Virginia Academy

Let's get to know our teachers and staff! After years as a Virginia Academy preschool teacher, Cherry Crayton is teaching kindergarten this year!
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I grew up right here in good ole northern Virginia. In high school I joined the Air Force on the deferred enlistment program, I signed up but didn't swear in until after graduation. In the Air Force I earned my Associates from the Community College of the Air Force, while getting to travel. So fun! I love wearing costumes, if you have a costume idea let me know, I might be able to make it work.

I have an adult son Sir Deion. If you know him you know he's amazing. If you don't know him - He's a-mazing! He the best tech man ever, one day he will be shooting movies or as they say the films.

I have a fur baby Luna she's spoiled, I have no idea how that happened.

If there is one thing I would like everyone to know about me - I don't like pizza. We can still be friends!!

Elementary school smiles for the start of the school year! 😁

Let's welcome our new teachers! Melissa Harding is joining VAA as an upper school math teacher!
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I was born and raised in Centreville, VA, went to college in Raleigh, NC. I'm the oldest of four. Hate the rat race of the DMV, love southern hospitality and brunches. I would pick beach over mountains and lazy river over beach. I can dance for hours, haven't met an escape room that wasn't a blast, puzzles are the perfect combo between logic and beauty, and I will never tire of libraries and good music.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Excited about helping students feel more confident in their identity in Christ followed by dismantling pre-conceived notions of mathematics. I want them to feel capable in their ability to think and grow, not discounting themselves due to comparison with others.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
I love them already, but Jesus loves them the most; and being a great mathematician doesn't mean being the fastest. Instead, awesome problem solvers embrace the issue at hand, diving in determined to work hard and not give up when obstacles are encountered. Those who challenge themselves and perspectives the most will see the most reward!

This Thursday was our first elementary chapel of the year! 🧡 Our wonderful middle school team led us in worship, and Mrs. Holmberg shared how spending time with God can make this school year the best year ever!

Let's welcome our new teachers! Haven Clippinger is joining us as an upper school music teacher!
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I love singing, journaling, writing, and spending time outside!
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Why did you choose Virginia Academy?
I chose Virginia Academy because I am passionate about integrating my love for music and my faith in Christ. I am grateful to be joining a team where sharing the love of Christ is the center of what we do.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I am most excited about getting to know all the students! Making music with my students is my absolute passion.

First upper school chapel of the year! So grateful we take this time every week to praise God and grow closer to Him. 💙

Let's welcome our new teachers! Kathy Kline is joining the VAA preschool team!
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Moved to Ashburn Village in March 2021 from Vienna, VA with my husband Bryan, daughter Addison (who will also be starting at VAA this fall in 3rd grade) and step daughter Tatem (recent graduate from high school). I’m a Northern VA native, grew up in Herndon VA, and went James Madison University for a degree in Health Administration. After 20+ years working for MedStar Georgetown University Hospital I decided to take a few years off to be home and volunteer at Addison’s school. After these last 3 years assisting in the school system i realized my new passion, teaching our sweet young minds. Nothing more rewarding in my opinion. Looking forward to this great new adventure at VAA. During my free time I enjoy traveling with my family, especially our favorite places, Hilton Head Island and Southport/Oak Island NC as often as we can get away, learning to play tennis and power walking.
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Why did you choose Virginia Academy?
We are new to VAA and Community Church. When we found Community Church this spring, we knew we found the perfect place for Addison’s education and my new rewarding step back into the workplace.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Working with preschoolers as they get ready for kindergarten, learning to read, helping them to be more independent, being their biggest supporter as they learn and grow in their education. And of course having the opportunity to be in the same school as my daughter Addison!

Let's get to know one of our favorite VAA teachers! Ashlie Vickers is back for another amazing year in fifth grade!
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Hey there! My husband and I were born & raised in South Georgia and were transplanted to Northern Virginia over 20 years ago now! Our love for the great outdoors and God's amazing creation transcends to our hobbies and family vacations. Speaking of family, I am a Boy Mom + a Soccer Mom who loves a good time and loud music! Our cockapoo, Magnolia, is always up for our adventurous excursions, too! I deeply love people of all ages -- serving them, teaching them and helping them realize their value and worth. I am a cheerleader and a go-getter who strives to put God first in all that I do!
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What is your favorite memory at Virginia Academy?
My favorite memory thus far at Virginia Academy is when my middle school sons helped lead the 2023 Middle School Boys Soccer Team through an undefeated season and to a championship victory!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
I am excited to enter my fifth year at Virginia Academy, to meet new students and their families, to point them to Jesus daily through my teaching and potentially lead them to take the next steps on their faith journey.

Day one is complete! 🎉🧡 Hope you had a great start to an AMAZING school year!

Let's welcome our new teachers! Janelle Ferguson is joining VAA as an upper school history teacher!
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I grew up in Loudoun County attending public school but i’ve attended Community Church since I was 9! I’ve always loved helping others and being creative. I knew history was my favorite subject when I learned and would not stop reciting the “Fifty-Nifty” song! 🎶 🇺🇸 (Still one of my favorite things to do!)
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Why did you choose Virginia Academy?
After just one summer working with VAA’s Preschool Summer Camp, I knew this school was exactly where I wanted to be. No matter what level you’re working with, the faculty is always so welcoming and supportive!
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Let's have the best first day of school! 🌟 🎉 Be sure to use the right entrance this school year!

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

✏️ 6th through 12th grade use Entrance 1 for the Russel Branch (South) kiss & ride and enter through the doors of the new expansion.

🚙 Student drivers use Entrance 1 and park in the parking lot.

