Our History
The town of Richmond has a distinguished history of being committed to quality education for its residents. By most accounts, the first public school in Richmond was established in 1781. By the late 19th century, Richmond had six schoolhouses to serve its student population: the Northeast, Southeast, North, Center, Southwest, and Furnace.
In her 1964 book Richmond, Katharine Huntington Annin pointed out that the earliest record of a school committee was in 1862, when the average winter enrollment was 137 and the average summer enrollment 117. (Interestingly, according to Annin, “the cost of all the schools, including teachers’ board, salaries, and fuel for the school stoves, was $850.”)
In 1937, the six schools were consolidated into one building aptly named the “Richmond Consolidated School.” Located on the present site, the school– built for a total cost of $24,000– included three classrooms for eight grades as well as a teachers’ room and a basement lunch/play area.
The Richmond Consolidated School underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2000. A centerpiece of the Richmond community, the beautiful state-of-the-art facility today provides the setting for a solid, well-rounded education for 175 students from preschool to eighth grade. Besides the basics– math, science, English, and history– our children also have the opportunity to study Spanish, French, art, music, drama, technology, and physical education.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide opportunities for everyone to become happy, caring individuals as well as academic achievers. As a community of learners, we are committed to creating a school climate that encourages positive self esteem, critical thinking, responsibility, mutual respect, citizenship, and a lifelong love of learning.
School Choice
Since 2006, the Richmond Consolidated School has participated in the School Choice program. The School Choice program allows students who do not live in Richmond to attend our school, provided there are openings in the corresponding classes. We are very pleased to have about 70 school choice students, primarily from Pittsfield and West Stockbridge, who bring a broad range of interests and a touch of diversity to our school community.
We encourage other families to consider the Richmond Consolidated School, and we welcome visits so that you can learn more about what we have to offer. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule a visit, please call us at 698-2207.
Preschool Program
We are very proud of our preschool, a tuition-based program that is open to residents of Richmond as well as families in surrounding towns. Our specially developed program offers:
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Nurturing teachers dedicated to educating the whole child
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A small class where positive social skills are developed while fostering independence
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A "STEAM" focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math)
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Full-day program, 5 days a week (part-time options are available)
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Introduction to numbers and letters through games and other multi-sensory experiences
Registrations are now being accepted for the 2023-24 school year. In late April/early May classes are established and parents/guardians are notified by mail. If placed a $150 deposit and a separate completed application form will hold the slot for the 2023-2024 school year. Please call the school (413-698-2207) for information regarding application.