Norfolk Academy

1585 Wesleyan Drive

Norfolk, VA 23502

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 20, 2023

As a proud parent of a Norfolk Academy student, I must say that this school is truly exceptional. My child has been attending for seven years now, and the quality of education and dedication of the staff has never wavered. I have seen firsthand how the school has helped my child grow into a confident, capable, and successful individual.One of the things that sets Norfolk Academy apart from other schools is its focus on instilling a sense of pride and self-belief in its students. From the very beginning, the school emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The teachers and staff are committed to helping each student achieve their full potential, and they do so in a way that is both challenging and supportive.There is no doubt that Norfolk Academy is not for parents seeking an easy ride for their children. The school sets high standards for its students, and they are expected to work hard and push themselves to their limits every day. However, it's amazing to see how the students rise to the occasion and grow stronger as a result. They learn to take responsibility for their own learning and develop a strong work ethic that will serve them well in the future.One of the things that I appreciate most about Norfolk Academy is the sense of community that it fosters. The school is not just a place of learning, but a place where students can form lasting friendships and develop meaningful relationships with their teachers and staff. The school encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's education, and there are many opportunities for parents to volunteer and get to know other families.Norfolk Academy truly prepares its students for success in the real world. The school offers a challenging and rigorous academic program that is designed to prepare students for college and beyond. But more than that, it instills in its students a sense of self-confidence and a belief in their own abilities. This is something that will serve them well throughout their lives, no matter where their paths may take them.In conclusion, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Norfolk Academy to anyone looking for an exceptional education that prepares their child for success in the real world. The quality of education, dedication of the staff, and sense of community are truly exceptional. My child has thrived at Norfolk Academy, and I am confident that other students will too.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2021

while the behavioral situation and education is probably better than public school, Norfolk Academy occurred to us as glorified home school for the Virginia beach bay colony generations. many staff and students are from multiple generations and many have children in the school or many of the teachers were previous students. at one point our teacher at orientation told us that while NA advertises lots of homework for the kids, she would not be giving homework because she had 3 kids in the school herself and didn't have time to grade our children's homework. My child was bullied as were other children but because the bullies were children of legacy families and generous donors or well-placed community members, repercussions for bullying were inconsistent. my child was successful academically and i think NA provides some good practices for being independent lifelong learners. however i think this is more a function of the parent demographic than the faculty as dennis manning takes every opportunity to advertise. this is not a school for the child who may not be strong of spirit and confidence as bullying and stress and mental health issues don't seem to get adequate attention. Students need to have strong social support groups outside the school. eventually we left the school and my child has done very well at another private school outside the area. I also think the curriculum was a bit suspicious and eventually they did give up on chicago math - which made for a difficult transition to high school math. the school is fully independent so really has an opportunity to create something special but again seems to be more of a family affair or a who's who of VA beach home school. opportunities for regular paying students are definitely less than the donor/legacy families so just be prepared for that should you choose to go here as in general the same set of kids get selected for most of the travel or fellowship programs. there are some other comments about diversity which i would agree with. NA seems to seek out at least some diverse students and provides scholarships to keep those students but in general the vast majority of students is from a pretty narrow demographic. our favorite teachers were among the minority that were not alum and from outside the area with no previous connection to NA.
Submitted by other on January 16, 2020

Ultimately we switched to another school. There is limited diversity at the school and for those that are of different races, they do not feel supported.
Submitted by other on October 09, 2016

Our child is always so happy to go to school and she is learning so much , she talks about her teacher all the time and her new classmates.
Submitted by student on October 08, 2014

Norfolk Academy is a pretty good school. Having been a student there, I know that it provides a quality education, especially for the "average" and "below-average" children. It also has a fantastic sports program, and most of the teachers are decent. However, it is difficult for the "above-average" and gifted students at NA to reach their full potential. The curriculum is designed to help the average students do well, not gifted kids. A previous review said that NA "cherry-picks" the smartest, best children in the area. I am sorry, but all I can say is that that is simply not true. There are plenty of kids there who struggle in school, even on easy topics. And the review mentioning grade inflation was mostly true. Despite this, the most negative part of NA is the attitude of some of the students. It greatly bothered me how much they cared about being popular and how they would act mean often just to be popular. In addition, the attitude about how great people were if they went to the school set off a negative atmosphere. Just because their parents can pay $25,000 per year to send them to NA doesn't make them smarter or better than people at public schools.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My child is happy and finally starting to achieve to the best of their ability. What more can I ask? Having been to several schools and had teachers comment that my child, though doing well, could perhaps do better - it is reassuring to me to see that the curricular support, work ethic, high expectations and general 'can do' ethos within this school is having a positive effect on my child. Whilst not achieving the highest scores in the Grade, my child's growth, both academically and in maturity has been significant. Important life skills such as being proactive, organized, working hard and working smartly all have come to the fore and are now really starting to show results. Yes, we have had complaints in the past amount the amount of work, about 'rich kids' possessions and grumblings about the odd teacher. However, we know that, as the parent of a teenager, we would see all of those points in any school (and to a point, see it as preparation for adult life). To us, the fact that our child has good friends, is happy, achieving better than ever before and has a positive, well-adjusted outlook, tells me that we have done the right thing. I highly commend this school to you.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2013

