Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/453610
16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2015 Ask the Expert Fredericksburg Academy Q: What is an independent school? An independent school has the free- dom to serve its mission—its unique phi- losophy, values and approach to education. Commonly referred to as private schools, independent schools receive no fund- ing from federal, state or local governments. Therefore, they are not required to implement the high-stakes testing programs that are cur- rently in place in our public schools. There are approximately 2,000 independent schools in the country, and the strongest of these are members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Fredericksburg Academy is the only NAIS-member school in our region. The best independent schools are also regularly accredited. In order to be recognized as an accredited school by the Virginia Board of Education, independent schools in our state must undergo a rigorous review process. Fredericksburg Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, which is recognized as a valid accrediting agency by the state. Q: Why would a parent send his or her child to an independent school in an area that has strong public schools? Parents throughout our country—in areas with excellent and struggling public schools—choose independent schools for a variety of reasons: small class sizes, higher academic standards, expert teachers, individualized college preparation and safety, just to name a few. However, I feel that the best argument for sending a child to an independent school like FA is that our curriculum Independent school students are surrounded by peers and teachers who inspire and encourage their intellectual curiosity, leading them to make important connections and uncover new understandings. This provides students with a major advantage by preparing them much more effectively for collegiate and professional success than the test-driven curriculum of the public school system. a sk t h e e x p e rt F ounded in 1992 by parents in search of the ideal school for their children, Fredericksburg Academy has become one of the state's best private schools. The school, recently recognized as a top private high school by the editors of Virginia Living, has created a dynamic, inclu- sive learning community that inspires students to achieve their academic and personal potential. Educating 3-year-olds through high school seniors on its 44-acre campus, FA offers a college-preparatory education defined by small classes (7:1 student-teacher ratio), expert teachers (averaging 16 years of experience), a curriculum emphasiz- ing critical thinking and a strong Honor Code. One hundred percent of Fredericksburg Academy's graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities. The school prides itself on its com- mitment to diversity and inclusion. Fredericksburg Academy is located off Falcon Drive, in the Four-Mile Fork area of Spotsylvania County. The school's website, fredericksburgacademy.org, pro- vides a first look at its mission and programs, but the best way to learn about it is to visit in person and see students and teachers in action. Fredericksburg Academy's friendly Admission staff welcomes parents and prospective students for personal tours every day that school is in session. To talk with a member of the Admission staff or to schedule your tour, please contact 540.898.0020 or admission@fredericksburgacademy. org. Q: What is an independent school? Poised. Independent. Engaged. HAPPY. Explore the opportunities a Fredericksburg Academy education can offer your child! Independent • College-Preparatory • PK–Grade 12 • 540.898.0020 • fredericksburgacademy.org Where Education Creates Opportunity Now is the time to be thinking about the 2015–2016 school year! Schedule your personal tour of our classrooms and campus: 540.898.0020 • admission@fredericksburgacademy.org FA ad for Fburg Parent half page Feb 2015.indd 1 1/15/2015 12:02:05 PM losophy, values and approach to education. Commonly school, recently recognized as a high school seniors on its 44-acre campus, college-preparatory education teaches students how to think.