Your Ultimate Back-to-School Guide
The first day back for Richmond Public School is August 21! While we (sadly) said farewell to Virginia’s sales tax holiday this year, the end of summer is closing in and there’s still back-to-school prep to do.
Here’s our list of ways to get you and your kids ready for the 2023-2024 school year.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer
Tutor Centers & Platforms
Kumon Math & Reading Center of Richmond
Kumon’s focus lies in helping children excel in math and reading, and they start with an in-depth analysis of where your child stands in their educational journey. Upon admission into their tutoring program, you can expect your child to take a free assessment test to understand their specific needs. Then, their instructor will prepare an individualized lesson plan tailored to areas of improvement.
Location: Varies; click the link below to learn more
Hours: Found here
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a matchmaking platform that hosts a database of available tutors within the area. The great thing about this option is that you can hand-select your child’s tutor and get a peek inside their educational background — including their SAT scores. Tutors set up profiles where you can check out their credentials and personal approach to tutoring students.
Location: Varies; click the link below to learn more
Hours: Set by individual tutors
After-School Programs
JCC Weinstein
JCC offers after-school programming for kids K through 5th grade. They provide a stimulating and exciting environment for kids to learn and play with activities like gardening, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and more.
Location: 5403 Monument Ave (Willow Lawn)
Hours: Found here
Rise Richmond
Rise Richmond serves as a community-based after-school program, offering a wide range of engaging activities for children. They welcome students from K through 8th grade, operating on Mondays through Thursdays. To make it easy on families, the program provides convenient transportation from schools to the program location and back home, along with offering on-site meals for participants.
Rise Richmond is a low-cost option for families needing reliable and fun after-school care.
Location: Varies; click the link below to learn more
Hours: Found here
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring is an interactive and engaging after-school program for students. They offer transportation from schools to their facility, where kids can play and learn in a nurturing environment.
Location: 11001 Three Chopt Rd (West End)
Hours: Found here
Peter Paul
Peter Paul’s after-school academy serves Richmond’s East End communities. They provide extensive to-dos for kids, including reading and math assistance, enriching experiences, transportation, snacks, and meals. Peter Paul is a no-cost after-school program for kids in 2nd through 9th grade.
Location: 1708 N 22nd St (East End)
Hours: Found here
Triangle Rock Club: First Ascents
If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, Triangle Rock Club offers an after-school adventure called First Ascents. Kids attend once per week and get to boulder and climb around while building confidence and problem-solving skills.
Location: 4700 Thalbro St (Libbie Mill)
Hours: Found here
School Supplies
Paper Source
Paper Source is your go-to stop for artistic and high-quality stationary like pens, notebooks, agendas, and more. Their journals are unique — you won’t find their designs anywhere else.
Location: 3124 W Cary St (Carytown)
bFound here
Back-to-School ‘Fits
Rumors Boutique
For teens who love following trends, vintage threads, and funky patterns, Rumors is the perfect spot to find a first-day ‘fit that turns heads. Here, you’ll get vintage T-shirts, flares, cropped hoodies, fun handbags, shoes, and more.
Location: 723 W Broad St (VCU)
Hours: Found here
Ashby
Looking for trendy, age-appropriate, gently-used clothes that won’t break the bank? Ashby is where it’s at. Offering clothes on consignment, Ashby is located in the heart of Carytown. Here, you’ll find tees, tanks, jeans, dresses, belts, bags, accessories, and more. They even have a buy-by-the-pound bathtub for extra savings!
Location: 3010 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Milby’s Just Kids
Milby’s offers high-quality clothing for kids, elementary school-aged and younger (making their clothes a great investment for families who often do hand-me-downs). Their patterns are fun and colorful, sparking imagination within wardrobe choices.
Location: 3022 Stony Point Rd (Stony Point)
Hours: Found here
Fresh Haircuts & Hairdos
Pigtails & Crewcuts
Pigtails & Crewcuts offers haircuts for the whole family, but it’s especially great for kids. They’re neurodivergent-friendly, with a staff trained in assisting kids who don’t always like to sit still. Kids can watch a movie when getting their hair cut while sitting in fun chairs.
Location: 1601 Willow Lawn Dr #835 (Willow Lawn)
Hours: Found here
Tiny Textures Salon
Tiny Textures Salon specializes in kids’ haircuts with an emphasis on textured hair. Their mission is simple: to give kids' hair the care it needs while boosting their confidence and self-esteem. They even have a mobile salon service for busy families — they’ll come to you!
Location: 253 Stonebridge Plaza Ave (Midlothian)
Hours: Found here
Gifts for Your Child’s Teacher
Mongrel
Teachers deserve appreciation, and small trinkets and novelties are a great way to show it. Mongrel is the perfect shop to quickly pop in and grab something perfect. Or stay a while — there’s much to see! Here, you’ll find many different items, as their product selection rotates frequently.
Location: 2924 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
World of Mirth
World of Mirth is one of those stores you can stay in for hours. They have lots of cool gadgets and toys perfect for gifting a classroom. Their staff is always friendly and willing to lend a hand if you need help picking something out.
Location: 3005 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Need more?
