By: Philip Hope, St. Richard’s Communications Intern and Leigh Anne Naas, St. Richard’s Director of Strategic Communication
St. Richard’s Episcopal School, the only Episcopal school in Indiana, is celebrating its 65th year. Formed initially as a parish day school for Trinity, Indianapolis, it has since grown into an independent school in its own right, enrolling students age 3 through Grade 8 from across the greater Indianapolis area.
The inaugural class began September 14, 1960, with 16 preschool and kindergarten students. The following year, St. Richard’s admitted its first African-American student, making it the first independent school in Indianapolis to open the doors to racial integration. Thousands of students and decades later, St. Richard’s continues to pursue academic excellence, create a sense of belonging for all people, and live into the values of its Episcopal affiliation.
The mission of the school is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime, providing a timeless, challenging curriculum that embraces diversity while developing global citizens socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually through the implementation of Five Pillars for Success.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the school is its community. Teachers, students, and parents feel a sense of deep belonging, and many just can’t resist coming back after graduating. Some of the teachers and administrators are alumni or alumni parents themselves, building lasting relationships as they encourage students and families to grow just as they did years ago. Learn more about St. Richard’s on their website, by listening to a Class of 1971 alum share her memories, or by visiting the school’s open house on Nov 6 (registration required).
Fun Facts
- The most significant symbol of the school is its name, the only one so-named in the United States. The school’s founder, The Reverend G. Ernest Lynch of Trinity, Indianapolis, chose the name Saint Richard’s for two reasons. First, he wanted to honor a distinctly Anglican saint and scholar: Saint Richard (1197- 1253), bishop of Chichester in the south of England. Second, the rector wished to honor the then-retiring Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis, The Right Reverend Richard A. Kirchhoffer, who shared his interest in parish day-school education.
- The school uniform stands as one of the enduring traditions of Saint Richard’s, with the green blazer having been a part of the student experience nearly from the beginning. Today the blazers and other components of the school uniform are a recognizable hallmark of St. Richard’s students as they travel on field experiences throughout the city and state.
- The St. Richard’s Episcopal School coat of arms is adapted from the authentic crest for Saint Richard as recorded in the British College of Heraldry, incorporated with the bishop’s mitre. The shield graces the processional banner used in school chapel services.
- The red Welsh dragon, with its distinctive features, was adopted in the 1985-86 school year as the athletics mascot and has since emerged as the primary recognizable logo for the school.
- Approximately 14% of the student body identifies as Episcopalian. Other faiths represented among the student body includes Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, other Christian denominations, and none or unidentified.
- While the student body is not required to be Episcopalian, at least 50% of the voting members of St. Richard’s Board of Trustees are required to be a member of an Episcopal Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, and at least 20% are required to be members of Trinity.
