Pilot Media - Your Guide To Private Education Jan 2017

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Guide To Private Education

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL

WHY ENROLL A CHILD IN AN INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL? The reasons cited repeatedly by the thousands of families that send their children to private schools include individual attention, smaller classes, teacher excellence and high academic standards.

STEP 1: WEIGH THE BENEFITS A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that larger percentages of students in independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public schools.

The study also found that students at independent private schools: • Do twice as much homework as their counterparts.

• Watch two-thirds as much television.

• Are more likely to participate in varsity or intramural sports.

• Are more likely to agree that students and teachers get along well, that discipline is fair and that teaching is good.

K-5th

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The kinds of schools Although schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools set high standards and emphasize values, they are distinct from one another.

There are day and boarding schools, coeducational schools, girls’ schools and boys’ schools.

Enrollment varies from a few dozen to a few thousand students. Some independent schools are centuries old; others have been around only a decade. Some are progressive; others are more traditional in structure.

Many schools excel at rigorous intellectual preparation; others are dedicated to average learners. Some specialize in teaching bright students with learning disabilities.

- National Association of Independent Schools STEP 2: MAKE A LIST OF POTENTIAL SCHOOLS YOU’VE DECIDED THAT PRIVATE EDUCATION is right for your child. Now you have to pick a school, and the options are many. Here are some questions to consider as you make your decision and a list of materials to request from each school on your list.

Questions to consider These questions can help you decide which school is right for your child: • Would your child enjoy a small or large school?

• Would your child flourish at a traditional or progressive school?

• Should the school be coeducational or single-sex?

• Should it be a day school or a boarding school?

• What special programs – such as arts, sports

or computers – are important to your child?

• Is a diverse school community important to you and your family?

• Does your child have special needs or interests?

School materials to request After determining your priorities, order and review catalogs from a number of schools. Here are some questions to start with as you look through each school’s materials: • Is the school accredited, and by whom?

• What is the school’s mission, and does its philosophy appeal to you?

• Are academics rigorous?

• Is the environment competitive? Nurturing?

Are there high expectations?

• Does the school meet your child’s needs?

• How large is the school and its student body?

• Where is the school located, and what are your transportation options?

STEP 3: SCHEDULE VISITS AND ASK QUESTIONS THE LIST OF potential schools has been made, and now it’s time to schedule school visits. Plan to go to several campuses. When you go, ask lots of questions. During the interview, take time to honestly discuss your child’s candidacy as well as to ask any unanswered questions, such as: Parental & student involvement • How, and how often, does the school communicate with families?

• Can parents call or e-mail teachers when they need to?

• Do the students seem productive, engaged and happy?

• How does the school measure individual achievement – through grades, portfolio review or something else?

Faculty background • What are the backgrounds and experiences of the faculty?

• What’s the student-teacher ratio in your child’s grade?

• Is the faculty diverse enough to provide a variety of role models?

• Does the school provide its teachers with professional development?

General questions • Is the campus clean, well-lighted and secure?

• Does the school feel like a community?

Guide To Private Education

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• Do students interact with teachers outside and inside the classroom? • What counseling and support services are offered for students? • What is the school’s attrition rate?

STEP 4: APPLY TO SCHOOLS IT’S A GOOD IDEA to apply to several schools so you and your child have options about which one to attend. After you visit several schools, create a short list of those you wish to pursue. Complete the application forms for those schools, and that will trigger the rest of the admission process.

Application requirements Most schools require a complete application on ďŹ le before they decide who to admit.

The following items are typically part of the process: • A completed application form.

• The most recent academic transcript with grades. • Past standardized testing results. • Teacher recommendations. • Results of a standardized admission test, a school-administered entrance exam or both.

Other requirements Depending on the applicant’s age, some independent schools might ask for other materials, such as: • Parent statements. • Student writing samples. • Artwork portfolios. • Specialized testing, such as results of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. • Elementary schools often require other forms of evaluation, such as teacher observations, school-administered group tests or diagnostic tests for young children.

WHAT’S INSIDE? Choosing the right private school PAGE 2 Breena Daniels | Star Pointe Academy Principal PAGE 4 Local private schools, by city PAGES 7 & 12 Educating beyond the classroom PAGE 8 Online resources PAGE 11

ABOUT THIS SECTION editor Clay Barbour, clay.barbour@pilotonline.com

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Guide To Private Education

PHOTO BY DENNIS TENNANT

BRENA DANIELS WHERE THERE ARE NO TRACKS, PICK UP AND FLY

By Cindy Butler Focke

B

rena Daniels doesn’t spend much time in her office. That’s because the Star Pointe Academy principal and founder is usually hanging out with her students.

