School options in central VA (Norfolk, Richmond: fit in, best schools, zoned)

[JazzmanLI]

Hi all! My girlfriend and I currently reside in Tampa Bay, Florida and are looking to move to Virginia in the near-future. We have been to Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, & Norfolk a few times and love that area. If this move happens, we wouldn't want to be within those city/town limits and would want to be on the outskirts. Currently taking a trip this spring to check out as much as we can between Richmond and James City county. Looking for a rural community with not a whole lot of development, yet shopping & entertainment is no more than a 40-45 minute drive. We are both school teachers and plan to marry and have a family in VA. The quality of the public schools is very important to the both of us. This is something that is significantly lacking here in Florida and a reason for our move.

After researching the areas, we have come across a few areas in Henrico, New Kent, & Charles City counties. Looking for some input on the quality of the schools (both public and private) in this area of Virginia. We are aware that Northern VA may be the more popular option in the state when it comes to the quality of public education; but we both love central and southeastern VA and want to investigate our options here before looking little north.

Thank you for your input!
JazzmanLI

[cbl1]

There are a lot of areas around Richmond that fit the bill for you. Could you narrow down some things your looking for in the area or school a little more.

[Teebyrd86]

Out of three areas mentioned as far as schools go New Kent is probably the best. The best schools in Henrico are in the West End of the county. The area of Henrico your looking at is on the eastern side of the county and the schools zoned for that area are OK until you get to the high school level. I would discount Charles City Schools all together. A couple of other areas you should look in to that will fit what your looking for with good schools: Ashland/Western Hanover, Old Church/Eastern Hanover County, and Goochland county (on the other side of Short Pump town center) also for a decent school system Powhatan County or even Western Chesterfield county.

[JazzmanLI]

Thank you for the response. I definitely want to look into New Kent schools. I am a special education teacher, looking for schools that support and invest in ESE services.
How are teachers in VA "graded" on their performance? Does the state government give school "grades" which determine funding for the upcoming year?

[cbl1]

Schools are graded by their Standard of Learning Tests and those falling below standards get extra state help. Schools budgets are funded by the individual local counties in general not the state though.

[JazzmanLI]

Already sounds different than Florida. Low performing schools get state "help"? In Florida they loose funding which only makes them worst! Where can I go to learn more about how Virginia schools are run? Would like information on professional development opportunities, benefit information (do schools provide benefits to retired teachers), is there a teachers union or association, are masters degrees a requirement, etc.
Thank you so much!

[cbl1]

Benefits:

Yes there is a teachers union but not required to join as it is a right to work state
Teachers have pension program for retirement
There are required professional development classes for teachers (mostly done within school)
Masters degrees not required for most teacher positions (some do require). Small bump in pay for having masters.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/