Our School
Anna Julia Cooper School is a tuition free independent school dedicated to uplifting its students and graduates through an education founded on love.
Anna Julia Cooper School (AJC) has established itself as a beacon of hope in Richmond’s East End. We serve students in grades K–8 from low-income families—the majority of whom live in public housing.
Our mission goes beyond academics—it’s about nurturing each student’s gifts and building lasting relationships.
At AJC, we consider ourselves a family. Students, parents, teachers, donors, and volunteers are all an important part of our community of affection.
Our mission goes beyond academics—it’s about nurturing each student’s gifts and building lasting relationships.
At AJC, we consider ourselves a family. Students, parents, teachers, donors, and volunteers are all an important part of our community of affection.
Fast Facts
K-8
Grades Served
216
Students Enrolled
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
135
Hours of wrap-around services offered weekly
333
Total Graduates
2
Meals Provided Daily
Lion
School Mascot
2009
Year Founded
The heart of ajc
Love. Educate. Uplift.
Our MISSION➙
How a school founded on love has become a beacon of hope in Richmond’s East End.
Our Story➙
Stay in the know with the latest updates, opportunities, and events!
Recent News➙
Meet the teachers and staff who bring AJC’s mission to life.
Our Staff➙
Discover the story of Anna Julia Cooper and how her legacy inspires our school.
Anna Julia Cooper➙
MORE ABOUT AJC
Student Life
PRIDE PLEDGE
I am Prepared
I show Respect
I model Integrity
I have a Dream
I will Excel
- Small class sizes
- Strong emphasis on reading and literacy
- Permissionless, hands-on learning
- Mandatory 4-week summer program
How is AJC Funded?
- 100% of our operating budget is raised each year through the generosity of local individuals, foundation, churches, and businesses
- All students receive full-tuition scholarships, valued at $21,500
- Full-tuition scholarships cover all aspects of an AJC education, including all activities and wrap-around supports
Beyond Academics
Chapel: All students participate weekly.
Extracurriculars: Non-profit partnerships connect students with a wide range of activities.
Wrap-around services: Speech Therapy, Academic Intervention, Mental Health Services
Athletics: Football, Basketball, Cheerleading, Swimming, Soccer, Volleyball, and Track
Summer camps: Sleep-away camps are offered each summer for MS students.
Graduate Support: AJC supports students into highschool and adulthood.
Our Community of Affection
“AJC is known as a community of affection, where kids experience good relationships. Healthy ones. Over and over. And as many as possible. There’s no shortcut, and there’s nothing more important.”
– Mike Maruca, Head of School
Inside AJC
Want to learn more?
Whether you’re a prospective parent interested in how an uplifting education can empower your child, or a potential donor or volunteer ready to help us provide life-changing opportunities, we invite you to get in touch.
