Ad Fontes Academy

Po Box 916

Centreville, VA 20122

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 30, 2023

If you want your child to be filled with anxiety, feel discouraged and cry almost daily because they don’t want to go to school, then go for it. Otherwise, please look elsewhere.This is not our first year at Ad Fontes, but it will be the last.The administration made a huge mistake to do a quick hire (literally a week before school started and she wasn’t vetted sufficiently) of a new 3rd grade teacher and the results have been HORRIFIC! The teacher does not have the experience to teach 3rd graders nor is she someone who knows how to be encouraging, supportive and helpful to young students.Her demeanor and interactions with the children are not only cold, disingenuous and intimidating but she enjoys the power imbalance and it’s disturbing.Her grading is horrible and unfair but most importantly she cannot even explain how she came up with the grades.A large number of parents and children who have attended the school for over two years are looking to get their children out because the administrators refuse to acknowledge that there is a problem and enforce changes so that children can be in nurturing, encourage and academically fair environments.The teacher also discusses very personal experiences and opinions with students that are inappropriate.This one mistake of hiring the wrong teachers is unfortunately having major negative impacts on current student’s mental and emotional health and will have impact the overall lower school as parents begin to pull their children out. This is not how Christ would treat his children.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2023

We are beyond thrilled with Ad Fontes Academy - the quality and experience of the teachers, administrators, leadership team, and board has exceeded our expectations. They maintain Gospel fidelity in all that they do, and they partner with parents every step of the way, ascribing to the classical method of education. We were referred by friends from McLean Bible Church, have enrolled our oldest who just started kindergarten, and we look forward to sharing with many others. You will not regret scheduling an information session and your.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

Ad Fontes came at the right time when we were desperate seeking for a new school for our children. It's God's blessing and answers to prayers to find the right school that care for our kid's education. Our kids have been thriving learning, challenging themselves to meet Ad Fontes learning expectations. The Ad Fontes community, staff members, and families have been supportive that give us such a joy to be part of this amazing experience. Our kids always look forward to return with their peers and teachers as they love the environment and the classical learning experience.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2023

My daughter has been a student at AFA for 4 years. As a family, we couldn’t be happier with our experience. With a Christ-centered focus, AFA builds a passion for academic subjects shared within a culture of dialogue and debate, not simply lecture. Thanks to the nurturing teachers, my daughter never ceases to amaze me.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2023

Our son transitioned from public school to private school at Ad Fontes during COVID. While the first semester was a bit rocky as he navigated the expectations and routine, we could not have made a better choice for him to experience in high school years.
Submitted by other on August 07, 2023

I will admit my elementary years here were fine. It was your typical Christian Private school with bible classes and chapel. But once you hit the middle school/ high school years things go downhill very rapidly. They do not at all accommodate those with disabilities and if an issue is brought up, it’s quickly dismissed and you have no choice but to drop the class. I remember being talked to quite a few times about converting my non Christian mother which has nothing to do with my education. For a Christian school, many students and teachers do not act they way the Christian school is advertised (loving, caring, or accepting). The social environment is sub par and there is very little done to improve it. This school also does very very little to set you up well for university. Also they didn’t ever teach geography or Econ and Finance (I’m not sure if that’s changed since I’ve attended). I ended up leaving my the school when my favorite teacher also left. He actually was able to get students excited and invested in the subject unlike all the other teachers. And he was caring. So once he left I was out. This school always had talked down on public school education so my whole life, I was terrified of going to public school. But after leaving this school and attending a public one, I was able to better prep for university as well as have so many more options in what classes to take. In general I just don’t recommend this school if you want your children to adapt well to the world as they grow. They have very limited subjects, they don’t accommodate disabilities or mental health and the teachers are quite unhelpful.
Submitted by other on June 04, 2023

Ad Fontes School is truly a remarkable educational institution that deserves the highest praise. The school's commitment to nurturing academic success is evident in every aspect of its curriculum and environment. The dedicated teachers and staff at Ad Fontes go above and beyond to provide an enriching and rigorous academic experience for their students.One of the most impressive aspects of Ad Fontes is its emphasis on building a strong foundation of faith. The school recognizes the importance of spiritual development and seamlessly integrates it into the daily life of students. This approach not only instills values and moral principles but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among the students.The academic programs at Ad Fontes are exceptional, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. The school's commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives individual attention and personalized instruction. This approach allows students to excel academically, helping them reach their full potential.Having thoroughly researched schools in the area, I can confidently say that Ad Fontes School stands out as the best. Its dedication to academic excellence, coupled with its focus on faith-based education, sets it apart from other institutions. Students who attend Ad Fontes School are fortunate to receive an education that not only prepares them for future success but also helps them develop into well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of purpose.
Submitted by other on June 15, 2021

Our family has been part of Ad Fontes Academy for over a decade. The school, the teachers, administration and staff have all made a lasting impact on my children, who have become life-long learners who relish new ideas, and thrive in environments where so many other young adults flounder. They are confident speakers, writers, and communicators who can talk easily and articulate effectively with people of all ages without reservation. During their years at AFA, teachers spent countless hours invested in their success, whether that meant giving up lunch to work on Geometry proofs or senior thesis, or counseling and praying with them through difficult personal situations. The heartbeat of the school is truly Christ-centered, and the model from the Head of School down to the littlest kindergarten student is that of servant leadership. When we first came to Ad Fontes, we were searching for a Christian school with great academics. What we found, and what will last forever, were teachers, staff and families who will be forever friends to us all. School, and the thousands of hours spent there, impact the lives of children more than any other factor other than family. In the end, the academic impact of this classical Christian school helped form my children into creative thinkers who ask great questions and know how to tackle learning something new. More importantly, I am eternally grateful to teachers and peers who loved my kids during those formative years, as they figured out their place in the world. Their influence will last for a lifetime!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2021

