Come July, our halls were buzzing with the energy of our 4-week summer program — a must for all students, both new and returning. Students get a taste of the academics and activities to come in the upcoming school year, while also enjoying field trips and experiences unique to our summer program.

Each day kicks off with morning academics — think English and Math power sessions — then we share a nutritious lunch, followed by reading groups and some hands-on activities. Afternoons are all about trying new things — whether it's swimming, hiking, biking, or a taste of local culture, our kids get to dive into all sorts of enriching experiences.

We love staying connected with our grads, and one way we do that is by inviting them back for our Summer Work Program. This year, 20 of our high school grads came back to earn a paycheck and gain real-world experience in various aspects of school life — from classroom support to administrative tasks and custodial work. It’s always a treat to have our graduates back in the buildings, and it’s particularly heartwarming to see them engage with our current students. It’s a win-win.

Many of our students eagerly joined Culture Encounters’ “Eat. Talk. Write.” program, where they explored new cuisines, connected with local restauranteurs with inspiring stories, and expressed their own experiences through writing. Meanwhile, our sixth-grade girls embraced the rhythm and beauty of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian art form, by participating in weekly classes that blended music, dance, and storytelling.

For our most adventurous students, connecting with nature through sleep-away camps has become a cherished part of the AJC summer experience. This year, we sent over 30 students to camp, giving them the chance to unplug from their devices and rediscover themselves while building stronger connections with one another.

Our summer session lays the groundwork for a successful year of learning and growth. When students return in August, they hit the ground running.

Come July, our halls were buzzing with the energy of our 4-week summer program — a must for all students, both new and returning. Students get a taste of the academics and activities to come in the upcoming school year, while also enjoying field trips and experiences unique to our summer program.

Each day kicks off with morning academics — think English and Math power sessions — then we share a nutritious lunch, followed by reading groups and some hands-on activities. Afternoons are all about trying new things — whether it's swimming, hiking, biking, or a taste of local culture, our kids get to dive into all sorts of enriching experiences.

We love staying connected with our grads, and one way we do that is by inviting them back for our Summer Work Program. This year, 20 of our high school grads came back to earn a paycheck and gain real-world experience in various aspects of school life — from classroom support to administrative tasks and custodial work. It’s always a treat to have our graduates back in the buildings, and it’s particularly heartwarming to see them engage with our current students. It’s a win-win.

Many of our students eagerly joined Culture Encounters’ “Eat. Talk. Write.” program, where they explored new cuisines, connected with local restauranteurs with inspiring stories, and expressed their own experiences through writing. Meanwhile, our sixth-grade girls embraced the rhythm and beauty of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian art form, by participating in weekly classes that blended music, dance, and storytelling.

For our most adventurous students, connecting with nature through sleep-away camps has become a cherished part of the AJC summer experience. This year, we sent over 30 students to camp, giving them the chance to unplug from their devices and rediscover themselves while building stronger connections with one another.

Our summer session lays the groundwork for a successful year of learning and growth. When students return in August, they hit the ground running.

Volunteers play a crucial role in our community of affection. They bring a sense of stability, support, and encouragement to our students. By offering their time and attention, they help students navigate academic challenges and personal issues.

The Mystery Lunch Buddy Program is a huge hit with both volunteers and students. Sharing a meal with a caring adult makes children feel valued and heard, fostering a positive and nurturing environment. Volunteers are matched with students and often remain paired for years, creating lasting relationships. Lunch buddies commit to visiting once a month, but the mystery lies in “when,” adding excitement. These casual interactions build meaningful bonds over time.

Volunteer roles like classroom aides, study hall helpers, and reading buddies provide a consistent presence on the academic front. When a student has a better understanding of the material, classroom behavior and engagement often improves. One-on-one attention and the ability to ask questions in a small setting can make a world of difference. 7th grader, Imani, says “My volunteer never rushes me. He lets me try the problem my own way and then helps me if I need it. He is always kind and helps me a lot.”

Our volunteers often share that through their experiences at AJC, they receive as much as they give. They love hearing about the students’ lives and learning about their interests. This dynamic creates a mutually beneficial relationship, enriching the lives of both volunteers and the students.

Volunteers play a crucial role in our community of affection. They bring a sense of stability, support, and encouragement to our students. By offering their time and attention, they help students navigate academic challenges and personal issues.

The Mystery Lunch Buddy Program is a huge hit with both volunteers and students. Sharing a meal with a caring adult makes children feel valued and heard, fostering a positive and nurturing environment. Volunteers are matched with students and often remain paired for years, creating lasting relationships. Lunch buddies commit to visiting once a month, but the mystery lies in “when,” adding excitement. These casual interactions build meaningful bonds over time.

Volunteer roles like classroom aides, study hall helpers, and reading buddies provide a consistent presence on the academic front. When a student has a better understanding of the material, classroom behavior and engagement often improves. One-on-one attention and the ability to ask questions in a small setting can make a world of difference. 7th grader, Imani, says “My volunteer never rushes me. He lets me try the problem my own way and then helps me if I need it. He is always kind and helps me a lot.”

Our volunteers often share that through their experiences at AJC, they receive as much as they give. They love hearing about the students’ lives and learning about their interests. This dynamic creates a mutually beneficial relationship, enriching the lives of both volunteers and the students.

July 1st, 2023 - June 30th, 2024

Born into slavery in 1858, Anna Julia Cooper dedicated her life to the fight for race and gender equality with unwavering determination. She lived a remarkable 105 years, from the last days of slavery to the heart of the Civil Rights movement. A brilliant educator, author, and prominent member of Washington D.C.’s African American community, she became the 4th African American woman to earn a doctoral degree when she received her PhD from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.

This year, her relentless pursuit of educational equality took center stage in Tempestuous Elements, an Arena Stage Power Play production that ran for several weeks in Washington, D.C. The play, which received rave reviews from critics, local news, and our own teachers and staff, shone a long-overdue spotlight on her remarkable life and legacy.

While Cooper’s academic and civil achievements were ground-breaking, she once said her most significant accomplishment was “the building of a beautiful home at the Capital from my own earnings to be dedicated in the name of my slave mother to the education of colored working people.” Her beloved home, where she lived for 40 years in the historic LeDroit Park neighborhood of D.C., is now honored as part of the African American Heritage Trail.

In tribute to our remarkable namesake, each year before graduation, Mr. Maruca and Principal Gilliam take our 8th grade students on a day trip to visit the Anna Julia Haywood Cooper Residence at 201 T Street. This pilgrimage allows our students to connect with her powerful legacy and to draw inspiration from her indelible impact on education and equality.

In our first 15 years, Anna Julia Cooper School has grown from a small, dedicated initiative into a thriving community and beacon of opportunity in Richmond’s East End. This growth reflects our commitment to holistic education, with the addition of support services and enrichment programs that nurture students’ academic, personal, and life skills—preparing them for success in high school and beyond. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide a tuition-free, high-quality education to students from limited financial resources, bridging opportunity gaps and supporting each child’s academic, social, and personal growth. We look forward to loving, educating, and uplifting students for generations to come.

25

185

3

45

5^th & 6^th

K - 8^th

$250,000

$4.3 Million

In our first 15 years, Anna Julia Cooper School has grown from a small, dedicated initiative into a thriving community and beacon of opportunity in Richmond’s East End. This growth reflects our commitment to holistic education, with the addition of support services and enrichment programs that nurture students’ academic, personal, and life skills — preparing them for success in high school and beyond. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide a tuition-free, high-quality education to students from limited financial resources, bridging opportunity gaps and supporting each child’s academic, social, and personal growth. We look forward to loving, educating, and uplifting students for generations to come.