We can't wait to see you Monday!

Let's welcome our new teachers! Mandy McIntyre is joining us as a second grade teacher!
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Been teaching elementary on and off since 1999. Have 4 years of experience using Abeka and have received training at Pensacola Christian academy. Love hanging out with friends, have a passion for history and being outdoors.
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Why did you choose Virginia Academy?
I chose VAA to get back to where my heart first led me to teaching. To enjoy teaching and working with little ones.
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She is currently working to earn her master's degree in special education!

Meet the teacher! 🍎 So excited for the first day of school on Monday!

Let's meet our new teachers! Tony Wininger is joining VAA as an upper school computer science teacher!
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I am married to an incredible woman from Brazil. I have two daughters. One with special needs and one going into 6th grade at VAA. I love to jam out on the drums, play/coach sports, put together percussion ensembles, produce/direct dramas, and so many other things. I go to Community Church and am REALLY excited to have everything in one place.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
Looking forward to working hard and playing hard!
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So amazing to have our upper school students back on campus! ☀️ Looking forward to an awesome year!

Let's get to know our teachers and staff! Nicole Leewarner will be the Literacy & Instructional Specialist Librarian in our new library!
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I'm originally from the West coast (Oregon and Washington). I have been blessed to live overseas for ten years and have been here on the East coast for three years. My husband and I have two adult children and one junior here at VAA. I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and bike riding. I love reading ALL the books. I also love organizing everything - containers and systems are my jam. I get to serve at Community church on the greeting team and love welcoming people into God's house. I'm passionate about making things better and I thrilled that I get the opportunity to help create a new learning space and culture of reading for pleasure at Virginia Academy.
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What is your favorite memory at Virginia Academy?
Some my biggest highlights at VAA are of course the celebrations and adventures. All day Middle school Christmas party? Yes, please! But the thing that really brings me joy is helping students who didn't think they liked reading discover that they had just never find their type of book - and that reading is fun!
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Let's welcome our new teachers! Mary Casey is joining us as a fourth grade teacher!
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My husband and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary on NYE. We have 2 children, Erin, who got married last summer and is carrying our first grandbaby due this fall, and Ronan, who just graduated high school in 2024 and is making decisions about his future.
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Each school year is a new opportunity to lead and guide students in their academic, spiritual, and character growth, and I'm always glad to play a small role in that journey for the students.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
We will work hard in class, but we will have ample fun! (Oh, and my drawing skills are not superb, but I always try!)

Orientation Week! 🧡

Let's welcome our new teachers! Andrew Robertson is joining us as an upper school history teacher!
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I grew up in a small town in Southwest VA called Rocky Mount and have since lived in Orlando, FL, Harrisonburg, VA, and now here! I went to school for both my undergrad and graduate degrees at JMU (Go Dukes 🐾).
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Why did you choose Virginia Academy?
I chose VAA because I could see the passion for education that the staff had and the willingness to learn that the students had!
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How did you spend your summer?
I was able to take a trip to see one of my closest friends in Nashville, went to the beach with 80 of my friends, visited Disney World, went to Busch Gardens with another group of close friends, and spent many an hour building JMU’s dynasty in EA College Football 25.
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
I would rather fight horse sized ducks over duck sized horses.

Behind the scenes of senior pictures today! 🎓✨ I can’t believe they’re already seniors 💙

Let's welcome our new teachers! Emily Nakagawa will be teaching second grade this year!
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I traveled a lot as a kid, from Australia to England to California, but ultimately ended up in Virginia! A wonderful family who attend Community introduced me to the church, which allowed me to learn about Virginia Academy! I worked in aftercare, then began subbing, and now I have been given the opportunity to teach 2nd grade!
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What are you excited about in this upcoming school year?
Building relationships with not only my students but fellow teachers! And making a safe space for my students to feel appreciated and loved!
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
Most of the students at VAA know that my favorite animal is a sloth!

Let's welcome our new teachers! Brittany Faria will be teaching Middle School Spanish 1 and Intro to Spanish this year
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I am from Wardensville, West Virginia. When I was 16 years old I took a trip to Spain with my high school and ever since, I have been traveling the world and learning languages.
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Fun fact: She has a Master’s degree from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT!

New Staff Orientation 🧡 Today was the first day with our new VAA teachers & staff! We are SO excited for you to meet them all 💙

Let's get to know our teachers and staff! This year Mrs. Brecht will be stepping into a new role as an upper school assistant principal!
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I’m from the Midwest, and I love Ohio State football (go bucks!), buffalo chicken dip, drive in movie theaters, and reading!
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Is there anything you'd like your students to know?
I would like my students to know that I am always here for them, and I will continue to advocate for and support them!
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Today we celebrated Andrew Canda as he graduates early to continue his athletic career playing Division I basketball at Fairleigh Dickinson University 🏀🔥 Congratulations!

Let's go, Patriots! Don't forget to bring these items to tryouts:
✅ Water
✅ Cleats (football, soccer)
✅ Indoor shoes (all)
✅ Updated copy of the student’s physical form (if available)

Any questions? Email Coach Staats at [email protected]

✨Hallway glow up✨
The main hallway for classrooms has come SO far!

Let’s congratulate our class of 2024! 🎉 Asher is graduating after 3 years here at Virginia Academy! During his time here, he has been a member of the soccer, lacrosse, and football teams. He also volunteers at Community Church as part of Team Orange. His favorite high-school memories were the high school trips.

In the future, Asher is interested in psychology and is taking a gap year.

Congratulations, Asher! We look forward to seeing you succeed in your future endeavors!! 💙🧡🤍