The school opened in the Harbour View section of Suffolk this year, offering grades 4-9 a unique curriculum that includes entrepreneurship, computer science, engineer-

ing and Mandarin Chinese. The 7,500-foot space has movable wallboards, which means areas can be divided and reconfigured as needed.

The school is an innovative place where “nerds are cool,” Daniels said. The students sit on yoga balls, and unwind in an area called the “hygge,” pronounced “hue-ga,” which is Danish for “a total state of comfort.” The “idea hatchery” area is a type of think tank spot where students brainstorm. Composition notebooks? Please, that’s old school. At Star Pointe it’s iPads for all. Electives include claymation, drone aviation, movie production and fashion design. And when it comes to year-end tests – there are none. Individual digital portfolios serve as a “yearbook of what they’ve learned,” Daniels said.

D

aniels’ joy comes from seeing the students’ curiosity peaked. Recently a group wanted to see if motors removed from small fans could power their laptops. Turns out they could. Students create their own mock business designed to address a social cause, a task that requires them to write a business plan, make a budget and raise capital. One student has decided on a company to help the elderly navigate the computer, while another is working on one to increase self-esteem in teens.

Guide To Private Education

Daniels grew up in Chesapeake and graduated from Oscar Smith High School in 1998. She loved learning about marketing, science and history, and still remembers the thrill of studying the Oregon Trail in middle school.

“We learned how to preserve fruits and vegetables, brought in deer meat and dressed as frontier women,” she said, smiling. “I was an old soul. I’ve been wearing blazers since ninth grade.”

A

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t Norfolk State University she studied For four years principal Brena biology and pre-med as a DNIMAS Daniels pounded the pavement (Dororetz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences) scholar, which to find out what kind of educameant full tuition and housing for the entire tional experience parents and four years. She also got her master’s of education from NSU. children wanted. With clipboard She pursued a Ph.D. in biomedical science in hand, she visited high-traffic with a concentration in virology from Eastplaces, such as Sam’s Club. ern Virginia Medical School. While there she interned at the National Institutes of Health in Washington D.C., and wrote a research article on macular degenerative disease published in a scientific journal.

“I loved it,” she said. But she was pregnant with her first child when the virology program required direct contact with viruses, such as herpes simplex, which could possibly harm her unborn child. So she decided to pursue a career in education.

“If I wasn’t going to be a lab rat, I wanted to spark the interest of science in other people,” she said. Daniels taught life science to seventh and eighth grade middle-schoolers, worked as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teacher and was a science specialist from 2004 to 2016 with Portsmouth Public Schools. During that time she earned an educational

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specialist degree from Virginia Tech. But implementing inventive ideas was not easy in public school, she said.

“A tug on my heart from God” told her to create a loving learning haven for children.

For four years she pounded the pavement to find out what kind of educational experience parents and children wanted. With clipboard in hand, she visited high-traffic places, such as Sam’s Club. She surveyed several thousand folks and asked them to “design the school of your dreams.”

And there were lots of grassroots conversations that helped formulate the school’s blueprint. The path reminded her of what she wrote about in a college entrance essay: “I’m a locomotion train without tracks. Where there are no tracks, I’ll pick up and fly.”

She formed a board of directors, created a website, and applied for non-profit status.

The school opened in September.

Its name is God-inspired, she said. Stars imprinted on a Navy blue blazer reminded her of a bible verse, Psalms Chapter 147, verse 4. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.” (King James) Social media marketing expert Ashley Key met Daniels through their church and serves on the school’s board of directors. Key said Daniels’ integrity, brilliant mind, strong work ethic and “unshakable faith” helped make her dream a reality. “And she gets it done with excellence,” she said.

Fifth-grader Jackson McDaniel said the school is a good

Develop Spiritual Strength, Achieve Academic Excellence, Build Lifelong Relationships.

fit for him because “I’m very adventurous.” The Carrolton resident said he loves to read and work with drones. “We’re super modern and high-tech,” he said.

Twins John and Arthur Hill from Chesapeake said they have more freedom in their school compared to public schools. “Plus we have custom courses, like 3-D printing and web design,” Arthur said. Not to mention robotics and culinary arts, they added.

