Coal Pit Learning Center celebrates 50 years

Coal Pit Learning Center marked its 50th anniversary with a party and awards ceremony April 30 at the school on Francistown Road in Glen Allen.

Students kicked off the celebration with a singing performance, and speakers included alumni of the school, current parents and grandparents, Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas and Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt.  

Among other speakers were Dorothy Gallimore – the guest of honor and school founder – and her daughter, Maria Washington, the current school director.  

Coal Pit takes its name from the local coal miners whose children attended the original school in 1905 along with other area children. After the original school closed, the building was abandoned for many years before Gallimore teamed up with Our Lady of Lourdes Church and reopened it in 1976 as a nonprofit preschool for low-income families.   

Over the years, the Innsbrook Rotary Club and other community, church, and school groups have supported the school and helped it to grow and expand capacity. 

Today, Coal Pit is a full-day program enrolling three- and four-year-olds and helping children develop fundamental academic and social skills needed for future success.  

For details admission to Coal Pit, visit www.coalpitlearningcenter.org/admissions. To view a video about Coal Pit's history and programs, visit www.coalpitlearningcenter.org/the-educational-experience.