From The Principal

Dear Parent,

Thank you for your interest in Virginia Academy. Hopefully, you have talked to one of our parents and understand that what we are accomplishing with our students is wonderfully unique. This is why we have grown from a handful of students to the largest private school in Loudoun County in just thirteen years.

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. This year I will celebrate my 45th year in the profession. I started as an aftercare aide when I was still in high school. I spent many years in the classroom, and in 1988, I moved into administration. I find that even now I am still teaching. My husband, also an educator, serves as the Headmaster of Virginia Academy. His experience in secondary education and mine in the preschool and elementary grades makes us a great team; but the key to our success has been the stable, loving, caring staff that we have been able to assemble.

I assumed the leadership of the Ark Preschool when it was still in its infancy. The tremendous visibility on Route 7, in Sterling, VA, gave us an opportunity to make an impact. Rather than reinventing the wheel, I adopted a traditional, time tested curriculum and implemented successful programs that I had developed over the years. Each year we were able to add a grade level and more wonderful students. The results speak for themselves.

Each day I come to school to have a great time. I try to transmit that spirit to our faculty, staff and students because I want them to look forward to being here as much as I do. Although our students are distinguishing themselves academically on nationally recognized achievement tests, we are having fun doing so.
My philosophy of education is summed up in a word; balance. It is important to me that our students become well-rounded, productive citizens. We place a premium on character and offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities. From our cutting edge equestrian program to interscholastic sports, we are striving to touch every area of each student's life.

It is my firm belief that every child is endowed with gifts, talents and abilities. Our job at Virginia Academy is to discover and develop them. We value every accomplishment of each student, both academic and extracurricular. If you believe, like I do, that children should be celebrated, not just tolerated, and are looking for a school that will assist your child in discovering his or her own greatness, call me so we can get to know one another.

Sincerely,

Judith Snowden, B.A., M.A.
Principal