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Each fall, Chesterfield County Public Schools eighth graders explore their options for high school and decide whether or not to apply to a specialty center, governor’s school or regional technology school. This video gives an overview of how those schools provide unique opportunities to explore special interests. Also, two virtual fairs offer online tours of specialty centers and regional high schools.

Complete information about the application process is provided at bit.ly/CCPSoptions. That includes the online application form, links to specialty center websites and everything eighth graders need to know about the process. Here are important dates to keep in mind:

  • Online application opened Oct. 1 and closes Dec. 6 for specialty centers and governor’s schools.

  • Online application opens Jan. 6 and closes Feb. 14 for CodeRVA.

Open houses offer on-site visits for eighth grade families. Here are upcoming dates:

  • 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 open house for Center for Innovative Technology at Matoaca High (17700 Longhouse Lane)

  • 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 open house for Center for Leadership and International Relations at James River High (3700 James River Road)

  • 1 p.m. Oct. 26 open house for Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government  and International Studies (1000 N. Lombardy St. in Richmond)

  • 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 open house for Mathematics and Science High School at Clover Hill High (13301 Kelly Green Drive)

  • 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 open house for Governor’s Health Science Academy at Cosby High (14300 Fox Club Parkway)

  • 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 open house for Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High (3626 W. Hundred Road)

  • 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 open house for Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies at Bird High (10301 Courthouse Road)

  • 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 open house for Center for Mass Communications at Manchester High (12601 Bailey Bridge Road)

  • 6 p.m. Dec. 10 open house

    for CodeRVA Regional High School (2601 Durham St. in Richmond)