Be leery of some of the professional sounding reviews NA has a fabulous marketing team. My 2 children attended and the middle school was amazing, leadership was 5 stars. Our children received a superb education, if only it could have continued. Upper school has some great teachers, but chances are 50/50, by the time you realize it you're stuck because upper school doesn't begin until 10th. The leadership in the upper school doesn't care to hear from you, students/parents feel intimidated. Meet the Upper School director. A select few pick a select few students they favor and awards as well as the valedictorians are selected in 10th grade, track the Virginia pilot awards section for 10th graders for a few years, and those "book" awards. Chosen few not necessarily based on academics sorry to say. Complete lack of college counseling known for many years. The inexcusable was we knew of 4 teachers that should have been fired on the spot but weren't. NA is fantastic for the average student trying to get a shot at UVA, great for grade inflation for average/below average. If your child is smart there are far better options where they will be appreciated and your input valued.
Submitted by other on August 25, 2013

"The end justified the means," NA students graduated 100% and scored high with college test scores, all of them ended up at top-notch 4-year colleges nationwide for decades. The school's educational excellence cannot be challenged by any school in the area from its hundreds-of-years of experiences. NA parents are college-educated products, they've already mastered the rules of the game, that's why their kids are there for the right reasons, productively. Kids are on waiting list to get in the school, unfortunately, NA is designed as cherry-picking the brightest among the masses via scored IQs. It's famous, period.
Submitted by other on July 20, 2013

Norfolk Academy is a school that everyone should go to. People who go there are said to be "gifted" by people from the outside, but that isn't the case, I think they are invested in what the teachers,coaches, and advisors are doing. The best part about playing sports and taking part in the theater is that your math teacher during the day is now your lacrosse coach in the afternoon helping you with algebra now helping with picking up ground balls. If your child wants to become their inner self then enroll them at Norfolk Academy.
Submitted by other on June 30, 2013

As an alumnus from the late 80's, and as a professional educator, I can attest to the many reasons NA is a remarkable institution. Beyond the significant educational system and rigorous academic program, it is the relationships developed among students, faculty and administration that has been most meaningful. I was privileged to have John Tucker as my head of school and under his leadership and care, I felt important as an individual and as part of a community of learners. My relationship with the outstanding faculty and support staff have been pivotal in guiding my professional trajectory. I have carried these connections with me and am thrilled that some of my teachers and classmates are among those now serving the Norfolk Academy community. Certainly in the area and likely in the region, there are few schools that can compare. Anyone would do well to explore this option. As a school leader I am particularly sensitive to the challenges and opportunities of running an independent school. This is an exceptional one. While not flawless, the school continues to provide a strong and honorable educational milieu to those who would avail themselves of the opportunity.
Submitted by other on April 23, 2013

I have been in a variety of educational institutions before NA and I have to say...it's not the best but...it's not terrible. I have moved not only from several different regions, but also from different teaching styles, including Montessori, Private, and Public. After coming here in the 9th grade, I have found that NA has a strange way of teaching. The honor code was valuable, but I knew people who didn't get punished for dishonorable actions. The only thing we really got in trouble for was plagiarizing. I did see the favoritism that many others complained about and it was pretty difficult to deal with. I, being reserved, found it hard to really fit in. I struggled to find a niche and often felt the pain of loneliness. Although my peers sometimes reached out to me, I felt like every time I tried to really form relationships, I never could break into their cliques. The only benefits I found were the great teachers. Most genuinely care for the wellbeing of their students, a rare thing in public schools. I definitely do not think it's worth the ridiculous price. It's reputation may be able to help with college, but there really is no replacement for hard work. -Submitted by a student
Submitted by other on August 05, 2011

I am an eighth grader at na right now and I couldn't be happier with it. Lots of parents will comment on sever bullying but I can tell most of the bullying are jokes that have been seen in different ways. The class's are more diverse than it is said and the kids are ego controlled socialpaths with rich families and in fact almost half the kids have finianal aid. If your child is having problems in lower school just tell them it will get better. Believe me the lower school is not the best I went through all 6 years of it (lower school goes to sixth grade) middle school is real fun. I play football wrestling and lacrosse and the programs are great and the school does not recruit so coaches can work to improve their players and not look for the best. Athletes of all skill levels at any age are welcome. The students at na are deep into culture and the students watch many places and listen to many concerts in Johnson theatre. The teachers are great and don't focus on their lessons as much as on their students to make sure they are at the same level as everyone else. Students have many chance to meet friends and develop life long companions friends here stay friends for life
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2011

My daughter loves the school while my son was treated unfairly. Lower school's guidance counselor lacked credential. If you dare to voice your "opinion" that is different than theirs, you are "criticized" beyond belief. Staff's children are treated to be more "honest and better". You must play NA's game or else..... You must not have an opinion of your own as a "parent". Anyone who was mistreated in NA, please contact me.
Submitted by other on April 10, 2011

I have been going to NA for 7 years now and by the 4th grade if you walked into the class room you could tell who was popular and who was not. By the 6th grade if you walked into the "quad" or locker area you could easily see the cliques and the space between them. Some reviews on here are from parents but i dont tell my parents that i hate na, so why would their kids. The middle school is even worse then lower, the teachers are moody and mean and its just insane how much we have to keep up with. Weekends use to be for hanging out with friends now their for studying and catching up on sleep. My mom sends me to na because she went their, and I'm guessing things have changed or my mom is just trying to make my life miserable. Norfolk Academy is just not the great environment and education its made up to be.