Daniels’ and her family live in the Churchland area of Portsmouth. Their tree-filled backyard overlooks a creek and is filled with squirrels, including a cashew-loving one they’ve named Gary. Her husband Shelton Daniels is a sales manager for the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth, has a real

Brena Daniels hopes to one day train other educators in a manner akin to “Ted-Talk” seminars for those “who are ready to do education differently.”

Guide To Private Education

bible study book club titled “B. Inspired,” which meets three times a year.

The future is bright, she said. She envisions more than one Star Pointe Academy, with her transitioning one day into the role of dean, and the current teachers eventually becoming administrators at other locations.

One day she hopes to become a type of “epicenter to train others,” she said. That means sharing and spreading her knowledge, with the formulation of “Ted-Talk”-like seminars for those “who are ready to do education differently.”

That’s in the master plan. For now, she is concentrating on her first group of 46 “star scholars.” “These kids are going to do some extraordinary things,” Daniels said.

Star Pointe Academy is located at 7007 Harbour View Blvd. Suite 100. For more information call 757-977-1050, or visit www.schooloftheirdreams.com

estate license and recently earned a bachelor’s degree of theology from Bible Faith Global College and Seminary. Their children Shelton Jr. and Arielle, attend Star Pointe, in grades 6 and 9 respectively.

In her rare spare time Daniels enjoys acrylic painting and traveling to places with beaches and “coral-colored skies.”

She is a self-published author and coordinates a women’s

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Guide To Private Education

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SCHOOL LISTINGS CHESAPEAKE

Atlantic Shores Christian School, accredited, age 3 to 12th grade, 1217 N. Centerville Turnpike (secondary campus), 479-9598; 1861 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach (elementary campus), 479-1125; www.shoreschristian.org Cathedral of Faith Christian School, age 2 to second grade, 2020 Portlock Road, 545-8050, www.cathedraloffaithcs.org Cedar Road Christian Academy, age 2 to ďŹ fth grade, 916 Cedar Road, 547-9553, www.cedarroad christianacademy.com

Mount Pleasant Christian School, kindergarten to eighth grade, 1613 Mount Pleasant Road, 482-9557, www.mtpleasantchristian.org Primrose School at Cahoon Commons, accredited, preschool, 660 GrassďŹ eld Pkwy., 842-6589, www.primroseschools.com/OurSchools/ Virginia/SouthHamptonRoads/Chesapeake/CahoonCommons Promote Family Preschool & Childcare, preschool and kindergarten, 304 Newberry Drive, 410-1797, www.promotefamily.org Providence Christian School and Day Care, age 2 to sixth grade, 501 Providence Road, 523-6480, www.providence-baptist.com

Centerville Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten, age 2 to kindergarten, 908 Centerville Turnpike South, 482-4466, www.centerville baptistpreschool.com

StoneBridge School, accredited, age 4 to 12th grade, 1629 Jolliff Road, 488-2214, www.stonebridgeschool.com

Chesapeake Montessori School, infant to age 12, 2013 Scenic Pkwy., 547-7673; 516 Albemarle Drive, 410-9474; www.chesapeakemontessorischool.org

Tidewater Adventist Academy, accredited, kindergarten to eighth grade, 1136 N. Centerville Turnpike, 479-0002, www.adventisteducation.com

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chesapeake, accredited, 18 months to 5 years (before- and after-school care for ages 5-12), 2400 Strawberry Lane, 543-4221, www.childrensharbor.cc

Veritas Collegiate Academy, kindergarten to 12th grade, 700 Oak Grove Road, 410-5095, www.veritasca.com

Churchland Baptist Preschool, ages 3 and 4, 3031 Churchland Blvd., 484-2351, www.churchlandbaptist.org Churchland Christian Academy, ages 2 to 8, before and/or after care, ages 5 to 8, 4249 Taylor Road, 484-8783.

Cornerstone Christian School, age 3 through ďŹ fth grade, 1212 Willow Ave., 424-7230, www.cornerstonechristianschool.us Faith Diamond Christian Academy, age 3 to seventh grade, 1023 Deep Creek Blvd., 487-1800, www.faithdiamond.org/newacademy.html

Alpha Beta Cappa Christian Academy, age 2 to fourth grade, 7425 Chesapeake Blvd., 857-5215 The Barry Robinson Center, accredited, kindergarten to 12th grade, residential treatment center for children with emotional, behavioral and substance abuse problems, 443 Kempsville Road, 455-6100, www.barryrobinson.org BINA High School, accredited, 9th grade to 12th grade, girls, 425 Washington Park, 627-2462, binahighschool.com Building Blocks Preschool, ages 16 months to 6 years, preschool and kindergarten. 844 Jerome Ave., 583-6389, www.buildingblocksnorfolkva.com

