At United Virginia we believe that education is the critical key to the future success of every child. A dynamic educational foundation—from early childhood through college—is the structure from which Virginia’s economy must grow to meet the demands of the Commonwealth and the global market.

Educational policies and practices should be inclusive, accountable and innovative. They also must be comprehensive. Early intervention programs such as Head Start are important to sustain. Recognizing that the years prior to kindergarten are developmentally crucial, we support legislation and policies that impose high standards across all publicly funded early learning settings including childcare and programs for children with special needs.

United Virginia supports efforts to not only increase innovation and accountability of our teachers, but the incentives that will attract and retain the best and the brightest educational professionals. Within that framework, we support funding for enhanced data systems to track progress and performance; improved educational assessments that address the whole of learning beyond factual regurgitation; and encouragement for innovative ideas and programs that will improve outcomes for all students regardless of individual needs or school district. Intensive support and effective interventions to improve achievement at low-performing schools should be a priority.

The thoughtful expansion of high quality charter schools should be encouraged. Legislation that removes restrictions that stifle growth among successful charter schools should be pursued.

Virginia is fortunate to be home to some of the finest post-secondary institutions in the US. Accessibility and affordability, remain as major issues of higher education. Investments in the Commonwealth's vigorous community college program will play an important role in mitigating these issues. As such, United Virginia supports efforts that make college financial aid funding more available to those who need it. We also support local efforts to improve the transition from high school into college. Support for the necessary systems and intervention programs that will improve retention and graduation rates at all state funded colleges and universities should be a critical component of any post secondary educational policy.