James River High School is located in northwestern Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States. James River is a part of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Academics

JRHS ranks among America's top 3000 schools, Virginia's top 70, Richmond Metro Area's top 10, and 3rd best performing high school in Chesterfield County Public Schools out of their 11 high schools. 43% of students participate in AP classes. The graduation rate is 94%.

Athletics

The James River baseball team won in 2007 and 2008 the Group AAA State Baseball Championship. In 2008 the Rapids were ranked 19th in the nation in High School Baseball. In 2011 the team had another run at the state championship but lost in the semi-finals. They are considered one of the top high schools in Virginia baseball. Consistently ranking top 200 in the Nation and top 10 in Virginia. In 2008 the men's golf team won its first championship in 2008 VHSL Group AAA State Championship. In 2013 the men's golf team would win the championship. They would go onto winning three consecutive championships in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, the men's lacrosse team made it to State Championship but lost. They were ranked #10 overall in Virginia. In 2010, the men's volleyball team won their first state championship. The team has gone on to win six more state titles (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) along with two runner-up state championship appearances (2014, 2022). James River is considered one of the most elite high school volleyball programs in the country. Notable volleyball alumni include Darren Kilby, Sam Albus, and Mitchell Ford. All were state and regional players of the year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 respectively.

Notable alumni

Specialty Center

James River High School is home to the specialty center for Leadership and International Relations. The program was founded in 2002.

Enrollment in Leadership and International Relations

The James River High School Center for Leadership and International Relations has up to 350 applicants per year, and only about 50 are accepted.