History of the Pythagoras School

The Pythagoras School was founded as the “Lost Trades School” in December 2003 with funding from the Historic Richmond Foundation. The Board of Directors of the School chose to adopt the name Pythagoras in March 2006 -- in order to emphasize the bright future of careers in skilled building craftsmanship, and the intellectual dimension of craftsmanship, which requires substantial practical use of geometry (skilled craftsmen use the Pythagorean Theorem by name every day). To date the Pythagoras School has taught over 50 students, in five hands-on, several week classes.

In May 2006, based on the success of the Pythagoras School’s classes, the Jackson Foundation granted $15,000 to the Pythagoras School and Boaz & Ruth for hands-on classes in skilled building craftsmanship at Boaz & Ruth’s facilities in Highland Park. In July 2007, The Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce Foundation made a grant of $7,500 to the Pythagoras School for thorough curriculum development, and the School’s curriculum development process is underway.

Since its founding in 2003, the Pythagoras School has received many generous personal contributions. The following organizations also have partnered with Pythagoras or contributed in-kind goods or services: