Hampton City Schools Named to Forbes America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025 List

 

Hampton City Schools (HCS) is proud to announce its recognition on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025, presented in partnership with Statista, a global leader in data and industry analysis. The award was announced on August 19, 2025, and can be viewed on the Forbes website.

 

HCS is one of only four public school divisions in Virginia to earn this distinction—alongside Henrico County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools. 

The division is deeply invested in employee well-being, offering competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and enhanced access to care through an Employee Health & Wellness Center and Employee Pharmacy. HCS also prioritizes work-life balance, providing robust curriculum resources—complete with daily lessons and assessments designed by teachers for teachers—supporting the mantra of “giving teachers their Sundays back.”

 

Professional learning is another cornerstone of HCS. Educators benefit from a comprehensive five-year induction program with mentoring, leadership development pathways, and ongoing opportunities to grow professionally. Social emotional learning (SEL) initiatives for both staff and students further support a positive and collaborative climate and culture across the division.

 

In addition to being recognized as an outstanding workplace, HCS is a leader in student achievement and innovation. Since 2019, all schools have maintained 100% accreditation, with an on-time graduation rate that surpasses the state average. HCS proudly holds the highest on-time graduation rate and the lowest dropout rate among the region’s 15 school divisions. The Academies of Hampton and the division’s status as Virginia’s only K–12 Ford Next Generation Learning Community ensure that every graduate is prepared for success in college, careers, and life.

 

“We are honored to receive this recognition and are deeply proud of the incredible team we have built at Hampton City Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Raymond L. Haynes. “Our teachers, administrators, and support staff are at the heart of everything we do. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. When our employees thrive, our students thrive—and this recognition is a testament to that belief.”

 

Forbes and Statista selected America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025 based on an independent survey of more than 160,000 U.S. employees working for organizations with at least 500 employees. Over two million evaluations were considered, combining direct employee feedback with recommendations from peers, family members, and individuals working in the same industries.

This recognition underscores that Hampton City Schools continues to set the standard for workplace excellence, employee satisfaction, and student success—both regionally and statewide.