ACE Center Application Process

Read the directions and timeline below then select the link for your grade level to complete your online ACE Application. If at any time you need assistance, please contact the ACE Center you are applying to for help. (Contact numbers are listed at the bottom of the page.)

Click here to see what classes are offered at our ACE Centers then return here to complete your application!

Student Application Directions:

1. Students will select the appropriate application based on their grade level:

   Class of 2024 and 2025: Click here: bit.ly/ACEapp23-24
   (Current 10th & 11th graders)

   Class of 2027: Click here: https://forms.gle/1Le8RTWdgYyTxBZH8
   (Current  8th graders)

   Alternative Applications by Language: Spanish: Click here

   Arabic: Click here

   *NOTE: Students accepted in 8th grade do NOT need to reapply, check Schoology for directions on how to select your final program.

2. Once you are ready to begin, click on the application link above that matches your grade level. Be sure that you are logged into your HCPS Google account. NOTE: If you were accepted as an 8th grade student to the ACE Center there is no need to reapply. Check your ACE Center Schoology Group for directions about next steps or contact Mrs. Bishop – djbishop@henrico.k12.va.us
3. Complete your personal contact information and school information. Take your time and double-check your email address and contact phone numbers for accuracy. Your notification letter will be sent to the email address you entered. Students should use their HCPS email for contact.
4. Select the program you want to apply for on the next page. NOTE: Students will be notified of which Center they will attend with their notification letter sent on January 27th, if selected to join the ACE Center.
5. In the last section of this application, you will answer a series of questions that are intended to communicate your interests and goals. These responses will be used to score the application to determine a student’s fit with the ACE Center. Teachers will score responses using a rubric (bit.ly/ACErubric2021). Students are encouraged to review this rubric prior to responding and submitting your application to ensure your responses reflect how you are hoping to score. Note: Scores will not be shared with applicants or families.
6. Once you are satisfied with your responses, you will submit your application. Remember, there is only ONE submission per student.
7. Congratulations, you have now officially applied to the ACE Center!

Timeline:
October 2nd – Application is available online on the Specialty Center and CTE websites
October 26th – Open House for all ACE Centers from 7 to 8pm (Hosted by the ACE Center at Hermitage) Click here for flyer.
December 2nd – Application deadline for both 8th grade applicants AND 10th/11th grade applicants
December 12th – Application re-opens. All applications submitted on or after this date will be placed on a waiting list and will be reviewed/notified on a rolling basis as openings become available after January 27th. Students who have already applied do NOT need to reapply; they should contact their home school counselor to learn about which programs have openings. First time applicants should apply for consideration to the open programs.
January 27th – 10th & 11th Grade students notified via email of acceptance status
February 10th – Eighth grade students submit acceptance notification to Mrs. Bishop (Associate Principal at the ACE Center at Hermitage), with details of how to do so explained in the January 27th email. High school students (10th or 11th grade) must notify their home school counselor of their intent for attending the ACE Center next school year.
January 27 – May 31- Students who applied after December 2nd will be considered for openings on a rolling basis as they become available. During this time period, priority for remaining openings is given to students who applied by the initial deadline who were originally not selected.
April 16th – Eighth grade students will be added to a Schoology group for the “ACE Center Class of 2027” (This group is used to communicate with the students about events that will take place during their freshman and sophomore years.)
NOTE: New applications will NOT be accepted after the first week of the school year. Students enrolling after the first week have typically missed the equivalent to 15 class periods of a standard course and have a difficult time catching up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make changes after I submit?
Students who want to make an application change PRIOR to the application window closing can communicate this request with their home school counselor, who will collaborate with the ACE Center counselor to process the change. After the initial window closes, changes cannot be processed until AFTER the first round of applications have been reviewed.
All applications submitted before the deadline of December 2nd are processed first and letters are forwarded through email on January 27th regarding the status of the application. After January 27th, we will begin reviewing the applications that were submitted during the rolling admissions process on a first-come, first-serve basis. When the application re-opens for rolling admissions, programs that had a high number of applicants will no longer be available to select.

Contact Information:
ACE Center at Hermitage – 804.756.3020
Russell Lewis, Counseling Director – rwlewis@henrico.k12.va.us

ACE Center at Highland Springs – 804.328.4075
Paula Harris, Counseling Director – pmharris@henrico.k12.va.us

ACE Center at Virginia Randolph – 804.261.5090
Mike Fennessey, Associate Principal – mffennessey@henrico.k12.va.us