If you are searching for a public charter school in Richmond, California that genuinely puts college readiness first — Aspire Richmond Technology Academy deserves your attention. Located at 3170 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, CA 94806, this TK–5 school is part of the Aspire Public Schools network. The network runs K–12 schools built specifically for underserved students who deserve a real shot at college.
This guide covers tuition, grades, enrollment, demographics, key dates, leadership & what sets the school apart.
What Is Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy (ARTA) is a public charter elementary school. It provides services for students in Transition Kindergarten through Grade 5. This school is located in the Bay Area region of Aspire Public Schools, sponsored by Richmond as the sponsoring district.
There are 610 pupils currently enrolled. Afterschool program – for grades 1-5. The school’s mission has always been straight to the point: Every student is prepared for college, starting day one.
Back in 2019, Aspire Richmond Technology Academy earned recognition as a Top Bay Area Public School — specifically for math performance among low-income Latino students at the elementary level. That kind of result does not happen by accident.
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy Tuition Fees: Is It Free to Attend?
Let’s answer the most common question first.
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy charges zero tuition. It is a tuition-free public charter school. There is no application fee, no registration fee, and no annual payment. Families apply, enroll, and show up. That is it.
The afterschool expanded learning program — available for grades 1 through 5 — is also free. Free and reduced-price lunch is available for qualifying families as well.
Read Also: New York City College of Technology Cost in 2026: The Real Numbers Before You Enroll
Tuition & Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Tuition | $0 — Free |
| Application Fee | $0 — Free |
| Registration Fee | $0 — Free |
| Afterschool Program (Grades 1–5) | $0 — Free |
| Free / Reduced Lunch | Available for qualifying families |
How Does the School Cover Its Costs?
Public charter schools in California receive state funding on a per-pupil basis. The school spent roughly $20,864 per student in the 2023–2024 school year — all from public funds. Families pay nothing out of pocket.
So if cost has been holding you back from considering ARTA, it should not be. The school is fully funded and free to attend for all students in the Richmond area.
One important note: Some schools use a similar “Aspire Academy” name but operate as private institutions with tuition fees. Aspire Richmond Technology Academy is not one of them. It is a public charter school under Aspire Public Schools.
Quick Facts: Aspire Richmond Technology Academy at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| School Name | Aspire Richmond Technology Academy |
| Grades Served | TK – 5 |
| Tuition | Free (Public Charter School) |
| Enrollment | 610 students |
| Sponsoring District | Richmond |
| Charter Number | 1740 |
| CDS Number | 07-61796-0132118 |
| Afterschool Program | Yes — Grades 1–5, Free |
| School Address | 3170 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, CA 94806 |
| Phone | 510-480-0660 ext. 12187 |
| Principal | Samantha Lamb |
| Free & Reduced Lunch | Available (38% of students qualify) |
| Award | Top Bay Area Public School 2019 |
Who Attends Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
The school serves a diverse student body that reflects the Richmond community closely.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
| Hispanic | 68% |
| Black or African American | 13% |
| Asian-American | 8% |
| Multiracial | 3% |
| Caucasian | 2% |
| Not Available | 5% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0% |
Nearly 8 in 10 students come from minority backgrounds. The school’s curriculum and support systems are built with this community in mind — not bolted on as an afterthought.
How to Enroll at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy
Enrollment runs through the West Contra Costa portal on SchoolMint. The process is straightforward.
- Online portal: enrollwcc.schoolmint.net
- Enrollment contact: Veronica Rivera Vega, Program Manager of Enrollment & Special Projects
- Phone: (510) 434-5023 ext. 27504
- Email: veronica.riveravega@aspirepublicschools.org
The school gives enrollment priority in this order: intra-Aspire transfers, children of Aspire employees, siblings of current students, children of founding families, students from specific WCCUSD district areas, students eligible for free and reduced meals, and then all other Richmond district residents.
Apply early. Seats fill up faster than most families expect.
2025–2026 Key Academic Dates
| Event | Date |
| First Day of School | August 4, 2025 |
| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 |
| Fall Break | September 29 – October 3, 2025 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 13, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 |
| Harvest Break | November 24–28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 9, 2026 |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 30 – April 6, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 |
| Last Day of School | June 9, 2026 |
| Juneteenth | June 19, 2026 |
Staff professional development days — when students do not attend — fall on September 19, October 6, January 12, and April 7.
School Leadership at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy
| Role | Name |
| Principal | Samantha Lamb |
| Assistant Principal (TK–2) | Susan Tabrah |
| Assistant Principal (3–5) | Marcia Courchaine |
| Dean of Students (TK–2) | Grace Shin Collins |
| Dean of Students (3–5) | Monique Evans |
| Expanded Learning Site Director | Tania Chenevert |
| Business Manager | Laura Rodriguez |
Each role is specific. There is clear accountability at every level — from classroom instruction all the way through after-school operations. That kind of structure matters in a school serving 600-plus students.
What the Principal Says
To the families of our students, this is a message I want to share to you at the beginning of this school year:
From the college flags displayed in our hallway to our rigorous instruction, grounded in data, to prepare our students for a college degree, everything at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy is focused on getting our students ready for college.
