It was founded in 1977 as America's first full-time, four year, public high school for academically talented students primarily from minority and low-income families.

Richmond Community High School admits applicants from within the city limits who are identified as academically gifted, with a preference for socio-economically challenged students.

In 1990, RCHS moved into the former Westhampton Elementary School building, located on what was a large wooded site at 5800 Patterson Avenue (State Route 6) in The West End of Richmond.

Asch's original grant was made to the Virginia State University Foundation, which assisted Richmond Public Schools with a demonstration program.

Asch thought bright students from minority and low-income families should have the cultural and educational opportunities his own children had enjoyed.