The following information is from Kristen Larson, Vice President of the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts:

RICHMOND, VA,  January 9, 2012 – Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, (PHSSA) the State’s first elementary charter school and a Richmond Public School, opened its doors today at the Patrick Henry School Building on Semmes Avenue after six months of renovations.

The location of the PH building plays heavily into the school’s STEM based curriculum and the use of the Forest Hill Park in that curriculum.

Upgrades to the almost 90 year-old school building include ADA upgrades, life safety improvements, as well as historical restorations such as hardware, doors and windows. Funds were obtained to renovate the building via fundraising, state historic tax credits and a small loan.

A $150,000 grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation was used to upgrade the cafeteria with a new ceiling, lights, cafeteria tables and equipment. The Jacquemin Family Foundation donated $50,000 for library renovations that included new carpet, ADA accessibility improvements, paint and HVAC upgrades.

PHSSA Board members, Richmond Public School members and administrators, Virginia Secretary of Education Laura Fornash, parents, and community members welcomed the students and staff as they arrived on Monday.

“This is momentous day for the school and the City,” said Sharon Burton, PHSSA Board President.  “The City is gaining back a piece of its history with this newly renovated Richmond landmark and the school has finally entered its permanent home.”

The school opened in 2010 and has been operating out of Woodland Heights Baptist Church – Education Center for the last year and a half.  The school currently has 185 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

PHSSA is accredited and received passing State Standards of Learning (SOLs) scores from Virginia Department of Education for its first year of operation. PHSSA students scored 97 percent in Mathematics and 92 in English, both outscoring the state.  Additionally, PHSSA students scored 83 percent in both History and Science.

Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (PHSSA) is a kindergarten through fifth-grade school based on meaningful parent, educator, and community involvement. The school will provide the children of our diverse community with an academically rigorous science- and arts-based curriculum that emphasizes environmental awareness and social responsibility.

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