First-time visitors to Middleburg Academy invariably comment on the beauty of the campus, the friendliness of the students, and the caring, family-like atmosphere of the school.
A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO WORK AND PLAY
We offer an ideal setting for educational enrichment, and students take full advantage of our pastoral ninety-acre campus. They may know that one of the best spots to read and write is under an ancient oak tree; or that the local Virginia countryside provides a stunning panorama to photograph, paint, or draw; or that there are grassy expanses for launching rockets in physics class.
Hard work is expected during school hours, but when the clock hits 3:15 and the academic day is done, students can create many wonderful ways to unwind; for example, a jazz or rap session at the piano in the foyer, an impromptu pick-up game on the soccer field, or a hard fought ping-pong competition in the Student Center.
FRIENDS ALL AROUND
Our students come from a variety of middle school experiences so everyone here enjoys a fresh start. They will tell you that they enjoy each other’s company, and there are few barriers to making friends.
“There really aren’t any cliques. Sure there are groups of friends, but for the most part, everyone talks to everyone, with little disparity between the grades. ” - Carleigh Smith, Class of 2011
“Students get along well with one another; they are not cliquish; it is rare when one hears about problems between peers. This is a warm and tolerant community.” - Martine Bourdeau, French Teacher
“It is very friendly here, and even shy kids are drawn out. As you grow older here, you inevitably become more outgoing.” - Carol Yacoub, Class of 2011
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Speak to an upperclassman or a recent Middleburg Academy graduate and you will quickly sense their appreciation of the school’s atmosphere.
"You are not just another kid passing through high school. We all stand out here...and everyone knows your name,” explains one recent graduate.
Yet community doesn’t just happen. Meetings, assemblies, clubs, and advisories play an important role in sustaining the sense of connectedness that is cherished by members of the school community. In addition to their daily classes, students and faculty come together a minimum of twenty times in a typical month, in a variety of small group and all-school gatherings.
• Advisories are small (10-12 students), grade-based groups that meet twice a week (forty minutes each) with a faculty advisor. They offer another avenue for young people to develop a connection with an adult mentor/advocate, outside the student-teacher relationship. Students can express themselves openly, build new bonds, and become further oriented within the school and its priorities. It is also a chance for the faculty and staff to gain a greater understanding of each student, in all his or her strengths and weaknesses.
• Morning Meetings are held twice a week (twenty minutes each) for the entire student body. Announcements are made, good news is shared, and the school community is further unified.
• Assemblies take place every other week (40 minutes each) for the entire school. The school offers a variety of topics; past presentations have included The United States Army Band; Going Green; motivational speakers; the U.S. intelligence community; and international service projects.
• Clubs meet at least twice each month within the school day, under the guidance of two faculty mentors.