Prior to 1998 charter schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia were non-existent. Students who wanted to be educated in ways alternative to public education would need to seek out private schools or homeschooling. The Patrick Henry School of Arts and Sciences (PHSSA), a year round elementary charter school in the City of Richmond, is the first elementary charter school in Virginia. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the events and actions that led to the establishment and operation of PHSSA, as a public charter school. The main research question for this study is, what has occurred and had to be overcome in order to enable the first elementary public charter school in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be approved and to continue as a charter, renewed twice for a total existence of 10 years? This research provides recommendations for those seeking to implement and continue the renewal of a charter school where the authorizer is a local school board. Participants interviewed were representatives of the community--parents and community leaders--who were involved in the startup of Patrick Henry at various stages of its existence. A systematic method of document review and structured interviews of key informants was conducted. Analysis revealed the problems and successes of this elementary charter school. Outcomes from the interviews should foster understanding of the creation and continued renewal of charter schools in Virginia. The study may provide counsel for future public charter school endeavors in the Commonwealth. / Doctor of Education / Public charter schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia began with the authorization of public charters in 1998. As written in the Code of Virginia (§ 22.1-212.5): Public charter schools in Virginia are nonsectarian, nonreligious, or non-home-based alternative schools located within a public school division. The Patrick Henry School of Arts and Sciences (PHSSA), a year-round elementary charter school in the city of Richmond, is the first elementary charter school in Virginia. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the events and actions that led to the establishment and operation of PHSSA. This study provides recommendations for those seeking to implement and continue the renewal of a charter school. Participants interviewed were representatives of the community--parents and community leaders--who were involved in the startup of PHSSA. Outcomes from the interviews should provide understanding of the creation and continued renewal of charter schools in Virginia. It also may provide guidance for future public charter school endeavors in the Commonwealth. .