Why PHSSA students love their school
OUR STORY
In May 2008 history was made in Richmond when RPS approved PHSSA’s charter application to become the first charter school in the city of Richmond and only the fourth charter school in the Commonwealth. In April 2010, PHSSA announced the hiring of our first school principal. Additionally, we hired teachers for 12 classes. The inaugural 2010 class of 149 students matriculated in the Woodland Heights Baptist Church Education Center on August 11, 2010.
PHSSA has come a long, long way over the past ten years. The physical journey meant the move from the temporary church location to the permanent school building located at 3411 Semmes Avenue in January 2012. The Mary Morton Parson Foundation provided funding for our kitchen and cafeteria. Occupancy of the PHSSA building was dependent on completing many upgrades. Making a nearly 100-year-old building compliant with all the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was no small feat. Since our initial renovation of Phase I, we have added four classrooms, completed the renovation of our auditorium, added four modular classrooms due to expansion, and recently PHSSA has restored and replaced windows throughout the building to create a sustainable, energy efficient academic space. The final phase of our journey focuses on renovations to the third floor where 10 classrooms are located.
PHSSA’s journey has also included growing enrollment from 149 students in 2010 to the current 330. Classes for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year are full with a waiting list for each grade level and with representation from every one of the nine school districts within the city. We have added a full-time Environmental Science teacher to enhance the mission and curriculum.
In the classrooms language arts, math, science, social studies and history are being taught through a meaningful integrated curriculum that focuses on project-based learning. The classrooms extend into the gardens that surround the school and Forest Hill Park.
PHSSA has come a long, long way over the past ten years. The physical journey meant the move from the temporary church location to the permanent school building located at 3411 Semmes Avenue in January 2012. The Mary Morton Parson Foundation provided funding for our kitchen and cafeteria. Occupancy of the PHSSA building was dependent on completing many upgrades. Making a nearly 100-year-old building compliant with all the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was no small feat. Since our initial renovation of Phase I, we have added four classrooms, completed the renovation of our auditorium, added four modular classrooms due to expansion, and recently PHSSA has restored and replaced windows throughout the building to create a sustainable, energy efficient academic space. The final phase of our journey focuses on renovations to the third floor where 10 classrooms are located.
PHSSA’s journey has also included growing enrollment from 149 students in 2010 to the current 330. Classes for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year are full with a waiting list for each grade level and with representation from every one of the nine school districts within the city. We have added a full-time Environmental Science teacher to enhance the mission and curriculum.
In the classrooms language arts, math, science, social studies and history are being taught through a meaningful integrated curriculum that focuses on project-based learning. The classrooms extend into the gardens that surround the school and Forest Hill Park.
Mission:
To cultivate students' maximum growth and develop stewardship through a premier environmental and arts education Vision: Empowering our students to fulfill their dreams |
OUR LEADERSHIPBoard of Directors (BOD) is responsible for overall governance and helping to sustain the mission, vision, and charter; facilities; and fundraising - capital and transformational.
School Planning and Management Team (SPMT) is an RPS required team of teachers, administration, and parents serving in an advisory role to the Principal and BOD. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is made up of parents, teachers, and community members and is responsible for parent communications and involvement; and fundraising - new and special programs and projects. Advisory Board provides non-binding strategic advice and guidance to Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts by leveraging their collective expertise and professional networks. This body does not vote on legal matters or manage funds. |