneSource Resources – Changing Schools: The Essentials  

Colt Contacts

• Ward Elementary School Office: 804-795-7030 

• Ward Military Family Liaison: Lexy Echard, leechard@henrico.k12.va.us

• Fort Gregg-Adams Area Military School Liaison Officer: (804) 479-0294

• Ward Elem. Counselor/ Student Transition Team Coordinator: Lexy Echard, leechard@henrico.k12.va.us

• Special Education Coordinator: Ci’Ara Boyd, cdboyd@henrico.k12.va.us 

• Chief of Family & Community Engagement (FACE): Adrienne Cole Johnson, accole1@henrico.k12.va.us