Great Hope Baptist School, preschool to 12th grade, 1401 S. BattleďŹ eld Blvd., 482-5121, www.greathopebaptist.org

Calvary Christian Elementary School, accredited, preschool to ďŹ fth grade, 2331 E. Little Creek Road, 480-4400, www.ccesnorfolk.org

Greenbrier Christian Academy, accredited, preschool to 12th grade, 311 Kempsville Road, 547-9595, www.gcagators.org

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ghent, accredited, age 6 weeks to 5 years, beforeand after-school care for ages 5 to 12, 1900 Llewellyn Ave., 622-0900, www.childrensharbor.cc

Greenbrier Montessori School, ages 2 to 12, 1100 Greenbrier Pkwy., 549-8584, www.greenbriermontessori.com Hickory Ridge Academy, pre-k through 12th grade, 3320 BattleďŹ eld Blvd. S., 421-7500, hrcc7.org/hickory-ridge-academy/

Christ the King School, accredited, age 3 to eighth grade, 3401 Tidewater Drive, 625-4951, www.ctkparish.org East Beach Montessori School, ages 2 to 9, includes pre-K through third grade, 4491 Pleasant Ave., 739-5626, www.ebmschool.com Faith Academy School of Excellence, accredited, preschool to 10th grade, 1010 East 26th St., 624-1724, www.faseeagles.org

Indian Creek Welcome Independent Baptist Church School, kindergarten to 12th grade, 1200 Kempsville Road, 547-3552, www.indiancreek-welcomebaptist.com/SCHOOL.html

First Presbyterian Preschool, ages six weeks to kindergarten, 820 Colonial Ave., 625-0667, www.fpcnorfolk.org/

Messiah Preschool, ages 2 to 5, 411 Dominion Blvd. S., 549-1824, www.facebook.com/MessiahPreschool

Ghent Montessori School, age 2 to eighth grade, 610 Mowbray Arch, 622-8174, www.ghentmontessorischool.com

Montessori Laboratory School, ages 3 to 9, 1101 Madison Plaza, 548-8762, www.montessorilabschool.com

Greenhill Farms Christian Academy, accredited, preschool to ďŹ fth grade, 969 Philpotts Road, 853-0111, www.facebook.com/pages/ The-Greenhill-Farms-Christian-Academy/110658805672523

Mount Lebanon Christian Academy, age 2 to second grade, 884 Bells Mill Road, 547-9550, www.themountacademy.org/

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Great Bridge Christian Academy, age 3 to 10th grade, 700 Mount Pleasant Road, 482-4688, www.greatbridgechristianacademy.org

Greenbrier Enrichment Center and School, 825 Greenbrier Pkwy., preschool to ďŹ fth grade, 548-9280, www.gecschool.org

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Guide To Private Education

EDUCATING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DENNIS TENNANT

By Cindy Butler Focke

S

tar Pointe Academy is not the only private school connecting students to the real world beyond the classroom – helping them become stewards of the Earth, utilize technologies and live in a global world. Check out what some of our local schools are getting into.

GREENBRIER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Physics students are project managers at Greenbrier. Roger Smallman’s collegiate academy students (grades 7-12) are overseeing a school-wide weather balloon project this year in which they will develop a high-altitude balloon equipped with various instruments, including cameras and pressures gauges.

Students at all grade levels will be involved in various capacities, such as engineering, design, data collection and analysis. They will also conduct math and science experiments, such as determining the balloon’s weight limitations. Groups will compete at designing the most successful gondola attachment.

The year-end plan is to launch the balloon to about 90,000 feet, where it will leave the

Guide To Private Education

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atmosphere. At some point it will pop, returning to Earth via a parachute.

Students will also develop a plan of action for the recovery efforts.

One suggestion, according to community director Danielle Guillickson, is to build a rescue drone.

VERITAS COLLEGIATE ACADEMY Veritas opened in Chesapeake 10 years ago. Today 25 of its 125 students are Chinese. “We are a global school,” said Maria Elgut, who along with husband Sean founded Veritas, named for the Latin word meaning “truth.”

The couple opened two extension schools in China, one in Beijing. A yearly exchange program between the Chesapeake and the Beijing school provides an international experience for both. Preparing the next generation to become national and international leaders is crucial, Elgut said.

