Our Administration

Mike Nelson

Principal

Mike Nelson brings 26 years of educational experience to Colonial Heights High School. After 15 years teaching social studies, he transitioned to administration. He served as principal of Prince George High School for seven years, leading the school through accreditation challenges and the pandemic. As a School Quality Specialist with the Virginia Department of Education, he monitored schools' improvement plans and provided training to leaders across the state. Now, he's excited to return to the high school setting and contribute to Colonial Heights' tradition of excellence.

James Burnett

Assistant Principal

Mr. Burnett is a proud CHHS Alumni (Class of 2001). Upon graduating from Longwood University, Mr. Burnett came back to CHPS and has spent his entire professional career at CHHS. Mr. Burnett taught Math for 5 years and also coached football and baseball. He has been an Assistant Principal on the main campus for 14 years.

Jonn White

Assistant Principal

A New Jersey native, Mr. White holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University. He brings over 27 years of educational experience, including teaching mathematics in Petersburg, Chesterfield, and Colonial Heights, and serving as a Math Coach in Richmond City. Mr. White returns to Colonial Heights after most recently being an Assistant Principal at Meadowbrook High School. He also boasts 20 years of coaching experience, notably as an assistant coach for Matoaca's 3-time State Championship wrestling team (2014-2016). Mr. White is passionate about inspiring students to realize their full potential, believing everyone can succeed with dedication.

John Thomas Jr.

CTE Director

Mr. Thomas is a native of Petersburg, Virginia and a proud graduate of Petersburg High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health and Safety from West Virginia Tech and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Thomas has over 27 years of experience in the classroom at the secondary level. During those years, he taught Health, Physical Education, and Driver Education at both Petersburg and Colonial Heights High Schools. He has served as an Assistant Principal and CTE Director at Colonial Heights High School for the past 14 years. He also coached varsity boys baseball, boys basketball, and both girls and womens basketball. Mr. Thomas has dedicated his career to helping both students and athletes become successful in the classroom, workforce, and on the court.

A Message from Mr. Nelson

Welcome Colonials!

It is a privilege to share with you that Colonial Heights High School provides a high quality engaging educational environment for all students, and is the premier high school in central Virginia.  At CHHS, all students are provided many opportunities to obtain top-level marketable job skills for entry into the labor force and knowledge and instructional experiences to be prepared for entry into competitive colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.

The teachers and staff are committed to the overall academic success and achievement of all students.  Teachers are readily accessible, and work diligently to connect with students and build relationships.  The counseling staff supports the success of students in numerous ways, and are always willing and available to meet with parents and students at any time.  I would encourage you to reach out to your student’s counselor and teachers at any time.  They will always be able to provide assistance and support.

CHHS offers a wide array of athletic programs and student activities.  I strongly encourage all students to get involved in an activity or sport as a Colonial.  There are clubs, activities, and sports for all interests and activity levels.  School, and the experience of being a true Colonial, means so much more when you can get involved in something more than just going to school.

As we experience a major remodel of CHHS, we remain, as a school community, committed to excellence and the success of every student every day.  All teachers and staff will continue to work tirelessly to make sure all students feel welcome and safe at all times at the high school.

As principal, I eagerly look forward to seeing the tremendous success and achievements of each of our students that will lead them to graduation day, and well beyond, to a meaningful and awe-inspiring future.

GO COLONIALS!!

Mike Nelson