We have been at the school for nine years.Our family remains very happy with the Lower School: the principal and staff are phenomenal and we truly appreciate the Christ-like care and love for our children and the excellent Classical curriculum taught. We firmly believe the Lower School deserves five stars. We are giving the Upper School, in it's current state, one star. We have found that the Upper School is a very different school than the lower school. In our opinion, they are two completely different schools from an experience perspective. There is no common bridge between the two, other than in name. In the Upper School, curriculum is not consistent -- the school removed Bible class this year for the 8th grade students and did not inform the parents. There is no longer chapel in the Upper School but a general assembly meeting. Not all teachers are on the same page theologically -- which would not be a problem as we have experienced and appreciate a beautiful convergence of ecumenical backgrounds ... Except when it means that Bible and chapel are no longer even taught. There seems to be a general lack of consistency in communication throughout the Upper School. We were also saddened a few years ago when the Upper School missions trip was no longer offered. There is very little done as a school in terms of giving to the community, other than an annual food drive.We are praying that with a new Head of School coming to AFA in the Fall of 2021, that these issues will be ameliorated. It has always been our hope that Ad Fontes will flourish for the kingdom of Christ - training up children it the way they should go, not only academically, but spiritually as well.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2021

We did not expect to be going to a Private School, but we have been thrilled with our experience. Our three girls come home every day excited about what they are learning, and the fun they have had. The students are genuinely kind and inclusive, and the teachers are caring, supportive, and challenging. This is the way school was meant to be! We love it!!!
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2020

Ad Fontes Academy has been an absolute blessing for our family. Our daughters love the school and we are thrilled with the quality of the Christ-centered education. We are a military family and moved to Virginia with high school and middle school aged children. Moving at their ages is difficult, but Ad Fontes helped make the transition as easy as we have ever experienced. The teachers and administrators truly love the children. The students have been exceptionally welcoming. The upper school retreat at the beginning of the year was a blessing and allowed our daughter to meet and be welcomed by a new group of friends before classes even started. Our kids have loved the house system. The exceptionally dedicated team of teachers challenge our children to develop habits of mind and communicate very well with parents. To be quite honest, my wife and I don’t particularly like living in the DC area, but we love Ad Fontes so much that we are trying to stay here as long as we can!
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2019

This small school is ill equipped to provide a strong learning program or flexibility. It is geared toward a singular focus of wrote memorization and absolute discipline. The communication lines were poor, and in spite of proclaiming a christian approach towards loving these children, our experience was anything but this.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

Excellent school! AFA is a wonderful school, with a superb Christ-centered environment and classical education approach. The staff and teachers are approachable, loving and dedicated far beyond expectation. I have found comfort sending my children to a place where they are surrounded by people who love the Lord, blessed with terrific teachers and role models and challenged academically. AFA provides all of this and more, as they are a close-knit family, bonded in love and biblical unity.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

Everyone at AFA shows a sincere love and bond. I feel my children will be ready for college academically and confidently.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

Our son has attending AFA since Kindergarten. He is now 14 and ready to enter AFA HS. Our choice to go with AFA years ago was premised on the worldview we wanted our son to understand--that God is central to all things, and that the purpose is to not just know who God is, but to have a relationship with Him. AFA does a fantastic job of hiring godly teachers that truly love and pray for the students, and model that relationship with God. I would be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding education, great community, approachable staff, and great kids. My son has learned to think critically, to take on hard tasks, and has had an education well advanced for his grade.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

We have had an incredible experience at AFA, our daughter is in her 3rd year and our son in his 1st, and he keeps asking why we didn't transfer him over earlier, he loves it that much! The caring environment coupled with the strong academic curriculum and small class sizes make it the perfect learning environment and definitely prepares students for future success.
Submitted by parent on December 24, 2015

My children have thrived at AFA. We were previously in public school in PWC with major overcrowding in their classrooms. My kids were sliding on through the system with little attention or challenge. We find the opposite to be true at AFA. They are challenged each and everyday with rigorous coursework. There is a focus on excellence in reading and mathematics and a understanding of how God works in and through it all. It is highly structured to help them learn in a distraction free environment. The teachers and administration are approachable, kind and creative. We couldn't be happier with the education they are receiving.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2015

This is an amazing school that nurtures your child's faith while maintaining standards of excellence in education. Also, the teachers encourage a love of learning beyond just getting "good grades".
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2015

Ad Fontes provides students with an excellent, rigorous classical education in a loving supportive Christian community. The teachers go above and beyond, dedicating their time and talents to the students even outside of the classroom and after school hours, to ensure the students' success. My daughter graduated equipped not just to succeed in college, but to thrive in her faith. I am also thrilled to see the difference it is making in my two other children. They don t just love going to school; they love to learn!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2015

Best school in NOVA!!! Two of our children have graduated from AFA, and we are deeply grateful!!! Great teachers, excellent education, and an amazing staff. To God be the glory for AFA!