Chinese students study a rigorous curriculum, yet have a more democratic and less regimented environment. Some believe this leaves them better prepared for study at American colleges, Elgut said.

The school’s local Center for Global Leadership Studies offers a leadership training program. Students in grades 9-12 receive internships and are required to perform 80 hours of community service a year. They are taught executive life habits for success, etiquette as applied in various cultures, and are offered opportunities to travel and study abroad. Plus, students are required to research, write, present and defend a thesis during their junior and senior years.

CAPE HENRY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Cape Henry began a new partnership with The Global Public Service Academies last year. Eleven seniors enrolled in honors biochemistry participated in a program with Duke University faculty members and graduate students that focused on Guatemala. “It was unforgettable,” said Ana Xystros, now a College of William & Mary freshman.

The group learned about the country’s culture, econom“I realized how small actions ic systems, government and can make a big difference in common health issues, such as people’s lives around the world,” hypertension and malnutrition.

Skype sessions were held with Ana Xystros, Cape Henry professors, and students traveled Colligiate graduate said. to the university for face-to-face meetings.

Then they traveled to the developing nation for a 10-day journey to volunteer at clinics by giving oral vaccines, taking temperatures, weighing babies and more.

“I realized how small actions can make a big difference in people’s lives around the world,” Xystros said.

This year the program is an official course: Honors Global Health, taught

by Elizabeth Moore. She said the non-traditional class is “not lecture-based but consists of self-study, case studies, group discussions, student research and presentations, guest speakers, and field trips.”

VIRGINIA BEACH FRIENDS SCHOOL The Friends School has established a remote classroom on about a 1.5 acre patch of grass in the Lynnhaven River. A $10,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund helped the school with the program, said Jordan Storm, community outreach coordinator.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | 9

10 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

The experiential learning project began last year. Shells were collected, and crab pots smashed to provide a buffer to an area in the river that is slowly eroding. Students measured oyster growth and water quality.

All grade levels participate in field trips to the site, thanks to boat transportation from Pleasure House Oysters, an oyster harvesting company.

Grant funds to date have covered gear and supplies, including gas for the boat, life jackets and gloves. Experiences like this allow the school’s almost 200 students “to be stewards of the area,” Storm said.

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Guide To Private Education

Silverman said, because the first egg was laid.

Currently, each of the five chickens produces about one egg a day. Eggs and vegetables are donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, and some of the vegetables are used in the school cafeteria.

Silverman said the project allows students to experience nature, plus “have the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others.” This fall’s crop includes spinach, radishes and kale.

NORFOLK COLLEGIATE Norfolk Collegiate lower school students get their hands dirty on a regular basis. Last year fourth- and fifth-graders in the school’s science club developed an idea for the school’s underutilized center courtyard. They decided to build a garden and chicken coop. Science lab instructor Melissa Silverman called it “a living classroom.”

The first plantings took place in the spring and harvested in summer. This year the 180 students (grades K-5) are responsible for one square foot within four raised vegetable and plant gardens.

Five chicks were hatched in March in the chicken coop.

Now “Martha” and her four fellow friendly hens roam freely in the area. Early September was cause for celebration,

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AN EVEN BETTER EXPERIENCE. Join us for our Open House on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 2 p.m.

For more information or a personal tour, contact our Director of Admissions Mary Peccie at (757) 480-1495 or visit norfolkcollegiate.org.

Guide To Private Education

SCHOOL LISTINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Kempsville Academy of Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, accredited, ages 7 to 17, residential treatment center, 860 Kempsville Road, 461-4565, kempsvillecbh.com Leaping and Learning Child Development Center LLC, ages 2-5 for daycare and pre-kindergarten, before- and after-school care for ages 5-12, 7036 Chesapeake Blvd., 857-6659, www.bankstchurch.org Lighthouse Christian Academy, age 2 to 12th grade, 5160 Beamon Road, 855-3563, lighthousechristiannorfolk.com McDonald Montessori, ages 2 to 9, 4200 Granby St., 423-1800, www.mcdonaldmontessori.com McLea Day School Age 2 to sixth grade, 745 Bancker Road, 5877841, www.facebook.com/pages/McLea-School/118845048155436 Norfolk Academy, accredited, first grade to 12th grade, 1585 Wesleyan Drive, accredited, 461-6236, www.norfolkacademy.org

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | 11

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Virginia Beach campus, 1265 Laskin Road, 428-1284; Upper School, 255 Thole St., 423-5770, www.norfolkchristian.org Norfolk Collegiate School, accredited, kindergarten to 12th grade, 7336 Granby St., Norfolk (upper school); 5429 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk (lower school), 480-1495, www.norfolkcollegiate.org

UNLOCK YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL!

