Henrico expands esports program from middle‑school pilots to VHSL‑sanctioned high school teams; Henrico High to compete at ODU

Henrico County Public Schools staff and student representatives described the district’s esports program on April 16, highlighting rapid expansion and academic and social benefits.

Leslie Hughes, chief learning officer for Henrico County Public Schools, said esports began as a 2023 pilot at three middle schools with support from an education‑foundation innovation grant and has grown to all 12 middle schools and a nascent high‑school program supported this year by a Virginia Department of Education grant. Staff said esports has been positioned as part of the district’s life‑ready innovation pathway and aligns with district goals for communication, collaboration, problem solving and digital literacy.

Courtney Bastain, director of innovation, described the program’s structure and noted that esports is now sanctioned by the Virginia High School League; in the first VHSL year five Henrico teams qualified for VHSL playoffs. The division announced that Henrico High School qualified for an in‑person VHSL state championship at Old Dominion University on Saturday, May 25.

Presenters said the program emphasizes teamwork, structured digital responsibility and belonging; elementary pilots (grades 3–5) are operating in developmentally appropriate, closed settings at several schools. The division formed a Council of Esports — including students, parents, coaches and educators — to guide responsible growth and address opportunities and concerns.

Student participants who spoke in the presentation described benefits including improved communication, new friendships and increased confidence. Board members responded positively and asked about elementary‑level supervision, screen‑time balance and how the program supports students who might not otherwise participate in extracurricular activities.