Vision

Literacy is a universal right and a gatekeeper to lifelong success and fulfillment. HCPS educators weave and embed literacy into all instruction, empowering Harrisonburg students to become effective communicators who read, write, and speak with skill and purpose.

Mission

HCPS implements a K-12 Structured Literacy program, integrating the strands of English language arts and providing meaningful, authentic ways of assessing each student’s growth as they discover the power of reading and writing to open doors of possibility.  A Structured Literacy program focuses on the five essential components of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.  Foundational reading and writing are prioritized and taught in an explicit and systematic progression in early elementary grades and reinforced in upper grades as skills continue to progress.  All K-12 students engage with high-quality, grade-level texts and digital media to acquire vocabulary and expand their content knowledge as they develop as active listeners, speakers, readers and writers, prepared for meaningful contribution to society and personal fulfillment and success.