RCHS is creatively meeting the needs of students in an uncertain world - Focused on Empowering Students to take the lead for their own learning
To donate or recommend our nonprofit for a sponsorship or grant our EIN Number is 81-3292324
The students of RCHS learn in an environment that promotes individualism and experience based education. At RCHS students learn, how to learn.
In 2025/2026 RCHS is focused on continuing to provide one of the most rigorous academic programs in the Virginia while honoring the traditions of this unique school that have made it a success for 49 years. To date over 98% of graduates have gone on to higher education.
Richmond Community High is ranked the 4th best high school in Virginia by US News and World report and one of three highly designated schools
Friends of RCHS funded over $140,000 in programs, academic initiatives, and school upgrade projects in 2024/2025. The school receives less than $20,000 a year for instructional funding by RPS
RichmoND Community High School
Learning today to be the Leaders of TomorroW
Friends of RCHS supports the whole student and their educational needs so they can develop the academic, emotional, and creative tools they need to succeed beyond high school, into college, with their career, and to foster their Impact on communities where they live and work.
We are a public nonprofit located in Richmond, Virginia supporting educational initiatives to promote academic success and higher education opportunities for Richmond City youth. With a focus on experiential education, college readiness, community service, and family support. Friends of RCHS works with RPS alumni, local businesses, and community members to support students driven to succeed in the 21st Century.
Brookland Park Community Garden
Brookland Park Community Garden is located adjacent to the school. Students are actively involved from care and upkeep, growing produce for distribution to low income neighbors, and managing projects. The garden hosts a 25 fruit tree orchard, greenhouse, outdoor classroom, student growing plots, three sisters garden, and encourages neighbors to utilize our herb garden. The project provides an opportunity for students to be hands on in learning about urban agriculture, sustainability, and environmental education.
Mental Health and Wellness
The mindfulness room offers self care programs like exercise, yoga, meditation and small group support as well as provides a safe space for students to decompress and practice restorative resolution when conflicts arise. Opened in 2025 a mindfulness space has been created for teachers who may need a quiet moment to relax and reset.
SerVING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Friends of RCHS assists with providing meaningful group community service experiences. Annual service learning experiences with indigenous Americans are offered annually. Through this program students visited the Guatemalan Highlands to stay in a Maya Village where they worked alongside families to built indoor stoves, reforested a mountainside, and ran children’s activities.
Students will be traveling to the White Mountain Apache lands in Arizona to assist with sustainable farming and water access, assist with developing land to house a wellness recovery center, and assist with projects around composting.
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College Readiness Program
Friends of RCHS supports career learning experiences, tutoring and AP testing, internships, educational programs, and dorm life to the students of RCHS.
RCHS Traditions Alive and Real
Freshman Orientation is the only program of its kind in the area that gives students a full week of summer programming to prepare them for the rigor and traditions of RCHS
Mini-Mesters are back! These programs provide for all students, an experience for hands on learning and visits to East Coast colleges for a week in the spring. A poll of alumnus showed that an overwhelming majority of former RCHS students identified the Freshman Environmental Education Camping trip as their most memorable experience.
This year sophomores will be going to Atlanta to learn about civil rights history and junior will be going to Philadelphia for an investigation, What is Freedom?
Friends of RCHS also supports student activities, clubs, and special events like prom, Harvestfest, Winterfest, and College Decision Day.