Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Mission of Chesapeake Academy?

Chesapeake Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving a diverse population of Preschool through Eighth Grade students in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia. The school prepares each student for their future academic, moral, social, and physical endeavors in an intellectually challenging environment with a unique curriculum grounded in a nurturing, family-oriented atmosphere. The Academy prepares each student for their secondary school of choice while meeting or exceeding accreditation standards.

Q: What are the steps to the Admission Process, and how might I learn more about making application, deadlines, scholarship assistance, and visiting the Academy?

Year Round – Admission Inquiry

The first step is to notify the Admissions Office of your interest in Chesapeake Academy. You may access information about Chesapeake via the website (www.chesapeakeacademy.org) or by calling the Academy directly (804-438-5575). An Academy information packet, which includes Scholarship Assistance details, is available online or by phone/web request. Applications should be submitted during the fall of the year preceding the student’s anticipated enrollment, or at least on or before March 15th. Outside of this time, applications are accepted on a rolling-admission basis, space permitting. Admission appointments, when school is in session, are available on Wednesday’s and Friday’s between 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.

Q: What type of student is most successful at Chesapeake Academy?

The Academy seeks to enroll students who are:

Committed to learning.
Eager to meet new people.
Of strong moral character.
Well rounded, with varied interests and talents.
Excited about becoming part of a close-knit community.
Interested in developing themselves to the fullest through academic challenge, athletics competition, and artistic exploration.

Q: What's the Academy’s student-teacher ratio?

8:1 (Average class size is 14 students)

Q: How many students attend Chesapeake Academy?

167 (Preschool through Grade Eight)

Q: How diverse is the Academy’s student body?

Chesapeake Academy accepts students whose academic record, recommendations (including social skills), admissions assessments, and interview indicate they can succeed within the framework and curriculum of Chesapeake Academy, and without regard to race, color, religion, handicap status, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, program, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. At present, 11% of the population represents students of color.

Q: How much is tuition at Chesapeake Academy?

Tuition 2008-2009

5-day Preschool $4790.00
5-day Pre-Kindergarten $4790.00
Full-day Kindergarten $7990.00
Lower School $8090.00
Middle School $8590.00

Tuition Payment

Payment options are:

Full (July 1, 2008)
2 payments (July 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008)
9 payments (7/1/08 - 3/1/09)

Q: How can we afford to send our child(ren) to Chesapeake Academy?

No student should be discouraged from applying to Chesapeake due to financial reasons. Scholarships are available on a limited and confidential basis. All aid is awarded on the basis of need and requires a Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) and a copy of the most recent tax return.

Scholarship applications are available from the Academy’s Office of Admissions, upon request, or online at www.nais.org/financialaid/sss.

To meet the March deadline, the Parents Financial Statement (PFS) must be sent to the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) in Princeton, NJ by JANUARY 22nd, 2007. The Chesapeake Academy Scholarship Application and personal tax forms (W-2’s. etc.) should arrive no later than FEBRUARY 12th, 2007 to the Admissions Office at the Academy. The Scholarship committee meets initially in March to determine awards, and decisions will be mailed to families on or before the end of the month.

Students who are accepted into the School after March will be considered for scholarships until such time as all funds have been allocated. All scholarship decisions are held in the strictest confidence. Applicants must be accepted into the School before being considered for these scholarships.

24% of the students at Chesapeake Academy are presently receiving scholarship assistance.

On average, the Academy meets about 75% of the amount for which applicants qualify based upon this process. As a small school, we ask that each family stretch their education dollars, and many make sacrifices for their students to attend. Every student at Chesapeake Academy receives financial support as tuition only covers about 70 cents of each dollar of expense. We raise the other 30 cents through charitable giving to the Annual Fund and various fund raising events.

To discover the true cost of your child’s education at Chesapeake Academy you can divide the full tuition by 70% (e.g., 06-07 middle school tuition of $7,375 has a true cost of $10,535 - Page 42 of the 2006-2007 Family Handbook). The Academy trustees are committed to maintaining affordable tuition and a strong Scholarship Assistance Program.

Q: Is there a lunch program?

There are optional "Pizza Fridays" where students may pay for pre-ordered pizzas every Friday. Other days, students are responsible for bringing their own healthy lunch and beverage (soda and high sugar foods are not recommended). Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Extended Day Program bring their own lunch from home daily as well.

Q: Is transportation (bus service) available at Chesapeake Academy?

Chesapeake Academy has bus service available on a daily basis. Where students participating in this program typically ride roundtrip daily, the Academy does offer opportunities for families to use this service for one-way travel or “as needed”. Currently there are routes through Middlesex, Mathews and Gloucester Counties, in addition to routes through Northumberland and Lancaster County.

Q: What extra-curricular activities are available for Chesapeake Academy students?

In addition to a full day of classes, students find time to participate in a variety of other activities that include: co-ed soccer, golf, boys and girls basketball, track and field, tennis, forensics, music, drama, chorus, tone chimes, yearbook, student government, instrumental music lessons, area field trips, Inward Bound (an overnight excursion to an area camp as a Middle School bonding experience for grades 5 through 8), Blue and White intramural activities, and community service.

