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Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary

Work Hard and be GREAT!

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Cougars are On the Rise!

See how we're inspiring excellence, building community, and preparing students for success.

About Us
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Building Opportunities for Every Student

About Us

Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary (formerly John B. Cary) was established in 1913 and built at the present site in 1954. It was designated as a model school in 1969. Lois Harrison-Jones has continued the course of innovative educational strategies and activities. Today our school is an ECO Campus Green School. We were also distinguished as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School in April 2022. 

Learn More About Us

In June 2023, the Richmond School Board voted to remove the name of John B. Cary from the building and rename it Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary. Dr. Harrison-Jones is Richmond’s first woman Superintendent and the first African American woman Superintendent of Schools in the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts.

Latest News

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RPS Direct: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

October 13, 2026

RPS Direct: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Jason's Monday Message: I hope you all had a restful weekend! We have a lot to celebrate this week, from the incredible work of our School Nutrition Services team to the people, cultures, and tradi...

RPS Direct: Friday, October 9, 2026

October 9, 2026

RPS Direct: Friday, October 9, 2026

Freedom to Turn the Page: October 4 - 10 is Banned Books Week, and to celebrate, RPS middle school students joined peers from across the region for a special Banned Books Week Celebration hosted by...

RPS Direct: Thursday, October 8, 2026

October 8, 2026

RPS Direct: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Perseverance at the Center: There was a lot to celebrate this week at several RPS schools. Students, educators, school leaders, and community partners gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the...

RPS Direct: Monday, October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

RPS Direct: Monday, October 5, 2026

Jason's Monday Message: At tonight’s School Board meeting, we’ll be reviewing our SOL performance from last spring. As I’ve shared previously, we’re UP AGAIN in reading, math, science, and history;...

LHJ at a Glance

Lois Harris-Jones Elementary School is home of the Cougars!

About Us

26

Full-time teachers

282

Students enrolled in grade K-5th

11:1

Student to teacher ratio