SDGVA contacted us at the beginning of September a...

SDGVA contacted us at the beginning of September and said that our child was accepted. Even though we had initially been excited about putting our daughter on the waiting list at SDGVA, we were a bit hesitant after hearing the news about the former CEO s abrupt departure in August. But, as the educational program that SDGVA offers seemed to be everything I and my husband could ask for our child, I could not resist taking the offer despite the news regarding the CEO. My husband and I decided to take a chance and send our child to SDGVA, knowing that if we and our child did not like the school after all then she could always return to the local public school. OK, finally my review starts from here: Three months in, and so far I LOVE THIS SCHOOL and MY CHILD LOVES THIS SCHOOL! Here are a few things that set SDGVA apart from many other schools: It s a small school with a strong focus on the fundamentals of writing, reading and mathematics PLUS science and technology (STEAM program). Due to a fairly small student-to-teacher ratio, you could not ask for a more dedicated, nearly one-on-one attention like the students receive from the teachers and staff at SDGVA at many crowded public schools. I like the fact that SDGVA has chosen to have the students wear uniforms. I feel that it helps to create a sense of sameness of group rather than a focus on being separate, different and individual when dressing distinctly. My belief is when students put on the uniform it puts them in the mental mindset of being a student, rather than the converse: street /casual clothes put one in the mindset of, well, being casual. Tae Kwon Do martial arts class is available to all students once a week. Not only good exercise, but also teaches such attributes as: discipline, respect, coordination and self-defense, to name a few. AM/PM programs are run by school staff and teachers. Students can receive assistance with their homework generally from their own class teacher! As well as getting additional technology practice and study from the schools IT director. I also love the technology-centered communication methods they use: primarily e-mail, texting and app-based messaging . It makes contacting, or being contacted by them, nearly instant. Communicating to the main office or the teachers is a snap. You can download an app called ClassDoJo , which connects parents and classroom, and also connects with teacher and principal as well. For example, my child is in Miss Adair s class. She is such a devoted, caring top-notch teacher. She uploads a very short class video or pix every day to show parents that how children are doing and what and how they are teaching to children. I m very pleased and feel safe to see almost live-video and pix of how my child is doing in her class. I can also text her and ask my concerns or questions about my child. The CEO/Provost Ms. Kane is very open and friendly, she is always around students in the morning and afternoon, knows all students by name and parent/guardian s face by 2nd week. I honestly don t see any sense of the schools focus having changed (due to change in CEO). They are very student centered and seem to make their decisions with the student s best interest and safety in mind first. Existing teachers have very strong mind-set in focusing on student s success in both academically and mentally. This school operates like a small school, and I feel that parents and school are well-connected and communication is great. I feel like I am sending my child to a good private school. Even though it has been only a couple of months, but I see that my child is already showing academic improvement in her reading, writing and mathematics skills. In addition, I can also tell that she is gaining confidence as well, and am pleased that she is thriving and safe there, and moreover nothing makes me happy to hear from her every morning that I can not wait to go to school! . I cannot say enough good things about this school. There is no chance to pull my child out of this school.