Volunteer & Partnership

Volunteering With ACPS

Thank you for your interest in volunteering in Albemarle County Public Schools! Every day, students and teachers across our School Division benefit from the generosity of volunteers who take the time to share their talents with our children. The countless tasks performed by volunteers are vital to the continued operation and success of our schools. Sharing your life experiences, memories, technical know-how, or friendship with a young person can make a huge impact on a student’s life and achievement.

Volunteer & Partnership Opportunities Include:

Individual Volunteers help enrich education programs by mentoring students or assisting with activities that enhance instruction and promote learning. They are unpaid individuals who donate time on an ongoing basis. Learn more about current opportunities.
Business, Non-Profit, Government and Community Partnerships support ACPS students, teachers, and/or administrators on projects that advance student learning, development and growth. We encourage and promote partnerships that strengthen and enhance the quality of education for our students through services, resources and programs.
Parents/Guardians/Family Members Looking to Volunteer at their child’s school should call the school’s Volunteer Coordinator for information about their volunteer program.
Chaperones are parents or family members who only provide support for field trips at their child’s school but aren’t looking for longer-term volunteer opportunities.
Visitors participate in school activities and events on occasion to support special events such as Career Day or Field Day.

Volunteer Requirements & Guidelines:

On the first visit volunteers will be asked to sign in through the schools visitor management system at the school's main office and receive a volunteer or visitor badge each time they visit a school.Volunteers work under the direction and supervision of school personnel and should know and follow school policies and the Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Albemarle County Public Schools recognizes the danger that sex offenders pose to student safety. Under state law, sex offenders are not permitted to be on school property during school hours without a court order. Every volunteer is screened using the Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry, as required by School Board Policy KN, Sex Offender Registry Notification.

Search the Virginia Sex Offender Registry »
(always check "Include contiguous zip codes")

Volunteer Application Process

banner with volunteer with ACPS, Join Us

ACPS encourages and welcomes volunteers in our schools. We invite parents, families, and community members to get involved and support students throughout the year. The countless tasks performed by volunteers are vital to the continued operation and success of our schools. Sharing your life experiences, memories, technical know-how, or friendship with a young person can make a huge impact on a student’s life and achievement. Interested in volunteering with us? Before volunteering in our schools there are a few steps you must complete.

Complete the Volunteer Application Form. The online form takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete. All volunteers are required to complete the online application which includes a volunteer code of ethics, review of policies and procedures, confidentiality agreement, volunteer compensation and liability agreement and submission of photo identification. The application process includes a safety check that screens volunteers against sex offender registries. Applicants will be asked to identify the activities they are interested in supporting, the school(s) where they want to volunteer and if they are volunteering on behalf of a partner organization. Once your application is received, you will receive a generated email confirming receipt. In addition, all volunteers are required to review the Volunteer Handbook prior to their first day of volunteering. When filling our the application, please note that applicants are required to complete all fields that are marked with an asterisk.

Click here to complete the volunteer application form

Approval Process. Volunteer applicants will receive an email confirmation upon approval. This process can take up to two weeks from the time the application is completed. You cannot volunteer or provide services in any capacity until this notice is received. Volunteer status is good for one (1) academic year. If you do not hear back about the status of your application within 10 business days please contact your school's volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Opportunities

Instructional Volunteers
Support Service Volunteers

Instructional Volunteers

Provide direct services to students on a regular basis.

Tutor: A tutor may work one-on-one with a student or with small groups of students who need to reinforce basic skills in an academic subject. One example is a Book Buddy who reads with and to students.

Mentor: Mentors typically work one-on-one with a student who needs special attention and assistance. Their major task is to motivate the student to stay focused on school. A mentor provides academic reinforcement, sets short-term goals, serves as a role model, and provides encouragement and friendship that helps build the student’s self-esteem. One example is a Breakfast or Lunch Buddy.

ESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: ESOL tutors help non-English speaking students increase their skills in understanding, speaking, and writing English and in the acquisition of basic critical academic skills. Volunteers do not need to speak the students’ native languages. Bilingual volunteers are needed to help interpret and communicate with families.

Community Resource: Persons who have special skills, language abilities, hobbies, occupations, collections, or have traveled to other parts of the country or world may be invited to share their experiences with classroom(s) at requested times.

Support Service Volunteers

Provide assistance to school personnel.

Classroom Helper : Volunteers work closely with classroom teachers and staff assisting in various projects, keeping records, preparing instructional materials, and interacting with students.

Clerical Assistant: Clerical assistants may help with typing, computer entry, copying, booking, record keeping, telephone, and other office work.

Library/Media Helper: Volunteers in the school library/media center may help at the circulation desk, catalog and shelve books, use a computer, mend books or operate audiovisual equipment. They may also read to students.

Chaperone: Volunteer chaperones have the opportunity to enjoy museums, exhibits, musicals, and plays as they accompany students and teachers on field trips.

Computer Helpers: Computer helpers share their computer skills and knowledge with students and/or school staff. Some prepare newsletters or other school publicity.

Activities Helper: Activities volunteers help support school extracurricular clubs, groups, and events. Areas of involvement include participating in activities such as the PTO and booster clubs, serving as volunteer coaches, and assisting with sports, music, or drama productions.

Groundskeeper/Building Maintenance: If you love the outdoors and have fix-it skills, schools can use your expertise to beautify the campus or help maintenance staff with special projects.

