Thriving Academics
Stronger Readers → Stronger Students → Strong Futures
Every student deserves access to rigorous, real-world learning that unlocks opportunity. We fund breakthrough initiatives like RPS200 and literacy acceleration programs, helping evaluate what works and building the case for scaling districtwide.
Why This Matters
3rd grade literacy is one of the greatest predictors of future outcomes for students and communities. To truly transform RPS, and the City of Richmond, we must ensure that all students read on grade level by the time they enter 4th grade.
Key Indicator
100% of RPS students will be reading on grade level by the end of the 3rd grade by 2030.
Thriving Academics Programs
Literacy: An Evidence-Based Path to Proficiency
RPS is advancing early literacy by grounding Pre-K–5 materials and instruction in the Science of Reading.
REF has partnered with the University of Florida’s Literacy Institute (UFLI) to develop educator pedagogy and practice across the district. By pairing evidence-based instruction with sustained teacher training, aligned assessments, and high-quality learning resources, we are strengthening foundational reading skills and working toward 100% third-grade reading proficiency by 2030.
High School Redesign: From Classroom to Career
Our High School Redesign initiative is reshaping the student experience by aligning high school themes with career clusters.
This approach connects classroom learning to real job markets while expanding access to AP, CTE, dual enrollment, and pre-apprenticeship pathways—so students graduate ready for college, credentials, or the workforce.
Multilingual Learners: Culturally Responsive Support and Enrichment
RPS is strengthening systems that support the nearly one in five students who are Multilingual Learners.
Investments in bilingual educators, culturally responsive instruction, and wraparound supports help ensure that students have access to rigorous learning while developing academic language, driving equity, belonging, and long-term success.
RPS200: More Time. Better Outcomes.
RPS200 extends the school year by adding 20 instructional days at participating schools to support deeper learning and academic enrichment while reducing summer learning loss.
Early implementation at four elementary schools has led to faster literacy growth and higher attendance than in non-RPS200 schools, demonstrating the power of time as a lever for student success.