Application Information
Admission
Admission
Who should apply to the Center for Education and Human Development? Students who are:
- Interested in education, psychology and the social sciences.
- Motivated to experience a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking.
- Are self-motivated learners, eager to challenge themselves while working with their peers in a variety of different educational contexts.
Students are eligible to apply in their eighth grade year. Students complete an application that includes a video response, an essay question, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores and middle school transcripts. Applications are reviewed by a panel of administrators, teachers and counselors. Selection is limited to 75 highly qualified applicants each year. On average, 300 students apply.
Prospective students and parents are invited to attend a an open house to hear from current students and faculty members at the Center for Education and Human Development. The open house is designed and implemented by current juniors in the program. Attendees will hear from speakers and there will be an opportunity to ask questions, followed by a tour to several content-specific rooms to hear more about the curriculum.
Unable to attend our open house? View a previous open house.
Important Dates
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September 28, 2026 – Application will be available online
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November 13, 2026 - Applications are due by midnight (online) or 4:00 pm (paper). (check with middle school counselors for local timelines).
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December 1-3, 2026 - Private School testing dates
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February 12, 2027 Students provided online access to check application status/acceptance at 4:30 p.m.; all students will also receive an email re: their application status
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February 19, 2027– Deadline for applicants to declare intent or accept waitlist offers online. Students may accept one center and one waitlist.
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March 26, 2027– All students being offered a spot from the waitlist must inform specialty center chairs of their intent to accept an offer of admission.
Application Elements
Middle Schools will provide a transcript of coursework and grades earned throughout middle school. Evaluation of the transcript will include the year-end grade for 7th grade and the first quarter grade for 8th grade in the core classes.
Applicants will create a 2-3 minute video that introduces themselves, explains their interest in the Center curriculum, and highlights the student’s interest in a current issue or event.
Applicants will submit a writing sample as a part of their application. Writing samples are adjudicated on a four-part rubric that considers content, organization, writing conventions, and style.
All applicants will take a county-created test. HCPS students will take the test during school hours; your counselor will arrange the test. Henrico resident applicants who do not currently attend HCPS schools will need to register to take the test; refer to page 3 of the application download for details.
Students will have an opportunity to highlight their activities and interests in and outside of the school. The committee puts particular emphasis on longevity, commitment, and leadership roles. Examples might include sports, clubs, scouting, community service, music, dance, theater, etc. In addition to the list provided on the application form, students are asked to submit a 100-word writing sample that expands on one of the activities.
Students should secure the recommendation of two teachers who can assess their classroom performance. Students may also submit outside references (not a family member) to help the committee get a fuller picture of the student, however these references will not be used in the initial calculation of a student’s application.
All applications are rated based on the above criteria. Each applicant receives points based on the following scale:
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Transcript – 30
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Video introduction – 30
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Standardized Test and writing sample – 20
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References — 10
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Activities – 10
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TOTAL — 100 possible points
Students can learn their application status via the online portal beginning February 19, 2027. Families will also receive an email on that date.
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Middle Schools will provide a transcript of coursework and grades earned throughout middle school. Evaluation of the transcript will include the year-end grade for 7th grade and the first quarter grade for 8th grade in the core classes.
-
Applicants will create a 2-3 minute video that introduces themselves, explains their interest in the Center curriculum, and highlights the student’s interest in a current issue or event.
-
Applicants will submit a writing sample as a part of their application. Writing samples are adjudicated on a four-part rubric that considers content, organization, writing conventions, and style.
-
All applicants will take a county-created test. HCPS students will take the test during school hours; your counselor will arrange the test. Henrico resident applicants who do not currently attend HCPS schools will need to register to take the test; refer to page 3 of the application download for details.
-
Students will have an opportunity to highlight their activities and interests in and outside of the school. The committee puts particular emphasis on longevity, commitment, and leadership roles. Examples might include sports, clubs, scouting, community service, music, dance, theater, etc. In addition to the list provided on the application form, students are asked to submit a 100-word writing sample that expands on one of the activities.
-
Students should secure the recommendation of two teachers who can assess their classroom performance. Students may also submit outside references (not a family member) to help the committee get a fuller picture of the student, however these references will not be used in the initial calculation of a student’s application.
-
All applications are rated based on the above criteria. Each applicant receives points based on the following scale:
-
Transcript – 30
-
Video introduction – 30
-
Standardized Test and writing sample – 20
-
References — 10
-
Activities – 10
-
TOTAL — 100 possible points
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Students can learn their application status via the online portal beginning February 19, 2027. Families will also receive an email on that date.
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Students who wish to appeal their admission status should contact Mr. John Marshall, the principal of Douglas Freeman HS. He will review the file and the committee’s adjudication of it. The next level of review is at the county level, and parents/students should contact Dr. Stephanie Lambrecht, Director of Specialty Centers.