Richmond Public Schools

Welcome Center Overview

A woman and a child sit on the floor, engaged in a conversation in a brightly colored room.

The Welcome Center supports the division’s newcomer and non-English speaking families to ensure the first RPS experience is a positive one by guiding families through the RPS enrollment process, assessing students for eligibility of LIEP/EL services and subject content matter for credit obtainment (high school students), and connecting families with school and community resources.

The Welcome Center offers an array of services to support the district's newcomer and non-English speaking families by informing, assisting, and connecting them to school and community resources. The Welcome Center is located at Southside Community Services Center 4100 Hull Street Rd., Richmond, VA 23224.

The Welcome Centers offer the following services:

SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Pre-school to 12th grade enrollment
English proficiency assessment to determine eligibility for LIEP services.
Evaluation of foreign transcripts to receive credits in high school.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Encourage all families to participate in the Family Advocacy and Literacy Series which offers free trainings, resources, and access to skills
Connect individuals with city agencies and school personnel to feel empowered in advocating for their family

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE

Assistance filling out registration forms
Registration across grades (PK-12th grade)

Welcome Center Overview

Family Resources

A colorful bulletin board displays a message of inclusivity with photos and artwork.

Preguntas Frecuentes / Frequently Asked Questions

Cualquier familia que necesite los servicios del Centro de Bienvenida o cualquier estudiante recién llegado que hable otro idioma que no sea inglés como se ha indicado en la Encuesta de Idioma en el Hogar.

Who registers at the Welcome Center?
- Any family who may need Welcome Center services and/or newcomer student who speak a language other than English as noted on their Home Language Survey.
El tiempo de inscripción en el Centro de Bienvenida puede variar de 45 minutos a 3 horas según la cantidad de alumnos que se inscriban, la edad de los estudiantes, si se requiere asistencia para completar los formularios de inscripción en línea y que evaluaciones son necesarias.

How long does a registration appointment last?
- Registration appointments at the Welcome Center can vary between 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on how many children are being registered, the age(s) of child(ren), if assistance is needed in filling out registration forms, and what assessments are needed.
Las inscripciones se realizan durante todo el año pero se recomienda hacer el registro tan pronto como se obtengan todos los documentos de inscripción. Se necesita una cita para inscribirse en el Centro de Bienvenida, especialmente durante los períodos de alta inscripción (agosto-septiembre, enero-febrero, abril-junio).

When can I register my child for school?
- Registrations are done year round, but is recommended to do registration as soon as all registration documents are obtained. An appointment is needed to register at the Welcome Center, especially during high registration periods (August-September, January-February, April-June).
El Centro de Bienvenida está preparado para inscribir al estudiante de cualquier grado y administrar, en el mismo lugar, la Evaluación de Competencia de inglés ese mismo día de la inscripción. Si inscribe directamente a su estudiante en la escuela de la zona escolar, puede que tenga que programar otra cita para la Evaluación de Competencia de Inglés. Consulte a la pestaña de "Servicios adicionales disponibles" para obtener una lista detallada de los servicios que ofrece el Centro de Bienvenida.

What’s the difference between registration at my child’s zone school and the Welcome Center?
- The Welcome Center is equipped to register across grade levels and administer the English proficiency assessment onsite on the same day as the registration. Families registering directly at their zone school may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to receive the English proficiency assessment. See “Additional Services Available” for a thorough list of services offered at the Welcome Center.