KAYRIS MANZANARES: It's the middle of July, but students at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School are already heading back to class.

KENNIA TOMAS SALES: I'm excited for school.

And we can learn.

We can learn and grow up, and we can know our teachers better and our classmates, and we can make new friends and pass our SOLs.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: It's all part of Richmond Public School's 200 day, year-round program, which started in 2023 at Fairfield Elementary School to combat learning loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, four of Richmond's 25 elementary schools participate.

JASON KAMERAS: Why is this so important?

Because early literacy is the gateway to lifelong learning.

When children learn to read.

Then they begin to read to learn.

And that shifts doors open in immeasurable ways.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: School leaders say the extra 20 days in the classroom are already making a difference.

Improving literacy test scores by up to 30 points.

And some parents agree.

<Speaking Spanish> KEYRIS MANZANARES: Despite the program's seeming success, the district hasn't presented a plan to expand the 200 day school year to other elementary schools.

However, an independent study is included in RPSs strategic plan.

Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.