Virginia Academy

Take a look! 🔍👀 First Grade is sharpening their observation skills by studying plants 🌱🌿

Our upper school Bible classes took a deep dive into the Word at the Museum of the Bible 📖💙

Let’s welcome another familiar face in a new position! Mrs. Anderson is our new Academic Support Coordinator!

Sandy Anderson…
🐾 is a mom to 4 humans and 3 dogs
🗺️​​ loves to travel
❤️ has a slight gnome obsession

Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with them
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What a wonderful Grandparents Day chapel! 🧡💙 We loved celebrating our lower school grandparents today. Thank you all for passing the baton on to the next generation!

It was such a joy to share chapel with our grandparents today! 💙🧡 Thank you to all the upper school grandparents that visited, and a special thank you to Pastor Fred Vann of Community Church for a wonderful message!

Let’s welcome our new staff! Mr. Woods is joining us as an AP Physics teacher!
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Originally from North Carolina but raised NOVA. Love watching my two daughters grow! My oldest play soccer and my youngest smile. I love coaching football!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I'm excited about building a passion for science
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
“Victory or defeat is not determined at the moment of crisis, but rather in the long and unspectacular period of preparation”- Anonymous

Fifth graders made 3D Earth models! One of these Earths is tastier than the others… 😋🌎

Let’s welcome our new staff! Ms. Mikkelsen is joining us as an athletic trainer!
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I played volleyball, soccer, and basketball growing up. I played soccer at Shippensburg University where I graduated with my Bachelors in Exercise Science. I enjoy playing adult league sand & indoor volleyball in my free time!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I'm excited to step into this new role as Athletic Trainer and help, heal, and build relationships with the student-athletes at VAA.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
An Athletic Trainer is a certified and licensed health care professional who practices in the field of sports medicine. Athletic Trainers are uniquely trained in five main areas: Injury prevention, assessment/diagnosis, management, treatment and rehabilitation.

Elementary is all about hands-on science! 🧑‍🔬 These students are following the scientific method, building models, and making observations!

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mr. Habashy is joining us as an upper school science teacher!
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I was born and raised in Southern California and just moved to Northern Virginia this summer. I have a background in education, biomedical research and biotech research and development. In my free time I enjoy diving, biking, serving, pingpong, hiking and camping.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?

The sciences are an incredible demonstration of God's workmanship and I am very excited to teach these subjects using a Biblically-based curriculum.
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Our VAA Lower School Principal is the guest speaker at the Women’s Brunch this Saturday! Ladies, come join us for breakfast and hear Sophia Holmberg share her story 🧡

🔗 Sign up here: https://shor.by/ZIDG

Another familiar face in a new position! Mrs. Morgenthaler is our new Admissions Coordinator!
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I have been part of VAA since 2013 and have taught just about every grade in elementary! This year I have taken on the role as our Admissions Coordinator, and I am thrilled to be a part of the growth of VAA. I have my BA in Sociology from George Mason University and my MAT in Elementary Education from Liberty University. I am a wife to the absolute best guy ever, Brian Morgenthaler, and mom to Lennon (6) and Macie (1). As well as working in our admissions department, I am also a Coordinator on our Community Church Production team!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Watching the expansion go up :)
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Our first week of school! 💙🎉 What are you looking forward to this year?

We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Dasilva back to VAA as an Elementary PE Assistant!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I am so excited to step into the PE Assistant role. Coach Moore and I have already been planning fun activities for the elementary kiddos. It’s going to be a great year!!
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Our first lower school chapel of the year! 💙🧡 It is always such a joy to see our students jump, sing, and praise the Lord! Thank you to Principal Holmberg for a wonderful message!

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Ms. DeCarli has joined us as a 2nd grade teacher!
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I am a first-year teacher and I’m so excited to be working at VAA!
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
I love science and reading and I can’t wait to be able to inspire my students to enjoy school as much as I do!
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“The greatest thing we have in life is our relationship with Christ.”

