Richmond College Preparatory School

Founded on the belief that every child is capable of earning a college degree, the Richmond College Preparatory School is a charter school in Nystrom for preschoolers and elementary school students. There is no tuition or cost to attend.

To prepare children for college, the school provides instruction in writing, math, science, art, geography, history, language, multicultural studies and music. Students learn at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment, where multicultural differences are celebrated, and students and parents are encouraged to share their cultures and traditions.

Our preschool serves 40 eligible children 47 weeks a year, and prepares them for our elementary school.

The elementary school includes grades 1 through 5, and is approved by the West Contra Costa Unified School District and the California State Department of Education.  Enrollment is limited to 40 students, with preference given to children from our preschool.

Because it is a charter school, there are no income requirements and children from outside the Nystrom community may attend. Eligibility requirements are the same as other Head Start programs, and all children are welcome regardless of race, religion, national origin, disability or gender.

To learn more, call 510-620-9961 or e-mail richcollegeprep@sbcglobal.net

Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE)
           

Imagine a safe, diverse and thriving community where kids walk to quality schools, people of all ages enjoy parks, community facilities and winding trails, and quality housing – regardless of income – meet the needs of all families. 
This vision is becoming a reality thanks to the Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE). With a focus on improving the quality of life for youth and families, NURVE is a collaborative effort between the Richmond Children’s Foundation and various city, county and community entities.

The current focus is to ensure the success of capital projects, including the rebuilding of Nystrom Elementary School, the Maritime Center, and the Martin Luther King Community Center, as well as the construction of new buildings such as a joint-use multi-purpose facility and Nystrom Village, entailing the redevelopment of four blocks of public housing. The Richmond Children’s Foundation has been a key leader in planning and securing financial support for these projects.

Recognizing the importance of community building and engagement, the Richmond Children’s Foundation is also focusing its efforts on the Nystrom’s Children Zone.
Recruiting and organizing members of the community, beginning with parents of children enrolled in our Richmond Pre-school and Charter Elementary School, the Nystrom Children’s Zone centers around activities of common interest – first and foremost emphasizing the healthy development of children – making a substantial contribution to building a neighborhood filled with health and vibrancy, ensuring access to jobs, healthcare and social services.

The Nystrom Children’s Zone concentrates on families, ensuring mothers, fathers and caretakers are well versed in effective-parenting techniques, engaging in local educational, social and religious activities with their children. This type of involvement ensures our children will experience a healthy, happy childhood that will expand far into adulthood.

The Richmond Children’s Foundation uses five core community-building values:

• Create a sense of belonging:  Involve parents and the community at large.  Encourage community interaction.  Design programs and work in collaboration with the City, School District and the County to ensure public programs are available and accessible.
  
  
• Respect the place: Identify and build upon the neighborhood’s special qualities.  Embrace the qualities of the sense of history and culture that exist in Nystrom.
  
  
• Create a safe and friendly environment: Make a walk able community.  Increase transportation choices. 
  
  
• Encourage worthy development:  Make development recognize its community obligations. Provide appropriate economic opportunities.  Create great places to live.
  
  
• Retain a sense of community.  Provide families with all of the opportunities necessary to build full, enriching lives.  Help parents build a network of support with their friends, families and neighbors.

        To learn more, call 510-234-1200 or email jbecker@richmondchildren.org

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