Back to School: An Inside Look at Fox Elementary

A New Beginning for William F. Fox Elementary School

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, filled with possibilities and fresh opportunities. For the students and staff at William F. Fox Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia, this year marks a significant milestone. After years of waiting and hard work, the school has finally been completed and is ready to welcome students back for the 2024-2025 academic year.

On August 18, students will step into a brand-new building that offers a welcoming and modern learning environment. The space features bright classrooms, freshly painted walls, updated books, and vibrant murals that reflect the creativity and spirit of the community. This transformation represents more than just a physical change—it symbolizes a new chapter for the Fox community and the power of collaboration and investment in education.

The original building was severely damaged three and a half years ago when a fire destroyed its interior during the night. Since then, leaders from Richmond Public Schools (RPS) and the Richmond City School Board have worked tirelessly to secure funding and rebuild the school as quickly as possible. Their efforts have not only restored a vital educational institution but also brought the community together in support of its future.

Katie Ricard, a 2nd District School Board Representative, shared her thoughts on the impact of the rebuilding process. “What that experience has led to is an outpouring of support by our community, and it’s really taught us that as long as we are together, we are Fox Elementary,” she said.

The new layout of the school maintains the overall structure of the original building, with some modifications to accommodate modern systems. One notable improvement is the addition of a sprinkler system, which was missing in the older version of the school. “The old building didn’t have a sprinkler system because it wasn’t designed for that,” Ricard explained. “Now there is one, and these updates are necessary for all our buildings. However, we need continued investment from our government to make these changes happen.”

Despite the destruction caused by the fire, some elements of the original school have been preserved and incorporated into the new design. Crews discovered old chalkboards that were restored and placed in certain areas so students can use them for creative expression. Additionally, a student-created art piece called "Friend-ship" survived the fire and will be displayed in the new building. It was even moved to the Clark Springs building where Fox students temporarily attended classes during the reconstruction period.

The new school features wide, spacious hallways with classic trim that gives it a nostalgic feel. Classrooms are bright and well-lit, with large windows allowing natural light to flood in. There are reading nooks, painted glass panels, and cubbies that create a warm and inviting atmosphere for young learners.

For many students, especially those who have never seen the original building, the excitement is palpable. “My second grader has never seen the old Fox, but she’s just excited to come to school and see her friends,” Ricard said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new school attracted over 1,000 RSVPs, with families gathering on Hanover Avenue to witness the transformation. “This building is the heart of the Fan area, and people have gone here for years. Even if they didn’t attend, they knew someone who did. That connection has made the community very passionate about coming back to Hanover Avenue,” Ricard added.

The first day of school for RPS students will be Monday, August 18, for Preschool, Kindergarten, grades 1–5, 6th grade, and 9th grade. Other students will return on Tuesday, August 19. The reopening of William F. Fox Elementary School is not just a celebration of a new building—it is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and unity of the entire community.