St. Richard's School was founded in 1960 by the Rev. G. Ernest Lynch, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. He envisioned a unique elementary school linked with the church that would stress academic excellence and traditional values, but also diversity of its student body. According to the school's website , "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". Its 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 2017, 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% are 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 avant-garde curriculum. Students take French from Kindergarten until 5th grade. In 6th grade, students may decide to continue French or learn Spanish. You also learn Latin from 6th to 8th 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 on Wednesday's. St. Richard's mascot is the dragon. There are many sports with no-cut policies. There is usually an A-team and a B-team in grades 6-8. The school has sports teams for tennis, girls' volleyball, girls and boys basketball, track and field, and soccer in which the Dragons won the IISL from 2006-2009. Intramural sports are offered for the Lower School. In 2010, St. Richard's School celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the school decided to change its name to St. Richard's Episcopal School. First Day of School and Special Events School starts on every August 15th. Before the first day of school there is an Ice Cream Social. On September 15, there is fête where students enjoy their Friday's after school. Also the 5th graders go to France for the back-to-back program for 2-weeks at the end of the year. The French Students also stay with American students for 2 weeks.
