Four RPS200 Schools Among RPS’s Top Five Early Literacy Gainers

Four elementary schools supported through RPS200, a Richmond Ed Fund investment, were among Richmond Public Schools’ five largest gainers in K–2 early literacy this year. 

In a July 6 update to the Richmond City School Board, RPS reported year-over-year gains on the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System, or VALLSS, at:

• Fairfield Court Elementary: +30.4%

• Cardinal Elementary: +27%

• Woodville Elementary: +19.3%

• Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary: +17.2%

Those four schools ranked first, second, fourth, and fifth among the division’s largest K–2 early literacy gainers. 

RPS200 extends the elementary school year by 20 instructional days, giving participating schools additional time for literacy instruction, relationship-building, and learning experiences beyond the traditional calendar. Fairfield Court and Cardinal are entering their fourth year in the initiative, while Woodville and Oak Grove-Bellemeade are entering their second. 

The latest results are encouraging, particularly as RPS continues to study what the additional time makes possible for students and schools. The July update also outlined further evaluation ahead, including surveys and focus groups with families and staff, analysis of final SOL data, and consideration of future philanthropic support. 

For Richmond Ed Fund, RPS200 reflects a larger approach to investment: testing promising ideas alongside RPS, looking closely at the evidence, and learning what may be worth sustaining or expanding.