A Message from Our Administration

Welcome and thank you for visiting our website!

Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (PHSSA), Virginia’s first charter elementary school, is beginning its eleventh year of operation! We are thriving and growing in so many ways. This would not be possible without the support of families, community members, students and staff. PHSSA is truly a team effort!

PHSSA Points of Interest:

  • PHSSA is a Richmond Public School serving approximately 350 Richmond students.
  • Our mission is to cultivate students’ maximum growth and develop stewardship through a premier environmental and arts education.
  • At PHSSA, we believe that children can learn through an integrated learning approach which is based on an arts and environmental science focus.
  • We have high expectations for student achievement and growth, and we rely on family support at home as well as at school. We work with families in the spirit of teamwork and collaboration, and we believe that communication is an important part of educational success.
  • At PHSSA, we all strive to be life-long learners who model a respectful and caring school culture where students feel valued and appreciated. We believe in building partnerships between school, home, and community which help children become empowered to fulfill their dreams.
  • We are very fortunate to have an active PTA, which allows us to meet the many needs of our students. These volunteers play an active role in ensuring that our students have after school opportunities and experiences beyond the regular curriculum. All staff, parents and guardians are encouraged to join the PTA and become involved in the school.
  • Our school is governed by a Board of Directors which is composed of community members who volunteer their time and talents to ensure that the school is fiscally strong and that the charter is followed and maintained.

As you go through our website you will notice many ways in which PHSSA is different. 

  • Our students wear uniforms, grow class gardens, participate in many field trips, and experience Forest Hill Park on a regular basis. 
  • Another important facet of our program is our year-round calendar, which allows us the opportunity to provide quarterly remediation for students who need it. 
  • We provide opportunities for and encourage the development of positive character traits and foster the growth of our students' environmental stewardship. 
  • Our teachers and staff are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and nurturing. They truly love working with children and are always seeking ways to enhance student learning.

PHSSA was named a 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. Our Charter has been renewed until 2028. We cannot wait to see how PHSSA and our Mighty Oaks grow in the coming years!