Anna Julia Cooper School*
Richmond, VA
Named in honor of African American educator, author, and activist Anna Julia Cooper (AJC), AJC is a tuition-free school serving a majority low-income student population in Richmond’s East End. Founded as a middle school (grades 6-8) in 2009, AJC has grown to serve grades K-8 with a focus on supporting families and ensuring success in high school and beyond.
AJC is constructing a new 36,000 SF elementary school adjacent to its existing middle school, replacing the existing Lower School building and doubling the number of K-5 students AJC can serve. Key components of this development include twelve classrooms, expanded space for art and music programs, a gymnasium, and a new athletic and playing field. After expansion, AJC will provide tuition-free education to a total of 268 K-8 students annually (100% low income) and almost double elementary school (K-5) capacity from 92 to 172 students annually. The project will support 45 permanent FTEs (full time employees) in teaching, academic support, behavioral support, administrative, and school leadership positions.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Quick Facts
Address: 2000 N. 29th Street, Richmond, VA 23223 (New Lower School); 2110 N. 28th St, Richmond, VA 23223 (Playing Fields)
Square Footage: 36,906 SF
Total investment: $18,500,000 NMTCs
Developer: Anna Julia Cooper School
Allocatees: MBS Urban Initiatives CDE and CAHEC CDE
NMTC Equity Investor: Capital One
Architect: Bartzen & Ball
Leverage Lender: Anna Julia Cooper School
Projected construction jobs: 100
Projected permanent jobs: 45