Misson, Vision & Values
Our mission, vision, and values guide everything we do. We see every student as a confident and capable change agent. This vision grows through strong relationships, transparency, and collaboration. Our learning spaces are built to spark inquiry and discovery. Together, these principles define how we teach today and prepare our students for tomorrow.
OUR MISSION
At Richland Academy, we are a community of responsible, resilient, and compassionate global citizens who are agents of meaningful change.
In our safe and inclusive learning environment, we are all lifelong learners who honor diverse perspectives, intercultural understanding, and mutual respect.
We empower students with relevant, transformational, and forward-thinking skills that enable them to be deeper thinkers, confident, and world ready.
WELCOME TO RICHLAND!
What makes Richland truly special goes beyond what you can see—it is what you feel. It is in the way our students greet you with confidence and kindness, the way our teachers listen deeply and respond with intention, and the way our community comes together with a shared belief that education should be meaningful, joyful, and rooted in strong relationships.
As Head of School, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that is committed not only to academic excellence, but also to the development of the whole child. We believe that students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging, when their voices are heard, and when they are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and think critically about the world around them.
Our approach is grounded in inquiry and guided by the principles of the IB framework, where curiosity drives learning and students are empowered to become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged global citizens. Every day, I am inspired by the creativity, resilience, and empathy that our students demonstrate, qualities that give me great optimism for the future.
Looking ahead, I am filled with a deep sense of excitement as Richland Academy continues to grow. In 2027, Richland Academy will open its Senior School, extending our program through Grade 12 and bringing to life our vision of becoming a full IB continuum school.
This is more than an expansion—it is a step toward a future where our students can grow within one connected journey, shaped by purpose, possibility, and a deep sense of belonging. It is an extraordinary moment for our community, and I am truly honoured to be part of it.
The first thing you will notice when you arrive at Richland Academy is that the joy is tangible; you will feel the energy and sense the vibrancy as soon as you enter the school. You will grasp the wonder of discovery in the classrooms as each student and faculty member engages in authentic critical thinking and learning. I invite you to visit Richland Academy, where I am confident you will feel the same joy I feel every time I walk through the school and am reminded that there has never been a more exciting time to work in education.
With best wishes,
Sandi Fischer
Head of School
“I am proud that my two kids (Grade 5 and Grade 2) have been part of the Richland Academy community. Beyond the academics, Richland has helped them develop socially and mentally to prepare them to be global citizens.”
RICHLAND ACADEMY PARENT
(GRADES 5 & 2)
A MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
I am very excited to be joining the Richland Academy community as the founding Senior School Principal. Over the course of my career, I have worked in international schools in a range of leadership roles, with a particular focus on building strong academic programs and supportive, student-centered school cultures.
Most recently, I have been serving as a founding principal within a multi-pathway high school in Qatar, where I have worked closely with students, staff, and families to establish programs that balance academic rigor with a strong emphasis on well-being and belonging. I have also had the opportunity to teach and lead across the IB continuum, which has given me a strong appreciation for the student journey and the important transitions between each stage of learning.
What drew me to Richland was the clarity of its vision and the strength of its community. It is clear that there is a deep commitment to knowing students well and supporting their growth, both academically and personally.
The addition of the Senior School represents an exciting next step, and I look forward to working in partnership with students, families, and colleagues to build a program that is thoughtful, challenging, and supportive, and that reflects the values of the wider Richland community.
On a personal level, I am also a parent, and I understand the importance of choosing a school where children feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow into confident, capable young people. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have already received and very much look forward to getting to know the community in the months ahead.
Warmly,
Mark Schoemer
Senior School Principal