PETERSBURG, VA (February 12, 2026)—During the Ward 3 meeting on February 9, 2026, the City of Petersburg recognized three Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) for their designation as fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), as part of the state’s newly developed School Performance and Support Framework and Accreditation System. 

Mayor Samuel Parham presented the principals of Cool Spring Elementary School, Walnut Hill Elementary School, and Petersburg High School with proclamations from the City of Petersburg for this designation by the state.

“This designation by the Virginia Department of Education and the recognition by the City of Petersburg reflect the intentional work, high expectations, and unwavering commitment we have to moving our school division forward. Accreditation is not accidental; it is the result of dedicated educators, supportive families, determined students, and a community that believes in its schools. On behalf of the entire School Board, I extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Petersburg for this recognition and proudly congratulate our three fully accredited schools on this significant achievement,” said Board Chair Kenneth Pritchett.  

As outlined by the VDOE, the school accreditation system is an important measure of school quality based on standards set by the state. Schools are assigned accreditation designations based on the standards of accreditation. Schools that receive a “fully accredited" designation have submitted all required evidence to the VDOE, as outlined in the standards of accreditation, and all evidence has been deemed satisfactory and approved for compliance by the state. Schools may be designated as “fully accredited,” “conditionally accredited,” “accreditation denied,” “new school,” and accreditation withheld.” 

In December 2025, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released the School Performance and Support Framework Report for all Virginia school divisions and new the school accreditation distinctions in alignment with the new standards of accreditation. 

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Petersburg City Public Schools serves approximately 4,500 students from preschool to adult across nine schools in Petersburg, VA. PCPS is home to 672 staff members who serve the school division community. The mission of PCPS is to develop and empower students through innovation and collaboration so they demonstrate virtue, good character and make meaningful contributions to society. The vision of PCPS is to transform and expand opportunities for learning so that every student graduates with a life filled with choices.