At-Home Helpers: Often volunteers are needed to help with “at-home” projects such as preparing newsletters, phone recruiting of other volunteers, or helping classroom teachers. Those who do volunteer work at home or work with a club activity should complete a volunteer application and keep a written record of their hours of service.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference. We want to make the best match we can between volunteer opportunities and your interests and talents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer in our schools?

All are welcome to volunteer in our schools; parents, community members & students.

Search the Virginia Sex Offender Registry »
(always check "Include contiguous zip codes")

How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference. If you are interested in volunteering with ACPS, please complete the online application process. The online form takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete. All volunteers are required to complete the online application which includes a volunteer code of ethics, review of policies and procedures, confidentiality agreement, volunteer compensation and liability agreement and submission of photo identification. The application process includes a safety check that screens volunteers against sex offender registries. Applicants will be asked to identify the activities they are interested in supporting, the school(s) where they want to volunteer and if they are volunteering on behalf of a partner organization.

Why do I need to complete this process if I want to chaperone my student's field trip?

How long does it take to complete the volunteer process?

When volunteer applications have been processed, applicants receive an email confirmation upon approval. This process can take up to two (2) weeks from the time the application is completed. You cannot volunteer or provide services in any capacity until this notice is received. Volunteer status is good for one (1) academic year. Approved volunteers will receive an annual email notice to renew. For that reason, be sure to update your email address with us if it changes.

Is there training required to become a volunteer with ACPS?

All volunteers must complete the following before volunteering in our schools:

Watch the VDOE Recognizing Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect video and read the ACPS Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting policy
Should read and follow the Acceptable Use of Technology policy
Must read and follow the confidentiality of student and school information policy.
Review the Tobacco Products and Nicotine Vapor products policy
Volunteers work under the direction and supervision of school personnel and should know and follow school policies and the Volunteer Code of Conduct.

For more specific details on expectations and duties, your Community & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator may provide additional orientation.

Classroom volunteers are encouraged to be familiar with the following:

the building layout and parking facilities
classroom policies
what to expect of you as a volunteer
what to do if you are absent
fire drills and safety rules

How do I find volunteer opportunities?

We want to make the best match we can between volunteer opportunities and your interests and talents.

`Instructional Volunteers – provide direct services to students on a regular basis`
`Tutor`	`A tutor may work one-on-one with a student or with small groups of students who need to reinforce basic skills in an academic subject. One example is a Book Buddy who reads with and to students.`
`Mentor`	`Mentors typically work one-on-one with a student who needs special attention and assistance. Their major task is to motivate the student to stay focused on school. A mentor provides academic reinforcement, sets short-term goals, serves as a role model, and provides encouragement and friendship that helps build the student’s self-esteem. One example is a Breakfast or Lunch Buddy.`
`ESOL –` `Teaching` `English to Speakers of Other Languages`	`ESOL tutors help non-English speaking students increase their skills in understanding, speaking, and writing English and in the acquisition of basic critical academic skills. Volunteers do not need to speak the students’ native languages. Bilingual volunteers are needed to help interpret and communicate with families.`
`Community Resource`	`Persons who have special skills, language abilities, hobbies, occupations, collections, or have traveled to other parts of the country or world may be invited to share their experiences with classroom(s) at requested times.`
`Support Service Volunteers -` `provide assistance to school personnel`
`Classroom Helper`		`Volunteers work closely with classroom teachers and staff assisting in various projects, keeping records, preparing instructional materials, and interacting with students.`
`Clerical Assistant`		`Clerical assistants may help with typing, computer entry, copying, booking, record keeping, telephone, and other office work.`
`Library/Media Helper`		`Volunteers in the school library/media center may help at the circulation desk, catalog and shelve books, use a computer, mend books or operate audiovisual equipment. They may also read to students.`
`Chaperone`		`Volunteer chaperones have the opportunity to enjoy museums, exhibits, musicals, and plays as they accompany students and teachers on field trips.`
`Computer Helpers`		`Computer helpers share their computer skills and knowledge with students and/or school staff. Some prepare newsletters or other school publicity.`
`Activities Helper`		`Activities volunteers help support school extracurricular clubs, groups, and events. Areas of involvement include participating in activities such as the PTO and booster clubs, serving as volunteer coaches, and assisting with sports, music, or drama productions.`
`Groundskeeper/Building Maintenance`		`If you love the outdoors and have fix-it skills, schools can use your expertise to beautify the campus or help maintenance staff with special projects.`
`At-Home Helpers`		`Often volunteers are needed to help with “at-home” projects such as preparing newsletters, phone recruiting of other volunteers, or helping classroom teachers. Those who do volunteer work at home or work with a club activity should complete a volunteer application and keep a written record of their hours of service`

If you want to learn more about specific opportunities, please contact the Community & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator listed for your school of interest or select the Volunteer Opportunities tab above.

Partnering With ACPS

Albemarle County Public Schools recognizes that community and business partnerships are essential to the success of our students. Our community supports public education through a range of sponsorships, grants, and donations of time, talent and funds to ensure all students have access to authentic learning opportunities that enrich our curriculum.

Ideas to get involved:

Provide shadowing experiences for students
Provide tutors or mentors for students
Provide guest speakers
Donate materials/supplies to schools.
Provide space for school training, meetings or events