St. Andrew's School is an independent elementary school in Richmond, Virginia, specifically for families with low incomes. It is fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). Noted Richmond philanthropist and social reformer Grace Arents founded the school in 1894. It is located in the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood. The school includes grades K-5 with a total of 96 students. History Grace Arents Grace Arents was born in New York City but spent most of her life establishing philanthropic institutions in Richmond, VA. Arents came under the care of her uncle and wealthy tobacco investor, Major Lewis Ginter, after her father's death. Arents eventually inherited her uncle's fortune and used the money to create and support in perpetuity a number of social institutions. She focused many of her efforts in the working-class neighborhood of Oregon Hill. The construction of St. Andrew's Houses in 1904, "which constitute one of the earliest examples of subsidized housing in Virginia," demonstrate her forward thinking approach. In addition to creating St. Andrew's School, Arents funded and supervised the construction of the buildings in the St. Andrew's Church Complex, which are on the Virginia Register of Historic Places. She opened her estate at Bloemendaal to children recovering from illnesses, and her provisions for its continuance ultimately led to the founding of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. A historical marker sponsored by St. Andrew's School commemorates Arents's contributions to the citizens of Richmond: "Grace Evelyn Arents worked tirelessly as an urban reformer and philanthropist to improve the daily life of individuals regardless of race, gender, or class. She developed a church complex that included St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, St. Andrew's School, the Grace Arents Free Library, a teachers' house, and a medical clinic. Arents also established a night school for working children, built public baths and playgrounds, and funded numerous social programs. She supported the formation of the Instructive Visiting Nurse Association. Her legacy continues in the activities of St. Andrew's Church, St. Andrew's School, and the William Byrd Community House in Oregon Hill." Early Years of the School Arents created an environment in which poor and working class children could receive a quality education. Her teaching philosophy, which addressed the multiple needs of the children in her care, remains an integral part of the school today. Arents's program focused on both academics and physical education. She also provided meals for students who spent the day