Henrico County Public Schools describes rapid esports growth; high‑school team headed to VHSL state championship

Henrico County Public Schools presented an update to the school board on the district’s esports program, saying it has expanded from a 2023 middle‑school pilot to a divisionwide middle‑school program, added high‑school teams with state grant support, and begun elementary pilots for grades 3–5.

Dr. Leslie Hughes, the division’s chief learning officer, told the board esports ‘‘creates another entry point for students to connect, contribute, and grow’’ and said the initiative is explicitly tied to the district’s Journey to 2030 strategic plan and the Henrico learner profile, which emphasize communication, collaboration, problem solving and digital literacy. Courtney Bastain, director of innovation, described esports as ‘‘organized competitive video gaming’’ in structured, supervised school settings that can lead to scholarships and career pathways in technology and media.

Bastain said the program began in 2023 with pilot clubs in three middle schools funded in part by a local innovation grant and that participation ‘‘quickly exceeded expectations,’’ enabling expansion to all 12 middle schools. The presentation said the high‑school expansion this year was supported by a Virginia Department of Education grant and that the activity is now sanctioned by the Virginia High School League (VHSL). In the program’s first high‑school year, five HCPS teams qualified for VHSL playoffs; presenters announced that, as of the prior afternoon, a Henrico high‑school team had qualified for the in‑person VHSL state championship at Old Dominion University on Saturday, May 25.

Presenters described elementary pilots at Glen Lee, Lakeside and Colonial Trail that currently include students in grades 3–5 and focus on noncompetitive, developmentally appropriate team activities, codes of conduct and supervision. When board member Mrs. Atkins asked how the elementary work balances district phone and screen‑time policies, Bastain said the pilots operate in closed environments with explicit codes of conduct and that the newly formed Esports Council — which includes students, parents, coaches and educators — will guide any future expansion.

Board members who spoke during the discussion framed esports as a way to broaden opportunities for students who may not participate in music, art or athletics. ‘‘It wasn’t about the games per se,’’ said Mrs. Shay, describing attending a middle‑school competition; she said the event created ‘‘a sense of belonging’’ for participants. Mr. Young noted colleges he toured were asking about esports participation and scholarships, saying the program can help motivate students to remain engaged with school.

The presentation included a roll call of staff and partners who helped implement the work; presenters named district leaders, innovation coaches, teachers and outside partners and thanked coaches and volunteers. No formal board action or vote was taken on the item; the board applauded the presenters and students.

Looking ahead, presenters said the Esports Council will continue to advise the program, the district will use pilot results to shape any wider elementary expansion, and HCPS students will represent the division at the VHSL state championship on May 25. The board did not set any new policies during the item.