Schools Offer Blends of Focus, Strengths
Posted on: Thursday, 1 February 2007, 09:01 CST
By CESCA J WATERFIELD
Richmond's history with private education is rich, beginning in the early 19th century with Richmond Academy. Today, Richmond and the surrounding region abound with options, whether families explore independent schools as alternatives to public education or find unique educational approaches or academic and extracurricular specialties.
Some independent schools feature specialized teaching philosophies that inform each lesson plan and extramural activity. Many institutions boast unique academic, artistic or athletic strengths. Options for Christian-based education abound and include nondenominational academies and those that affiliate with local churches. Most of these admit any Christian student who qualifies, regardless of denomination.
Richmond and the surrounding region score high on any examination of opportunities for private education, suggesting that the historic relationship with private education will continue far into the future.
Water programs
At Ware Academy in Gloucester, home of "The Waves," students prepare for professional and personal accomplishment. The independent school, with grades pre-kindergarten-eight, sits on 20 acres near the York, Ware and Piankatank rivers. Not surprisingly, opportunities to explore marine science appear at each grade level. The academy works closely with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, allowing students unique glimpses into the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay and regional rivers.
The curriculum at Ware emphasizes not only rigorous academics and critical thinking, but character development as well. Foreign language is strongly encouraged and all middle school students take Spanish.
Arts and athletics are featured prominently throughout Ware's curriculum, and the campus includes athletic fields for lacrosse, track and field, and soccer, as well as a library and a computer lab. Elective classes such as journalism, drama and forensics are available to grades seven and eight.
Christian principles
Heritage Christian Academy strives to achieve geographic and spiritual balance. The elementary school is on Newbys Bridge Road in Chesterfield, while the middle and high schools are in the Midlothian area of the county.
Clarinda Cole, director of education, emphasizes that Heritage is "unabashedly" committed to Christian principles. "We do not represent one particular denomination. We represent over 70 different churches in our student body. We have a 12-member pastoral advisory body to provide spiritual oversight and to help us maintain balance," she said.
While the school's focus is college preparation, Heritage features the "Discovery Program" to meet special learning needs. It also provides part-time services to parents who want assistance in guiding their home-schooled child.
"We really want to serve the community," Cole says. "That's our goal."
Each student's needs
From pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Chesapeake Academy in Irvington recognizes the singularity of each child.
"One size does not fit all in education. We offer personalized education according to the student's strengths and interests. If you're a great math student, you can stand alongside a great artist and a great soccer player. When our students succeed, it gives each kid that winning feel they deserve and desire," says Director of Admissions Charles Britton, who identifies Chesapeake's concept as "differentiation."
The academy fosters relationships among students and encourages parent involvement.
Chesapeake Academy provides opportunities for parents to boost their knowledge by holding regularly scheduled workshops. This month's is "Parenting with Peace."
Graduates stay involved with the academy through alumni events.
Rigorous programs
The word "evangel" denotes the four books of the New Testament that give the account of the life of Jesus and his lessons.
Today, Evangel Christian School located in Chesterfield works to provide a comprehensive education to youth from age 2 1/2 through 12th grade.
Evangel Christian School offers a rigorous college preparatory program and highly values fine arts, according to its Web site. Qualifying high school students may dually enroll in classes at John Tyler Community College and Richard Bland College.
Extracurricular activities include field trips, family days, holiday celebrations and more.
Evangel takes pride in its annual participation in Math Olympics with the Association of Christian Schools International.
Ties to church
Victory Christian Academy of Richmond is associated with Faith Landmarks Ministries and is "an outreach ministry of the church," according to its founders, Randy and Cherie Gilbert.
The Rev. Bruce and Mary Miller are directors of the school that welcomes any Christian student from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade regardless of denomination.
Victory emphasizes its commitment to teaching Christian values and principles in an environment structured by Biblical directives. It also strives to create an environment youth enjoy.
"In addition to our strong Bible-based curriculum, we have a thriving sports program. We have basketball, volleyball, softball, cheerleading and soccer," said Principal Andrea Cassidy.
Students may find themselves inspired by school founders, who have led their company and ministry through the development and production of a television show, release of a musical CD and publication of a book. Informational materials for the school express high value on the diversity and excellence of its curriculum.
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO
MEMO: SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT -- PRIVATE SCHOOLS
(c) 2007 Richmond Times - Dispatch. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Richmond Times - Dispatch
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