RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) - After an investment of more than half-a-million dollars and six months of construction, the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts welcomed nearly 190 students to their new school building on Monday.
“We’re happy to be in our permanent home,” said Kristen Larson, Vice President of the Patrick Henry Board of Directors.
The Richmond school located on Semmes Avenue, has been empty for several years but now it has new life as students and staff prepare for the first day of classes, at a school that is the first of its kind.
“It’s the first charter school in Richmond, the first elementary charter in the state and the fourth in Virginia,” said Larson. “I think it’s really important for Richmond and for the state of Virginia.”
Part of the upgrades to the charter school, included making it handicap accessible. An outdoor ramp combined with a wheelchair lift inside, is helping students like second grader Killean Wynn maintain his independence.
“Just the fact that he can operate the buttons by himself, it’s a big deal,” said Killean’s mother Susanna Klein.
In addition to modifications being made to the building, the charter school has also implemented several changes. Parents are required to volunteer six hours at the school every quarter; the students must wear uniforms; and the K-5 school operates year-round. [CLICK HERE: More information about the charter school]