Today was our first upper school chapel of the year! The students brought an incredible worship, and our Campus Pastor Mr. Tuten started the year with a message to ground us in the foundations of our faith.

“Every teacher that you’re going to meet, whether it’s a PE teacher or science, they’re here because they believe. They believe not only in what they’re teaching, but they believe that there’s a creator that loves you. That’s what we’re about.”

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mrs. Gardner is joining us as a K2 teacher assistant!
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I was born and raised in St. Mary's county and my parents were both school teachers. I attended Towson University and received a Bachelor's in Deaf Studies and a Masters in Teaching. I met my husband while I was in grad school and we have been married 15 years. We have two children, our son Trystan (13) will be attending and boarding at St. James High School and our daughter Taryn (11) will be at Virginia Academy in the 6th grade. I love reading and baking and any activity that allows me to be crafty. I also love to travel and have been trying to do as much as possible with my family.
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Welcome back! 🧡🌟 Hope you had a very happy first day of school to kickoff an awesome new school year!

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mrs. Hardman is joining us as a fourth grade teacher!
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I went to Longwood University for both Undergrad and Graduate School. I am a proud Lancer! My husband and I just moved back to Virginia from California. We are new to the area and we love being outdoors and traveling to new places. In my free time you will find me reading a good book or trying out a new recipe.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?

I am looking forward to being a part of the VAA community. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I am eager to meet the students and families I will be working with.
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So excited for the first day of school tomorrow! 🎉 🧡 Are you ready?

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Dr. Patton is joining us as an upper school French teacher!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?

Can't wait to meet my new students & share how exciting it is to share cultures, discover new worlds & communicate in a new language!
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?

Embarrassed to speak up & make errors in a foreign language!? Fear not! We'll learn in a relaxed, fun environment!
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The first day of school is right around the corner! 🌟 🎉 Use the right entrance for a great start to the school year!

🍎 Preschool through 5th grade use Entrance 2 for the Route 7 kiss & ride.

✏️ 6th through 12th grade use Entrance 1 to drop off at the athletic bubble, then walk to the Russell Branch Doors.

🚙 Student drivers use Entrance 1 and drive through the upper school drop off to the student parking.

Check the weekly email for all the details, and we can't wait to see you Monday!

This year we have a familiar face in a new position! Mrs. Tuten is our new Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator!
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After 10 years at VAA, it just keeps getting better! From 5th Grade teacher to Upper School English teacher and now CIC. I am a Patriot for life! No matter which title I have, my passion for education and learning remains the same!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I am excited to come alongside teachers to serve, coach & help in any area needed! I am grateful for the opportunity to extend my instructional role to more than just my classroom.
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What’s Today?!?!

GAMEDAY!!! VAA boys football 1st game of the season
📍Bishop O’ Connell High School
🗓️ Friday, Aug 25
⏱️ 4:45

Let’s welcome our new staff! Mr. Mills is joining us as the Director of Human Resources!

Drew Mills…
🇺🇸 grew up in Delaware
🥍 loves lacrosse
🧢 coaches the VAA lacrosse team

What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Bringing my knowledge and passion for Human Resources to VAA
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Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mr. Williamson is joining us as a high school English teacher!
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I grew up in Ashburn and attended Riverside high school before meeting the Lord during my first year at JMU. My time there was marked by my role as a YoungLife leader. In my free time I ski, play spikeball, and try to start a number of small businesses (still working on that). I care about furthering my own English, education, and leadership skills so that I serve my students and community well. I am an avid board/card game player, and I am currently working on designing my own game!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I am most excited to bring my students from point A to point B in their understanding of English, faith, and the world around them.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
My students should know that they will learn to frequently ask and answer the question: Why?

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mrs. Bolivar is joining us as a K3 teacher assistant!
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I am blessed with a wonderful husband Alejandro (Al Bolivar) and two amazing kids Allie (VAA 7th grade) and Mario (who just like me, will join VAA this year - 5th grade). I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to VA when I married my husband in January 2009. Many people find my name curious. I was named after my mom, who was in turn named after my grandfather’s favorite flower to gift my grandmother: daisies (Margarita is Daisy in Spanish)… but most adults easily remember my name because of the drink. I am creative, so I find crafting very fun and relaxing. I find it so fun to decorate my home for every holiday - I am obsessed with everything Christmas, especially nativity and gingerbread themes!
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?

