School quality drives more family relocation decisions than almost any other single factor. If you’re planning a move to Chesterfield County, Virginia, you’re already researching one of the Richmond metro’s strongest educational landscapes. The county serves over 63,000 students across 73 public schools, and its private school sector adds another layer of meaningful options. This guide breaks down the schools worth knowing – organized by level, public and private – so you can make a confident, informed decision about where your family puts down roots.
Understanding Chesterfield County Public Schools
Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) is one of the largest school districts in Virginia, and it earns its reputation through consistent academic performance, a broad range of specialty programs, and a genuine commitment to student outcomes that exceeds what district size alone would predict.
The district operates 11 high schools, 12 middle schools, and over 40 elementary schools. Its GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) programs, specialty academies, and career and technical education pathways give families access to a depth of academic options that smaller Virginia districts simply cannot match. For families moving from out of state, the breadth of CCPS programming often comes as a welcome surprise. If you’re also weighing nearby options, our comparison of moving to Midlothian vs. Henrico and which suburb fits your lifestyle covers the key differences in school quality, cost of living, and community feel across both areas.
Top Public High Schools in Chesterfield County
Midlothian High School ranks 34th among all Virginia high schools according to U.S. News & World Report and consistently earns top marks for AP participation, graduation rates, and college readiness. It sits in the heart of the Midlothian community and draws families who prioritize academic rigor alongside strong athletics and arts programs.
Cosby High School ranks 46th in Virginia and holds a 4-5 star rating from SchoolDigger. With an AP participation rate of 47%, Cosby draws families from the Chesterfield County southwest corridor and has built a strong reputation for both academic and extracurricular achievement.
Clover Hill High School ranks 79th in Virginia and rounds out the county’s top tier. Families in the Midlothian and Hull Street corridors feed into Clover Hill and consistently report strong teacher quality and a positive school culture.
James River High School serves the western county and ranks 173rd in Virginia – still a competitive option for families who land in communities like Brandermill, Woodlake, and the Chester area west of I-95.
Thomas Dale High School, which serves Chester-area families directly, offers AP coursework and a broad set of extracurricular options. It serves one of the county’s most diverse student populations and benefits from CCPS’s countywide academic infrastructure.
Top Public Middle and Elementary Schools
At the middle school level, Tomahawk Creek Middle School and Midlothian Middle School consistently rank in the top 25% of Virginia middle schools and feed directly into the high-performing southwest corridor high schools.
Among elementary schools, the consistently top-ranked options include:
Bettie Weaver Elementary School – One of the county’s highest-performing elementaries, located in the Midlothian area and known for strong test scores and dedicated staff.
J.B. Watkins Elementary School – Ranked among the top elementary schools in Virginia, consistently delivering strong academic outcomes.
Woolridge Elementary School – A standout performer in the county’s southwest quadrant, drawing high marks from parents for both academics and school culture.
Grange Hall Elementary and W.W. Gordon Elementary also rank among the county’s top performers and serve communities in the growing southwestern portions of the county.
For families moving into the Chester area specifically, Elizabeth Scott Elementary School and Chester Middle School form a strong K-8 pipeline before students enter Thomas Dale High School.
Top Private Schools in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County’s private school landscape includes a mix of secular, specialty, and independent institutions that serve families looking for alternatives to the public school system. The average private school tuition in the county runs around $24,000 annually – higher than the Virginia state average of roughly $17,400 – reflecting the quality and resources these schools offer.
Millwood School (Midlothian) earns the #1 private school ranking in Chesterfield County from Niche, with an A+ overall grade, a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, and consistently glowing reviews from parents. It operates as a non-denominational PK-12 institution and draws families who want small class sizes, individualized attention, and a rigorous academic environment without a religious framework.
Collegiate School is one of the most academically prestigious independent schools in the greater Richmond area and consistently ranks among Virginia’s top private institutions. It offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum from PK-12, with strong AP enrollment, a nationally competitive athletics program, and extensive arts and extracurricular offerings. Families relocating to the Chesterfield and Midlothian area frequently consider Collegiate for its academic depth and well-rounded student development philosophy.
Riverside School (Midlothian) is widely regarded as Virginia’s most trusted school for children with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, serving students in grades K-8. It offers a research-based, structured literacy curriculum that produces consistently strong outcomes for students who benefit from specialized, individualized instruction. For families with children who learn differently, Riverside represents one of the most valuable private school options in the entire Richmond metro.
St. Catherine’s School, though located in Richmond proper, draws heavily from Chesterfield County families and ranks consistently among Virginia’s top all-girls independent schools. It offers a rigorous PK-12 college-preparatory program, strong AP and honors course offerings, and an exceptionally active extracurricular and leadership development track.
Steward School is another well-regarded independent option serving the broader Richmond and Chesterfield market. It operates as a PK-12 co-educational school with a strong focus on academic excellence, character development, and experiential learning. Steward consistently earns strong reviews from parents for its engaged faculty, small class sizes, and a supportive community culture that balances high expectations with genuine student wellbeing.
How to Use CCPS School Zoning Tools
Your school assignment in Chesterfield County depends entirely on your home address. CCPS operates a School Locator Tool on its website that lets you enter any address and immediately identify the elementary, middle, and high school that serves that zone. Before you finalize any home purchase or lease in the county, run your address through the locator to confirm your school assignments. Neighborhood-level zoning can vary significantly even within close proximity. Families who are also deciding between Chesterfield and neighboring communities may want to read our in-depth look at Glen Allen vs. Chesterfield vs. Mechanicsville as a Richmond suburb before making a final decision.
Planning Your Move to Chesterfield County
Once your school research points you toward the right community, the next step is finding a moving company you can trust to get your family there without stress. Cavalier Moving is a trusted residential moving company serving Chesterfield County and the greater Richmond area, with experience handling relocations across the county’s full range of communities – from Midlothian and Chester to Moseley and Matoaca.
Our movers are licensed, insured, and trained to handle every aspect of your family’s move with care. Whether you need full-service residential moving, furniture assembly, item loading and unloading, or long-distance moving from another state, we build our service around your timeline and your needs. If you’re relocating with children and want practical guidance on making the transition as smooth as possible, our guide on moving with kids and helpful transition tips is a great place to start. Call us at 804-404-8048 or visit cavaliermoving.com for a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best public high schools in Chesterfield County, VA?
Midlothian High School and Cosby High School are the county’s top-ranked public high schools, placing 34th and 46th respectively in Virginia according to U.S. News & World Report. Both offer strong AP programs, high graduation rates, and competitive extracurricular offerings. Clover Hill High School follows closely as the county’s third-ranked high school. Your specific high school assignment depends on your home address within the county – use the CCPS School Locator Tool to confirm your zone.
What are the best private schools in Chesterfield County, VA?
Millwood School in Midlothian earns the county’s top private school ranking from Niche with an A+ grade and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Collegiate School and Steward School rank among the area’s strongest independent college-preparatory options, while Riverside School is the region’s most respected choice for children with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. The county’s top private schools offer rigorous academics, small class sizes, and strong college placement outcomes. Average tuition across Chesterfield County private schools runs around $24,000 annually.
How do I find a reliable moving company when relocating to Chesterfield County?
Look for a licensed and insured moving company with direct experience in Chesterfield County communities. Cavalier Moving serves families throughout Chesterfield County – including Chester, Midlothian, Matoaca, and surrounding areas – and offers residential moving, local moving, long-distance moving, and furniture assembly services. We’re available seven days a week and provide free estimates. Call 804-404-8048 or visit cavaliermoving.com to get started.