Ocean View Christian Academy, Age 2 to eighth grade, 9504 Selby Place, 583-1808, www.ovcacademy.com Old Dominion University Child Center, accredited, preschool to pre-kindergarten, ODU 139 Child Study Center, 683-3081, www.odu.edu/cdc Park Place School, third grade to fifth grade, for at-risk children from low-income families, 509 W. 35th St., 624-3473.

READY Academy Christian School, age 3 to fifth grade, 450 E. Bute St., 622-5650, www.readyacademy.org Ryan Academy of Norfolk, first grade to 12th grade, 844 Jerome Ave., 583-6283, www.ryanacademy.org

Norfolk Christian Schools, accredited, pre-K to 12th grade; Lower School Norfolk campus, 7000 Granby St., 423-5812; Lower School

continued on page 12

ONLINE RESOURCES

www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic The Office of Non-Public Education – part of the U.S. Department of Education – offers information on private elementary and secondary schools. www.privateschools.com This site provides detailed information on paying for private K-12 schools.

PRESCHOOL KINDERGARTEN Now Enrolling Age 2 through Kindergarten.

Open 7:30-5:30pm

www.rollingwoodacademy.com 430-8244 1752 Prodan Lane,Virginia Beach, VA Visit us on Facebook

A FAMILY INSPIRING EXCELLENCE! Pre-K thru 12th Grade Open House March 8, 2017 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Strong Academic Program • AP and Dual Credit Offerings • Free Bus Transportation • Competitive Tuition Rates • Numerous Extracurriculars • Full Athletic Program • Strong Sense of Family • Now Accepting Applications

Contact Joseph Whitley, Admissions Director, for More re Information!

Isle of Wight Academyy 17111 Courthouse Hwy., Isle of Wight, VA 757-357-3866 57-357-3866 www.iwacademy.com

nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch From the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, this link will take you to a search form for private schools across the United States. www.nais.org The National Association of Independent Schools represents about 1,400 independent schools and associations in the United States. Find tips for parents, searches, career services, conference information and more on this site. www.vais.org The Virginia Association of Independent Schools is an affiliate of the National Association of Independent Schools. Find lists of the group’s member schools, conference information, accreditation descriptions, resources and more on this site. www.vcpe.org The Virginia Council for Private Education oversees accreditation of nonpublic preschool, elementary and secondary schools in the state. Check whether a school is accredited and get other links and resources here. www.capenet.org The Council for American Private Education is a coalition of national organizations and state affiliates serving private schools. Search schools, find information on legislation, or check out a job bank on this site. www.advanc-ed.org AdvancED is an international accrediting body that includes the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI). Learn more about what they do, how they accredit and their member schools.

IWA admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin

PENINSULA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL A community of faith, knowledge, and service since 1903 Join us for OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, Feb. 15 or call (757) 596-7247 for an individual tour

www.peninsulacatholic.com 600 Harpersville Road, Newport News VA 23601

www.amshq.org Learn more about Montessori schools and find one at this website for The American Montessori Society.

For just a little

There are several Christian school accrediting bodies and school associations. Check out these websites for more information: www.acsiglobal.org, The Association of Christian Schools; www.actsschools.org, Association of Christian Teachers and Schools; icaa.us, International Christian Accrediting Association; www.nacsaa.org, North American Christian School Accrediting Agency; www.ilcsonline.com, The International League of Christian Schools; www.thediocese.net/ChurchSchools, The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia; www.accsedu.org, Association of Classical and Christian Schools.

you can advertise with us.

www.iwacademy.com/visa.html, Virginia Independent School Association www.visaa.org The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association helps develop athletics guidelines for accredited independent schools.

change,

Get your message out!

To place an ad, go go to

Pilotezads.com or callll 757 757#(((#++). ((( ++).