Please “High 5” me or say hello when you see me around! It will be fun to share a smile!
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Some of our favorite summer memories for the last week of preschool summer camp! ☀️ Don’t forget, preschool will be closed Aug 21-25 as we prepare for the first day of school on Aug 28!

Let’s welcome our new teachers! Mrs. Mullen is joining us as a first grade teacher!
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Hello everyone! I grew up in Buffalo, NY and have lived here in Loudoun County for 2 years now. This is my 4th year teaching! I've previously taught first and second grade in FCPS and New York State. I love football, kayaking, baking cookies, and going to the pool. I am passionate about teaching reading and making learning engaging for kids! My husband, Colson, teaches Upper School History at VAA, and we love being members of Community Church. I am so excited for the most amazing year!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?

I have already loved getting to know the VAA family this summer and am looking forward to building the best class family this year! First grade is my absolute FAVORITE, so I cannot wait to be teaching 1st again! I'm excited to see all that VAA has to offer and experience the private school side of education, as well.
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Just stopping by to say howdy! 👋🤠 A throwback from our preschool summer camp🐴

Don’t forget, preschool will be closed Aug 21-25 as we prepare for the first day of school on Aug 28!

We would like to congratulate Mr. Feathers on his new role as Virginia Academy’s Head of School! 🌟 Mr. Feathers has been at VAA for just over 10 years and will now be our 3rd Head of School in our school’s 25 year tenure.

Help us congratulate and welcome him into this new role!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?

It's hard to nail down just one thing I'm excited about when there's so much happening here at Virginia Academy. Now that I get to be more involved with our lower school, I am very excited to connect with more of our lower school students and families! There is also a lot of excitement around ramping up our admissions department as we prepare to open the expansion for the '24-25 school year! I can't wait to get this year rolling!

You’ve got mail! 📧 Check your email for an update from our school board AND the back to school essentials email including:

🍽️ Lunch
🚗 Arrival & Traffic
✏️ School Supplies
🗓️ Back to School Events
👕 Uniforms
🧢 Spirit Wear
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Patriot Parents
⛳️ Golf Tournament
…and more! 🌟

📣Fall Sports Tryouts‼️What you need to know:

⏱️ Arrive on time and meet outside the athletic bubble
💧Remember to bring water!
👟All athletes should wear tennis shoes/running shoes. Football & soccer players should bring cleats.
✅ If avaliable, bring an updated copy of your physical form

Let’s Go! 🏈⚽️🏐👟

Elementary summer camp! ☀️😎 Are you having an awesome summer?

🔗 Click to learn more and sign up for the last week: https://virginia-academy.com/summer-camp/

Celebrating Independence Day with the annual 4th of July preschool parade! ❤️ 🤍 💙

Welcome home VAA students, teachers, administrators, and chaperones. From June 17-23 the group visited Spain 🇪🇸 with stops in Madrid, Cordoba, and Seville. What a wonderfully immersive experience for everyone — from guided tours to museums and cathedrals to fun excursions, including flamenco performances and tapas making, as well as chances to explore in small groups. We think this was a great way to begin summer!

📸 credit: Stan P.

Happy Father’s Day to the amazing dads, granddads, and father figures in our VAA family!

Let’s congratulate our class of 2023! 🎉 Congratulations, Joi! We can’t wait to see you thrive at Radford University! 💙🧡🤍

Let’s congratulate our class of 2023! 🎉 Blake is graduating after 5 years here at Virginia Academy! During his time here, he served as captain of the boys varsity basketball team. His favorite high school memory was fall fest!

In the future, Blake hopes to one day own his own business and clothing brand.

Congratulations, Blake! We look forward to seeing you succeed at Ventura! 💙🧡🤍