Q: Why should our child(ren) enroll at Chesapeake Academy?

As a parent/guardian, you know that all children are not alike, and each child has his/her own special talents, interests, developmental patterns, and emotional needs. Chesapeake Academy knows that the right school for one child may not be the best choice for another. When selecting the school to meet your child’s needs, consider the following questions:

Is the curriculum appropriate for my child’s talents and goals?
Will the school challenge without overwhelming?
Will my child be comfortable in the school’s environment? Will I/we as parent(s)/guardian(s)?
Are there opportunities for my child to pursue special interests?
Will my child learn the values that are important to our family?

The selection of a school for your child(ren), and specifically Chesapeake Academy, should be taken seriously. Select the best environment, and then discuss how to ensure such for your child. To be certain that Chesapeake Academy can meet the needs and enrich the mind of your child, please come and visit to tour the campus, speak with faculty, meet the Head of School, and get your questions answered. Connect with the school, meet our nurturing faculty, seek personal confidence during your visit, experience the achievement of our school, make your competent decision based on your child’s needs and aspirations, and feel that you have made an excellent decision. CONNECT with Chesapeake Academy…It’s Your Future!!

Q: How is Chesapeake Academy accredited?

Chesapeake Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).

Q: Which secondary schools have Chesapeake Academy graduates attended? (Since 1989):

Private: Christchurch School – 106, St. Margaret’s School – 23, Woodberry Forest School – 16, Episcopal High School – 6, Virginia Episcopal School – 3, St. Catherine’s – 2, and 1 each to Baylor, Choate, Maderia, Oldfields, Randolph-Macon Academy, St. Andrew’s School, Tandem Friends, The Peddie School, The Phelps School, Woodhall Academy

Public: Lancaster High School – 53, Northumberland High School – 8, and Other Public Schools – 6

When does the school day begin and end at Chesapeake Academy?

School begins at 8:30 A.M. and concludes at 12:00 Noon for Preschool through Kindergarten, 2:50 P.M. for Grades One through Four, and 3:10 P.M. for Grades Five through Eight.

Q: How do I schedule a visit to Chesapeake Academy?

Please contact the Admission office at 804-438-5575.

