Richmond is a major educational hub. The crown jewel of its higher education system is **Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)**, a premier public research university with a renowned medical center and the top-ranked VCU School of the Arts. The city is also home to the **University of Richmond**, a highly ranked private liberal arts university, and **Virginia Union University**, a historic and prestigious HBCU (Historically Black College and University). **Reynolds Community College** provides vital two-year degree programs and vocational training.
At the primary and secondary levels, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) serves the city's youth. While the district faces systemic challenges common in urban education, it features standout institutions like the **Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies**, consistently ranked as one of the best public high schools in the United States. The community is additionally served by the **Richmond Public Library** system, which operates a beautiful Main Library downtown and several neighborhood branches.