- Cardinal Elementary — 0.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 821 students
- Swansboro Elementary — 0.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 172 students
- Richmond High School for the Arts — 1.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,116 students
- Patrick Henry School Of Science And Arts — 1.3 mi · Grades K–5 · 310 students
- Oak Grove/Bellemeade Elementary — 1.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 551 students
- Broad Rock Elementary — 1.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 612 students
- Thomas C. Boushall Middle — 1.7 mi · Grades 6–8 · 621 students
- Blackwell Elementary — 1.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 420 students
| Metric | Richmond City Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 21,130 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 53 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $23,712/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 35% above avg |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond City Public Schools (this district) | 1/10 | 3rd | 21,130 |
| Chesterfield County Public Schools | 5/10 | 45th | 63,916 |
| Henrico County Public Schools | 4/10 | 34th | 50,389 |
| Hanover County Public Schools | 10/10 | 91st | 17,066 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 132 rated districts in VA → 3rd percentile → 1/10.
Source: Virginia Dept. of Education SOL, division English Reading & Mathematics pass rates, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Richmond City Public Schools
Richmond City Public Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 23224 in Richmond, Virginia. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 23224. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Richmond City Public Schools 1 out of 10 — low-rated among Virginia public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Virginia’s SOL (Standards of Learning) English Reading & Mathematics assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Virginia is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Richmond City Public Schools holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Virginia on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 23224
Children in zip code 23224 are assigned to Richmond City Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 23224, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Richmond City Public Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Virginia districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Richmond
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Richmond City Public Schools serves zip code 23224, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 23224. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Virginia, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Richmond City Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 23224.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Richmond City Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 23224 data.