Chesapeake Academy
The classroom extends to Carter's Creek, where students cultivate and monitor oysters as part of a hands-on science curriculum.
Chesapeake Academy (CA) traces its heritage to the Chesapeake Male and Female Academy, founded in 1889 and operated until 1907 in the old schoolhouse that is now Irvington’s Hope & Glory Inn. Nearly sixty years later, three Irvington families—Mr. and Mrs. Douglas D. Monroe Jr., Mr. and Mrs. C. Jackson Simmons, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Stephens—launched a new venture to provide educational choice for children in the region.
“The founders of this new Chesapeake Academy envisioned a school that would provide children a firm grounding in basic academic subjects -reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science,” says Deborah Cook, current head of school. “They also wanted students to develop good character and become good citizens. Over the past fifty years our instructional methods have changed, but our basic core values have not.”
Cook says CA has always prepared students to excel in high school, college, and beyond. The track record of its graduates is testimony to its success. While CA alumni are doing great things all over the world, many return to their roots closer to home. “My Chesapeake Academy education inspired me,” says Rappahannock Community College President Dr. Elizabeth “Sissy” Crowther, ‘71. Under her leadership, RCC has transformed workforce education and established partnerships that are improving people’s lives in twelve counties.
Walter “Peale” Rogers, ’78, carries on his family’s tradition of commercial fishing, and the Randolph Macon graduate also represents the local industry, serving on Virginia’s Fish Management Advisory Committee. Attorney Tripp Bugg, ’92, artist Wende Monroe Szyperski, ’77 (a cofounders’ daughter), and teacher Sam Terry, ’99, are among dozens of CA alumni who are contributing to community life in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
Many of today’s CA students are the sons and daughters of alumni who personally know the value of preparing their children not only for future academic success but also for civic involvement. Cook points out that CA has always been valuable to the community throughout its history, promoting community engagement as well as attracting civic and business leaders to the area.
Innovative Education for Today’s World
Deborah Cook, head of school, describes Chesapeake Academy as having “an innovative program rooted in tradition.” She cites five qualities that make education for CA students
from Pre-K (3 and 4-year-olds) through eighth grade unique: a diverse and welcoming community, a “vigorous” and highly flexible academic curriculum that stresses integrated learning, community collaboration, character and leadership development, and affordability.
“Ours is an inclusive community. Students come from all segments of our community,” Cook says. “Having a student population drawn from a broad socioeconomic spectrum is vital for every student’s education, since they must make their way in—and contribute to—an increasingly global society.”
The focus on global reach is evident in the school’s description: “Small school. Huge classroom.” Dedicated, creative, and highly qualified faculty work together to make learning meaningful. The focus on STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—promotes real-world problem solving.
Julie Keesee, assistant head of school, points out that, “Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.” Students use state-of-the-art technology in every grade every day. Each student participates in the vibrant arts program, which includes visual arts, drama, and music. Foreign language is taught in every grade.
Small class size as well as freedom from state-regulated curriculum and testing allow teachers to adapt to individual students’ learning styles. Learning extends beyond the classroom in a variety of ways.
“As part of their education, students have many opportunities to interact with community professionals,” Keesee explains. “For example, our sixth graders worked recently with Library Director Lindsy Gardner on a proposed design for the teen space in the new Lancaster Community Library. The students applied their math and artistic skills in preparing proposals and presented their ideas to the library’s board. This kind of project-based learning builds authentic learning and confidence.”
A CA education involves more than mastery of academic skills. “Character and leadership development starts in Pre-K 3 and 4 and runs through every grade,” says Beth Clark, longtime CA teacher and early childhood director. Older students are given the chance to mentor younger ones. Involvement in student government begins in the fifth grade. Athletic programs, which include every middle school student, develop sportsmanship and leadership. An honor code promotes student integrity and a school community of trust, respect, and personal responsibility. Faculty and staff deliberately cultivate developmentally appropriate social and ethical values.
Community service activities show students they are part of a larger world where, one day, they will be called to serve. “We are conscious and purposeful in preparing students to believe they can make a difference,” Clark says.
Cook believes there is “a misperception about the affordability of this unique education.” Nearly half of students currently enrolled receive financial assistance. CA values socioeconomic diversity in its student body and allocates resources to meet this goal.
“The curriculum is innovative yet blends well with foundations that have characterized education at Chesapeake Academy for half a century,” Cook says. “We strive to preserve tradition while implementing a cutting-edge curriculum.”
Perhaps, graduates from the class that started fifty years ago might not recognize the dynamic, hands-on, real-world learning taking place at CA today. But that oak tree is a living reminder that CA’s roots run deep.
For admission information:
107 Steamboat Road · Irvington, Virginia 22480
chesapeakeacademy.org · 804-438-5575
This article appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of The Local Scoop Magazine, pgs. 51-53.
