ADMISSIONS
PHSSA is a public school, operating under a charter, through a lottery process open to all elementary aged children in the Richmond Public School District. As a public charter school, PHSSA adheres to many of the Richmond Public Schools (RPS) policies and procedures for open enrollment facilities.
- Current students and siblings of students enrolled at the time of the lottery will have pre-lottery status in admissions.
- The number of available seats may vary from year to year, contingent on enrollment projections compared to staffing and building capacity.
The Open Enrollment window for the 2026/2027 school year is CLOSED.
If you have any questions regarding admissions and enrollment, please contact our Enrollment & Planning Coordinator, Ms. Kristina Santiago.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts a private school?
No. PHSSA is a tuition-free, K–5 public charter school open to all elementary-aged children residing within the Richmond Public Schools district.
Are uniforms a requirement?
Yes. PHSSA maintains a mandatory dress code. This policy ensure students remain focused on academic achievement and fosters a professional environment conducive to positive behavior.
Are in-building tours available?
To maintain a safe and uninterrupted learning environment, tours for non-
enrolled students and/or interested parents are not conducted during the school year.
What type of family involvement is required?
We require families to complete a minimum of 24 hours to maintain their child’s seat at PHSSA. There are different methods in which families can participate and be involved.
Once my child is accepted to PHSSA, will we have to reapply every year during Open Enrollment?
No. Student eligibility for annual re-enrollment is contingent upon the following criteria:
- Participation: Fulfillment of all involvement requirements.
- Residency: Continued residence within the City of Richmond.
- Conduct: Adherence to established behavioral expectations.
- Attendance: Consistent compliance with attendance policies.
Failure to meet any of these standards may result in a loss of eligibility. For comprehensive policy details, please refer to the Family Handbook.
Does PHSSA provide transportation?
PHSSA provides bus transportation utilizing a hub-stop system across the city.
The two primary routes and their respective schedules can be reviewed via the link below:
If a student is already enrolled at PHSSA, do their siblings needs to apply to Open Enrollment?
Yes. Families (siblings of current PHSSA students) wishing to apply for a school
outside of their zone MUST complete an application.