One of the original six school districts established in 1864. The first classes were held in Shaffer’s warehouse. In 1865, the first schoolhouse was built through the efforts of Margaret Streshly and Mary J. Drake, who solicited donations of both building materials and money for furnishings.  

In the summer of 1882, W.R. Schooler, County Superintendent of Schools, came under the wrath of the Trustees of the Richmond School and residents throughout the County. Schooler appointed John Hulsman as a Trustee to the Richmond School to replace David W. Ridenour who had “for three consecutive months, neglected to serve, for no reason, and was not prevented by illness or absence from being out of state.” The Trustee’s, however, held a special election to fill Ridenour’s vacancy and John R. Perkins was elected. Schooler informed the trustees that the election was unauthorized and thereby was deemed void and Hulsman remained on the Board. The trustees were not pleased with Schooler’s decision. In the meantime, Schooler was up for re-election and this became a campaign issue. Schooler contacted both the California State Superintendent of Schools, F.M. Campbell, and Attorney General, A.F. Hart, for an opinion. In October 1882, Attorney General Hart replied that Schooler had the sole authority to make the appointment and the action taken by the Richmond School Trustees was affirmed to be null and void. Schooler made it a point to have Hart’s response published in the County’s two newspapers. This did not appease the voters and Schooler lost the election in November to E.A. Williams by forty votes. After that controversy, Richmond’s population decreased dramatically. For a short time, in 1916, the school closed its doors for lack of students.

On April 1, 1966, school was held for the last time in the original building. When the students returned from Easter vacation on April 12, 1966, the thirty-three pupils entered a new facility. The original one-room school was replaced with a $175,000 structure that consisted of three classrooms, offices, a kitchen and a multipurpose room. The original school building still remains, though it has been remodeled, and has had two additions to the original structure. The school has been converted into a private residence.

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