Henrico County Public Schools was named on May 1 as one of America’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, marking the 27th consecutive year it has received this honor.
The recognition highlights the ongoing commitment to music education in Henrico County, which continues a streak dating back to the award’s inception in 1999. Only Henrico and Fulton County Schools in Georgia have earned this distinction every year since then. The NAMM Foundation selected over a thousand school divisions and more than a hundred individual schools nationwide for its 2026 awards based on factors such as student demographics, teacher-to-student ratios, participation rates, graduation requirements related to fine arts, knowledge of electives, teacher qualifications, assessment standards, facilities, and budget.
“This recognition reflects the students who have stepped onto a stage, the educators who champion the arts, and the families who show up in support,” said Chris Moseley, education specialist for performing arts at Henrico County Public Schools. “It affirms what we’ve long believed — that music education is not a privilege but a right.”
Recent achievements include choral teacher Jordyn Satterfield of Quioccasin Middle School being named divisionwide Teacher of the Year. Satterfield is an alumna who revitalized her school’s music program and will be honored at an upcoming banquet. Additionally, Holman and Hungary Creek middle schools collaborated on a concert at Richmond’s Dominion Energy Center featuring hundreds of students and premiering “When Winter Calls” by Sherry Blevins.
Henrico County Public Schools extends educational services throughout Henrico County adjacent to Richmond according to its official website. The district emphasizes teaching excellence with staff earning REB Awards for classroom performance per its official website and focuses on positive learning experiences through dedicated educational roles as noted online. Amy Cashwell serves as superintendent according to district information, with HCPS adopting the motto “The right to achieve. The support to succeed.” as reported by HCPS.
The NAMM Foundation is funded by activities within the music trade association sector along with donations. Its goal is to promote music education as part of core curricula across U.S. schools.
