Virginia law requires institutions having children in residence or custody to provide education and training commensurate with that provided to pupils in public schools. These educational services may be provided on-site cooperatively with the Virginia Department of Education or pursuant to a contract with a public school division or other public or private nonsectarian school, agency, or facility. The Board of Education prescribes standards for the education of students by these facilities; the facilities in turn must submit annually their proposed educational programs for approval by the board.
The mission of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies is to provide broad-based educational opportunities that develop gifted students' understanding of world cultures and languages, as well as the ability to lead, participate, and contribute in a rapidly changing global society. Such a program in government and international studies requires the collaboration and involvement of education, business, government, organizations, and representatives of the local, national, and international communities.
The district serves over 23,000 students, representing the region’sdiverse socioeconomic mix. RPS is comprised of 28 elementary schools,including one charter school, eight middle schools, five comprehensive high schools and three specialty schools. U. S. News and World Report ranked Richmond Community and Open High schools among the state’s top 20 public high schools. And, Franklin Military Academy stands as the nation’s first public military school. The district also operates two regional Governor’s School programs. Gifted and talented students are served by SPACE (Special Program for Academic and Creative Excellence) at the elementary and middle school levels, andby advanced placement and dual enrollment courses at the high school level. Academically advanced students may also earn the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at Thomas Jefferson High School or apply to attend the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Governmental and International Studies and the Appomattox Governor’sSchool for the Arts and Technology. The mission of Richmond Public Schools, the gateway to infinite possibilities, is to lead our students to extraordinary, honorable lives as inspirational global leaders who shape the future with intellect, integrity, and compassion through challenging, engaging learning experiences guided by highly qualified, passionate educators in partnership with families and communities.