12 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

SCHOOL LISTINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Saint Patrick Catholic School, accredited, pre-K to eighth grade, 1000 Bolling Ave., 440-5500, www.stpcs.org St. Pius X Catholic School, accredited, age 3 to eighth grade, 7800 Halprin Drive, 588-6171, www.stpiusxschoolva.org Tabernacle of Prayer Christian School, pre-K to 12th grade, 3611 Colley Ave., 625-4977 Talmudical Academy of Norfolk, accredited, ninth grade to 12th grade, boys, 612 Colonial Ave., 623-6070, www.yeshivasaishkodesh.com Town and Country Day School, Age 2 to sixth grade, 1421 Kempsville Road, 461-5456, www.townandcountrydayschool.com Trinity Lutheran School, accredited, age 2 to fifth grade, 6001 Granby St., 489-2732, www.trinitylutheranschoolnorfolk.org The Williams School, accredited, kindergarten to eighth grade, 419 Colonial Ave., 627-1383, www.thewilliamsschool.org

PORTSMOUTH Abby’s Ark Early Learning Center, pre-K to K, 601 Washington Street, 393-5818, abbysarkearlylearningcenter.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Young Achievers Christian Academy, ages 3-5, 100 Noble St., 235-4119, www.cocoutreach.org

SUFFOLK

Guide To Private Education

The Goddard School, accredited, preschool and kindergarten, 2189 McComas Way, 563-2500, www.goddardschool.com/Schools/Virginia-Beach-VA/Schools.gspx

Children’s Harbor – Suffolk, accredited, age 6 weeks to 5 years, beforeand after-school care for ages 5 to 12, 1020 Champions Way, 483-2693, www.childrensharbor.cc

Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, accredited, kindergarten to fifth grade, (plus ages 2-4 at Strelitz Early Childhood Center) 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, 424-4327, www.hebrewacademy.net

First Baptist Christian Schools, accredited, kindergarten to 12th grade, 237 N. Main St., 539-3163, www.fbchristian.org

Ivy League Academy, age 3 to fifth grade, 520 Constitution Drive, 4996064, www.ivyleagueacademy.net

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, accredited, age 3 to 12th grade, 3373 Pruden Blvd., 539-8789, www.nsacademy.org

Kids Town Learning Center, infant through kindergarten, 4847 Dolton Drive, 490-4702, www.KidsTownLearningCenter.net

Suffolk Christian Academy, accredited, 237 N. Main Street; lower school (K through 5th) 539-3163; upper school (6th through 12th), 3488 Godwin Blvd., 925-4461; suffolkchristianacademy.com

King’s Grant Academy & Day School, accredited, preschool to fifth grade, 873 Little Neck Road, 431-9744, www.kingsgrantdayschool.com

VIRGINIA BEACH All Saints Day School, age 2 to kindergarten, 1969 Woodside Lane, 481-0577, www.allsaintsdayschoolvb.com Anchor Christian School, age 2 to fifth grade, 3624 Dupont Circle, 460-0024

KPC Day School, age 3 to kindergarten, 805 Kempsville Road, 495-4611, www.kpcdayschool.com New Light Baptist School of Excellence, preschool to fourth grade, 5549 Indian River Road, 420-0945, www.newlightfgbc.org/SchoolOfExcellence/tabid/86/Default.aspx

Alliance Christian Academy, accredited, age 3 to 12th grade, 5809 Portsmouth Blvd., 488-5552, www.alliancechristianacademy.net

Atlantic Shores Christian School, accredited, age 3 to 12th grade, 1861 Kempsville Road, 479-1125 (elementary campus), 1217 N. Centerville Turnpike, Chesapeake (secondary campus), 479-9598, www.shoreschristian.org

Norfolk Christian Schools, accredited, pre-K to 12th grade; Lower School Virginia Beach campus, 1265 Laskin Road, 428-1284; Lower School Norfolk campus, 7000 Granby St., 423-5812; Upper School, 255 Thole St., 423-5770, www.norfolkchristian.org

Central Christian Academy, accredited, preschool to sixth grade, 1200 Hodges Ferry Road, 488-4477, www.centralchristianacademy.com

Back Bay Christian Academy, pre-K to 12th grade, 1212 Princess Anne Road, 426-7943

Oaktree Academy, accredited, kindergarten to 12th grade, 817 Kempsville Road, 248-9560, www.oaktreeacademy.org

Children’s Harbor – Olde Towne, accredited, 6 weeks to 5 years, (beforeand after-school care for ages 5-12 years), 620 London Street, 397-2980, www.childrensharbor.cc

Barefoot Kids Christian School, infants to kindergarten, 1458 Kempsville Road, 467-1234, www.barefootkids.com

Parish Day School of Eastern Shore Chapel, ages 2 to 4, 2020 Laskin Road, 491-6130, www.parishdayschool.com