Head of School Welcome Philosophy and Mission About Chesapeake Academy Academy Profile Admissions Process Admissions Calendar FAQs Application Forms Visit Our Campus	Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the Mission of Chesapeake Academy? Chesapeake Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving a diverse population of Preschool through Eighth Grade students in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia. The school prepares each student for their future academic, moral, social, and physical endeavors in an intellectually challenging environment with a unique curriculum grounded in a nurturing, family-oriented atmosphere. The Academy prepares each student for their secondary school of choice while meeting or exceeding accreditation standards. Q: What are the steps to the Admission Process, and how might I learn more about making application, deadlines, scholarship assistance, and visiting the Academy? Year Round – Admission Inquiry The first step is to notify the Admissions Office of your interest in Chesapeake Academy. You may access information about Chesapeake via the website (www.chesapeakeacademy.org) or by calling the Academy directly (804-438-5575). An Academy information packet, which includes Scholarship Assistance details, is available online or by phone/web request. Applications should be submitted during the fall of the year preceding the student’s anticipated enrollment, or at least on or before March 15th. Outside of this time, applications are accepted on a rolling-admission basis, space permitting. Admission appointments, when school is in session, are available on Wednesday’s and Friday’s between 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. Q: What type of student is most successful at Chesapeake Academy? The Academy seeks to enroll students who are: Committed to learning. Eager to meet new people. Of strong moral character. Well rounded, with varied interests and talents. Excited about becoming part of a close-knit community. Interested in developing themselves to the fullest through academic challenge, athletics competition, and artistic exploration. Q: What's the Academy’s student-teacher ratio? 8:1 (Average class size is 14 students) Q: How many students attend Chesapeake Academy? 167 (Preschool through Grade Eight) Q: How diverse is the Academy’s student body? Chesapeake Academy accepts students whose academic record, recommendations (including social skills), admissions assessments, and interview indicate they can succeed within the framework and curriculum of Chesapeake Academy, and without regard to race, color, religion, handicap status, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, program, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. At present, 11% of the population represents students of color. Q: How much is tuition at Chesapeake Academy? Tuition 2008-2009 5-day Preschool $4790.00 5-day Pre-Kindergarten $4790.00 Full-day Kindergarten $7990.00 Lower School $8090.00 Middle School $8590.00 Tuition Payment Payment options are: Full (July 1, 2008) 2 payments (July 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008) 9 payments (7/1/08 - 3/1/09) Q: How can we afford to send our child(ren) to Chesapeake Academy? No student should be discouraged from applying to Chesapeake due to financial reasons. Scholarships are available on a limited and confidential basis. All aid is awarded on the basis of need and requires a Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) and a copy of the most recent tax return. Scholarship applications are available from the Academy’s Office of Admissions, upon request, or online at www.nais.org/financialaid/sss. To meet the March deadline, the Parents Financial Statement (PFS) must be sent to the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) in Princeton, NJ by JANUARY 22nd, 2007. The Chesapeake Academy Scholarship Application and personal tax forms (W-2’s. etc.) should arrive no later than FEBRUARY 12th, 2007 to the Admissions Office at the Academy. The Scholarship committee meets initially in March to determine awards, and decisions will be mailed to families on or before the end of the month. Students who are accepted into the School after March will be considered for scholarships until such time as all funds have been allocated. All scholarship decisions are held in the strictest confidence. Applicants must be accepted into the School before being considered for these scholarships. 24% of the students at Chesapeake Academy are presently receiving scholarship assistance. On average, the Academy meets about 75% of the amount for which applicants qualify based upon this process. As a small school, we ask that each family stretch their education dollars, and many make sacrifices for their students to attend. Every student at Chesapeake Academy receives financial support as tuition only covers about 70 cents of each dollar of expense. We raise the other 30 cents through charitable giving to the Annual Fund and various fund raising events. To discover the true cost of your child’s education at Chesapeake Academy you can divide the full tuition by 70% (e.g., 06-07 middle school tuition of $7,375 has a true cost of $10,535 - Page 42 of the 2006-2007 Family Handbook). The Academy trustees are committed to maintaining affordable tuition and a strong Scholarship Assistance Program. Q: Is there a lunch program? There are optional "Pizza Fridays" where students may pay for pre-ordered pizzas every Friday. Other days, students are responsible for bringing their own healthy lunch and beverage (soda and high sugar foods are not recommended). Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Extended Day Program bring their own lunch from home daily as well. Q: Is transportation (bus service) available at Chesapeake Academy? Chesapeake Academy has bus service available on a daily basis. Where students participating in this program typically ride roundtrip daily, the Academy does offer opportunities for families to use this service for one-way travel or “as needed”. Currently there are routes through Middlesex, Mathews and Gloucester Counties, in addition to routes through Northumberland and Lancaster County. Q: What extra-curricular activities are available for Chesapeake Academy students? In addition to a full day of classes, students find time to participate in a variety of other activities that include: co-ed soccer, golf, boys and girls basketball, track and field, tennis, forensics, music, drama, chorus, tone chimes, yearbook, student government, instrumental music lessons, area field trips, Inward Bound (an overnight excursion to an area camp as a Middle School bonding experience for grades 5 through 8), Blue and White intramural activities, and community service. Q: Why should our child(ren) enroll at Chesapeake Academy? As a parent/guardian, you know that all children are not alike, and each child has his/her own special talents, interests, developmental patterns, and emotional needs. Chesapeake Academy knows that the right school for one child may not be the best choice for another. When selecting the school to meet your child’s needs, consider the following questions: Is the curriculum appropriate for my child’s talents and goals? Will the school challenge without overwhelming? Will my child be comfortable in the school’s environment? Will I/we as parent(s)/guardian(s)? Are there opportunities for my child to pursue special interests? Will my child learn the values that are important to our family? The selection of a school for your child(ren), and specifically Chesapeake Academy, should be taken seriously. Select the best environment, and then discuss how to ensure such for your child. To be certain that Chesapeake Academy can meet the needs and enrich the mind of your child, please come and visit to tour the campus, speak with faculty, meet the Head of School, and get your questions answered. Connect with the school, meet our nurturing faculty, seek personal confidence during your visit, experience the achievement of our school, make your competent decision based on your child’s needs and aspirations, and feel that you have made an excellent decision. CONNECT with Chesapeake Academy…It’s Your Future!! Q: How is Chesapeake Academy accredited? Chesapeake Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). Q: Which secondary schools have Chesapeake Academy graduates attended? (Since 1989): Private: Christchurch School – 106, St. Margaret’s School – 23, Woodberry Forest School – 16, Episcopal High School – 6, Virginia Episcopal School – 3, St. Catherine’s – 2, and 1 each to Baylor, Choate, Maderia, Oldfields, Randolph-Macon Academy, St. Andrew’s School, Tandem Friends, The Peddie School, The Phelps School, Woodhall Academy Public: Lancaster High School – 53, Northumberland High School – 8, and Other Public Schools – 6 When does the school day begin and end at Chesapeake Academy? School begins at 8:30 A.M. and concludes at 12:00 Noon for Preschool through Kindergarten, 2:50 P.M. for Grades One through Four, and 3:10 P.M. for Grades Five through Eight. Q: How do I schedule a visit to Chesapeake Academy? Please contact the Admission office at 804-438-5575.	RELATED DOWNLOAD 2007-2008 Scholarship Assistance Memo and FAQ
107 Steamboat Road . P.O. Box 8 . Irvington, Virginia 22480 . 804-438-5575 . (Fax) 804-438-6146