About

Welcome to Ricardo Richards Elementary School!

For over four decades, our school has stood as a beacon of educational excellence in the heart of St. Croix. Established in 1977, we have grown from humble beginnings into a thriving Pre-K to 6th grade community, serving around 400 diverse and vibrant students. Our commitment to holistic education ensures that each child receives the academic, social, emotional, and cultural support they need to succeed.

At Ricardo Richards, we proudly embrace our unique Virgin Islands heritage while delivering a curriculum rooted in the Common Core and Virgin Islands State Standards. Through innovative programs like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and a strong character education framework, we strive to create a safe and respectful learning environment where students feel empowered to grow. With a rich history of national accolades—including being named a Blue Ribbon School in 2014 and 2024—our students continue to shine in academic competitions and beyond.

Our dedicated team of educators, staff, and community partners work together to nurture curiosity, foster collaboration, and inspire excellence. We believe in the power of partnerships, with strong parental and community involvement playing a central role in our success.

As we look ahead, we will strive to empower our students to dream big, achieve their fullest potential, and become leaders who positively impact the world. Welcome to Ricardo Richards Elementary, where every day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and celebration!

Ricardo Richards was born on May 9, 1916, on the island of St. Croix, VI. From and early age he displayed a profound interest in the field of education. Armed with this interest and a thirst for knowledge, he began his teaching career at the age of eighteen while continuing his education with on-island training on Hampton Institute. His career in public education in the Virgin Islands began in 1934 as an elementary school teacher at the former Diamond Rural School.

Later on his position included: teacher at the former La Valle   Frederiskted Junior Highschool, principal at Claude O. Markoe School, and Property and Procurement Officer of the Division of Auxiliary Services in the Department of Education. 

In addition to the academics, Mr. Richards passed on the many of his students the art of basket weaving, a skill he mastered at an early age. 

He retired from active duty on December 24, 1976, but was remembered for his outstanding contribution to the Virgin Islands community both within and outside the area of education. 

Act No. 3948, approved on April 13, 1977, expressed the appreciation of the people of the Virgin Islands for the many years of outstanding services of Mr. Ricardo Richards to the Government of the Virgin Islands and renamed the Strawberry School on St. Croix on his honor. 

The encased basket is a sample of his artwork that was lovingly and sentimentally donated to the school by his family.  

^{Donated by the Richards Family}