Beach Montessori Christian Academy, ages 2 to 13, 1101 Eaglewood Drive, 428-5437, www.beachmontessoritech.com

Primrose School of Virginia Beach South, accredited, infant-K, 1989 Fisher Arch, 721-2200, www.primroseschools.com/schools/virginia-beach-south

Christopher Academy, accredited, age 3 to fifth grade, 3300 Cedar Lane, 484-6776, www.christopher-academy.org Court Street Academy, age 3 to eighth grade, 447 Court St., 393-2312, www.courtstreetacademy.com Green Acres Preschool, ages 3 and 4, 3135 Hanley Ave., 484-5125, www.greenacrespc.org/beyond-sunday/green-acres-preschool/ Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center, accredited, ages 8 to 21, residential treatment center, 301 Fort Lane, 393-0061, harborpointbhc.com Joyous Sound Education and Enrichment Center, age 2 to third grade, 205 Gust Lane, 558-2880 Montessori Preparatory School, ages 2 to 5, 4811 High St. W, 484-7229, www.montessoriprep.com Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, accredited, age 3 to eighth grade, 2301 Oregon Ave., 488-6744, www.portsmouthcatholic.net Portsmouth Christian Schools, accredited, kindergarten age 4 to 12th grade, 3214 Elliott Ave., 393-0725, www.portsmouthchristian.org St. Mark Christian Academy, age 3 to 3rd grade, 2714 Frederick Blvd., 399-7176,http://teacherweb.com/VA/StMarkChristianAcademy/SMCA/apt1. aspx Sweethaven Christian Academy, age 3 to 12th grade, 5000 W. Norfolk Road, 484-4082, www.sweethavenchristian.org Toras Chaim, accredited, preschool to eighth grade, 3110 Sterling Point Drive, 686-2480, toraschaim.net

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, accredited, ninth grade to 12th grade, 4552 Princess Anne Road, 467-2881, www.chsvb.org Cape Henry Collegiate School, accredited, pre-K to 12th grade, 1320 Mill Dam Road, 481-2446, www.capehenrycollegiate.org

Rivermont School – Tidewater, accredited, ages 5 to 22, for children with behavioral, learning and developmental disabilities and autism, 5163 Cleveland St., 497-4703, mentalhealth.centrahealth.com/services/ rivermont-schools

Chesapeake Bay Academy, accredited, kindergarten to 12th grade, 821 Baker Road, 497-6200, www.cba-va.org

Rollingwood Academy, age 2 to kindergarten, 1752 Prodan Lane, 430-8244, www.rollingwoodacademy.com

Emmanuel Episcopal Day School, ages 2 to 4, 5181 Princess Anne Road, 499-7393, www.dayschool.emmanuelvb.com

St. Gregory the Great School, accredited, pre-K to eighth grade, 5343 Virginia Beach Blvd., 497-1811, www.stgregory.pvt.k12.va.us

Coastal Christian Academy, kindergarten to 12th grade, 640 Kempsville Road, 217-2151

St. John the Apostle Catholic School, accredited, age 4 to eighth grade, 1968 Sandbridge Road, 821-1100, www.sjavb.org

Courthouse Montessori School, age 16 months to fifth grade, 1305 Windmill Point Crescent, 468-0099, www.courthouse montessorischool.com

St. Matthew’s School, accredited, age 3 to eighth grade, 3316 Sandra Lane, 420-2455, www.smsvb.net

Francis Asbury Preschool, ages 2 to 4, 1871 N. Great Neck Road, 481-5016, www.francisasburyumc.org

Star of the Sea Catholic School, accredited, age 3 to eighth grade, 309 15th St., 428-8400, www.edline.net/pages/StaroftheSeaES

Friends School of Virginia Beach, accredited, age 3 to 12th grade, 1537 Laskin Road, 428-7534, www.friends-school.org

Sunnybrook Day School, accredited, ages 21/2 through kindergarten, 3380 Edinburgh Drive, 340-2266, sunnybrookdayschool.org

Galilee Montessori School, age 3 to third grade, 3928 Pacific Ave., 4281034, www.galileemontessorischool.net

Tabernacle Baptist Academy, age 3 to 12th grade, 717 Whitehurst Landing Road, 424-4673, http://tbapatriots.com

Gateway Christian School, age 3 to 12th grade, 5473 Virginia Beach Blvd., 499-6551, www.gatewaycrusaders.com

Tidewater Classical Academy, Age 4 to eighth grade, 1201 Rosemont Road, 427-5683, www.tidewaterclassical.com