The Richland Academy School of Excellence held an open house Thursday night at the Richland Academy of the Arts at 75 North Walnut Street in downtown Mansfield.

The public community charter school for children in grades 5-8 opens this fall. The open house was a way the school could introduce itself to the community.

Director of instruction Jason Douglas says the parents he talked with say they want their children to be in a safe, secure and warm environment and want to come in and feel assured their children can come in and learn.