She reiterated that the school was a team effort, and that students, staff, families and community partners are all part of the team. It’s not like someone who is serious about this, it’s more like a school newsletter.
What Makes Aspire Richmond Technology Academy Different?
A few things stand out when you look closely.
College starts in kindergarten. Not metaphorically — literally. College flags hang in the hallways. Students hear about college from their first day. The expectation gets set early and does not let up.
Instruction is data-driven. Teachers track student performance regularly and adjust based on what the numbers show. It is not a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
Blended learning in every classroom. ARTA uses a blended learning model to give each student more personalized instruction. That means kids are not all moving at exactly the same pace through exactly the same content.
Families are part of the system. PowerSchool and MealTime portals keep parents connected to grades, attendance, and meal accounts. Communication is built into how the school operates.
Spanish-language resources throughout. The student handbook, LCAP, wellness policy, and immigration guidance are all available in Spanish. For a school where more than two-thirds of students are Hispanic, this is not optional — it is essential.
Restorative practices embedded schoolwide. Restorative justice, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices are part of the school’s daily culture — not a crisis response plan pulled out when things go wrong.
Student Support and Safety Resources
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy provides a range of support for students and families:
- Online bullying report form accessible to all families
- Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison: Monique Evans (Dean of Students)
- Suicide Prevention Policy and Mental Health Support resources on file
- Neurodivergent student resources through UCLA’s CA Literacy and Dyslexia Collaborative
- Immigration guidance for California schools — available in English and Spanish
These are real programs backed by documented policies, not just website checkboxes.
Related Terms
Aspire Public Schools, charter school Richmond CA, tuition-free elementary school Bay Area, TK-5 public school Richmond, college readiness program, underserved students California, afterschool program Richmond CA, West Contra Costa enrollment, free public charter school Richmond, Aspire Richmond Technology Academy tuition.
Key Documents Every Family Should Bookmark
| Document | Languages Available |
| Student & Family Handbook | English and Spanish |
| LCAP 2025–2026 | English and Spanish |
| Bell Schedule 2025–26 | English |
| School Accountability Report Card (SARC) | English and Spanish |
| Wellness Policy 2025–26 | English and Spanish |
| Expanded Learning Program Plan | English and Spanish |
| Title IX and Anti-Discrimination Policy | English |
All documents are accessible through the official Aspire Public Schools website.
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Bell Schedule at a Glance
| Day | TK–1st Grade | 2nd–5th Grade |
| Monday – Thursday | 8:10 AM – 2:35 PM | 8:10 AM – 2:50 PM |
| Friday / Minimum Days | 8:10 AM – 12:35 PM | 8:10 AM – 12:50 PM |
Final Takeaway
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school where college is not a distant prospect, it’s a point of every school day. The school meets families’ needs in a structured, high-expectation environment that they can access for free because it is a real challenge for families and they are facing it.
As you consider enrollments; as you seek to further your understanding of this school, whether you are a parent, a teacher, or just interested — the picture is the same. ARTA attentious, organized and free.
For registration or more information, please visit https://aspirepublicschools.org/locations/bay-area/aspire-richmond-technology-academy/ or call (510) 480-0660 ext. 12187.
FAQs:
Q: Is Aspire Richmond Technology Academy free?
Yes, Aspire Richmond Technology Academy is a free school that does not charge any tuition fees, application fees, or yearly enrollment fees. It is a public charter school located in Richmond, California.
Q: What grades does Aspire Richmond Technology Academy serve?
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy serves students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Grade 5.
Q: How do I enroll my child at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
Registration is through West Contra Costa SchoolMint (wcc.schoolmint.net). Or call enrollment manager Veronica Rivera Vega at (510) 434-5023 ext. 27504 or email veronica.riveravega@aspirepublicschools.org.
Q: Does Aspire Richmond Technology Academy have an afterschool program?
Yes. The school offers a free Expanded Learning afterschool program for students in grades 1 through 5.
Q: Where is Aspire Richmond Technology Academy located?
The school is located at 3170 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, CA 94806. Phone: 510-480-0660 ext. 12187.
Q: Who is the principal of Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
The current principal is Samantha Lamb. She has led the school’s college-focused culture and data-driven instruction approach.
Q: Is Aspire Richmond Technology Academy a good school?
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy was named a Top Bay Area Public School in 2019, recognized specifically for math performance among low-income Latino students. The school uses blended learning, restorative practices, and a college-prep culture starting from TK.
Q: What is the student-teacher ratio at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
The student-teacher ratio is approximately 26 to 1.
Q: Does Aspire Richmond Technology Academy offer free lunch?
Yes. Free and reduced-price lunch is available for qualifying families through the National School Lunch Program.
Q: What is the ethnic makeup of Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
68% Hispanic, 13% Black or African American, 8% Asian-American, 3% Multiracial, and 2% Caucasian.
Q: When does the 2025–2026 school year start at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy?
The first day of school for the 2025–2026 year is August 4, 2025. The last day is June 9, 2026.
Q: Is Aspire Richmond Technology Academy a public or private school?
It is a public charter school. It receives state funding and charges no tuition — making it different from private schools that use similar “Aspire Academy” branding.