St. Richard's School

St. Richard's School is a private, Episcopal day school located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It serves urban Indianapolis and the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area as a school for children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. It is the only Episcopal elementary day school in the state.

History

St. Richard's School was founded in 1960 by the Rev. G. Ernest Lynch, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. He envisioned a unique elementary linked with the church that would stress academic excellece and traditional values, but also diversity of its student body. According to the school's web page, "St. Richard’s School was the first private school in Indianapolis to open its doors to all races, creeds, and nationalities." The school's namesake comes from St. Richard of Wych, Bishop of Chichester from the 13th Century. The official school song's lyrics come from St. Richard's famous prayer, Day by Day. It's mission is "We foster knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of our Five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classical Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness."

The school was modeled after a British day school and originally employed only European teachers. From the beginning, students were required to wear uniforms - plaid jumpers for girls and ties and trousers for boys. Both sexes wore green blazers emblazoned with the school's crest.

Today

As of 2008, St. Richard's has a student body of well over 300 students. The schools is divided into three sections: Early Childhood, the Lower School, and the Middle School. St. Richard's continues to enroll students of diverse heritage and religion. Only 20% of students are Episcopalian and 27% is of racial or cultural minorities. Of all Indianapolis private schools, St. Richard's has arguably the best academic program in the city and is known for its advanced curriculum. Graduating eight graders almost always are accepted to the high school of their choice. Students take French from Kindergarten until eighth grade. Spanish is also offered from sixth grade on and Latin is mandatory for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Along with core subjects such as math, science, history/social studies, English, and foreign language, students also attend multiple art, music, and physical education classes a week. Grades 1 through 8 wear the traditional uniforms. In carrying out Rev. Lynch's wish for a school connected to the church, the Lower School has a chapel service daily and the Middle School once a week.

Mr. Sherrill is the athletic director. There are many sports with no cut policies. They offer cheerleading, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and soccer. Jack Rardon was the Star striker for the Dragon's soccer team in seventh grade. Jack taught Phillip the perfect volley. The tennis team went undefeated for 3 seasons. Intramural sports are offered for the lower school. The lacrosse program is one of the best in the state. The playground is top notch and modern.

Five Pillars of Success

St. Richard's values are emphasized in "Five Pillars," established to define the school's mission. The pillars are Faith, Classical Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness.

External links

* [http://strichardsschool.org/ St. Richard's School web site]