Dominion Academy

Jessie Picone, High School Junior

I had some great times at Dominion Academy. I don't believe that I would be the person I am today if I had never attended. The teachers and students were some of the most amazing people I will ever meet. The values and morals that were practiced daily really stuck with me, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Dominion also made me a stronger person. It gave me the courage I needed going into a new school knowing practically no one. However, it wasn't just emotional things I learned. I also learned good study habits that are really needed in high school. Even though the workload is heavier it doesn't seem much harder because I learned at a young age how to deal with it.

Another thing that really prepared me for high school science was the Dominion Academy science fair! All the practice I got at Dominion paid off. I was able to skip over earth science and go straight to honors biology, which required participation in a science fair. This was easy because I knew the drill, and I ended up going to the regional science fair and winning a free trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

The most important thing about Dominion was the care shown by the teachers. They really wanted you to succeed and supported you in every way possible. Mr. Stump and I still talk through facebook and he helps me deal with some of the stress that comes with high school. I don't think I will ever quiet be able to describe how much those three years meant to me and I wouldn't change them for anything.

Adam Fuhrmann, College Junior

I remember my first day of school at Dominion Academy vividly. I was 7 years old at the time and entering Mrs. Womack’s 3rd grade class. I was nervous starting at a new school with new people, and, on top of that fact, it was the first year Dominion was open. Even at that young age I was skeptical about the education and experience I would receive at this brand new school. Despite my initial doubt, over the next few years I would come to find what a special place Dominion Academy was. However, it wasn’t till much later when I would realize what a profound affect this school would ultimately have on developing me as a morally and intellectually sound human being. Looking back on my 6 years at Dominion I can identify three different areas of my life that were deeply influenced by the school for the better; my academics, my relationships, and my relationship with God.

I appreciated Dominion Academy’s ability to challenge me intellectually and spark my enthusiasm for learning. Dominion started out as a small, ambitious school and it grew just as quickly as I did. Every year I witnessed expansion of faculty, facilities and students as well as changes in the curriculum, all of which were designed to make my experience more fruitful. The school always offered interesting extra-curricular courses and wasn’t limited despite its size. I learned how to play guitar at Dominion and was able to gain valuable leadership experience as the president of the middle school student council. I wasn’t able to gauge the full impact it had on my education until I entered high school and was able to test into Spanish 3 and Biology as a freshmen. I would not have been so fortunate to have that step ahead if it weren’t for my language classes and many science fair projects at Dominion.

Although the education I received at Dominion prepared me very well for high school, the relationships I formed during my time there are ones that will last the rest of my life. Being relatively small, the atmosphere required me to get to know my classmates very well throughout the years. My two best friends are Luke Mancini who I met in 3rd grade and Quint Gribbin who came in at 7th grade. Dominion was a place where I was able to find people like Luke and Quint, people who shared my ideals and were able to support me throughout high school and beyond. I still talk to both of them on a regular basis.

I feel like the education I received and the friends I made have shaped me as a person and have greatly affected my success thus far. But nothing has defined me nearly as much as the spiritual foundation I achieved while attending Dominion Academy. Growing up in a supportive and loving community that encouraged me to live a life of faith has been a major factor in grounding my relationship with Christ and developing a level of spiritual maturity that I could always fall back on. That, of all of the experiences I had at Dominion, was the most important and is what I am most grateful for.

I am currently a sophomore studying aerospace engineering at MIT. I am an Air Force ROTC cadet with ambitions to become a fighter pilot and eventually an astronaut. I thank God for all the blessings I have in my life, and will never forget all the joy and growth I experienced at Dominion Academy.

Mr. Rus Phillips, “Coach”, Physical Education

As a P.E. coach, community soccer coach, and father of two children who have attended Dominion Academy, I am blessed to be a part of the experience. Being the P.E. coach for eight years at Dominion, God has allowed me to work through Him to help guide the children to play the right way and give God the glory by their actions. During P.E., Capture the Flag Family Nights, Summer Playground Activities Camp, and Field Day, the children learn to play as Christian athletes should. Sports is the perfect place - the stage - where we can do God's work. It is a place with plenty of life lessons where we can "write on human hearts, not paper, not tablets of stone." Someone is always watching us, always wanting to be like us; and we may be the only Bible someone else may read. We have the power to move someone closer to God or further away. I take on that responsibility with all seriousness at school, at home, in the community, and in life!

Mrs. Judie Mijares, Art Teacher

As an Art Teacher, and parent of 2 boys, I feel honored to be a part of the Dominion Academy family. The blessings of this special place never cease to amaze me, from the enthusiastic smiles and energy of the children to the dedication and vision of the faculty and staff. Dominion strives not only for academic excellence but more importantly we have the unique opportunity to spread God’s word and grace on a daily basis. The art program provides children the chance to learn about famous artists, clay works and sculpture. The children are exposed to all facets of the art world and encouraged to try every medium available to them. It’s a “hands on” art room where we get messy and have fun!

Dominion is a special place for me; God's hand is in everything we do. He placed me in the precise place where He knew my talents would best serve Him. I've watched as many of our faculty go on to be mentors, counselors and often life long friends to many of our students. I give thanks for this opportunity and look forward to many more years of creativity and blessings to come.

Mrs. Pam Lesher, First Grade Teacher

What a privilege it is to be a teacher at Dominion Academy! I get to work with a staff who strives for excellence in what they teach and who they are. I am able to challenge and encourage students in their relationship with Christ and to know that I am laying a foundation that goes on forever. I have the opportunity to partner with caring and giving parents that see the value of a Christ-centered education. Working at Dominion Academy has impacted my life as I have seen the importance of leading by example to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Henri & Amanda Fuhrmann; Parents of 3 Dominion Academy Students

We found Dominion Academy the year it opened. We were a little nervous coming to a school with no track record. What might we be missing out on by leaving the excellent public schools of Loudoun County? We are now in our twelfth year at Dominion and have never looked back. While it has not always been easy financially, to privately educate our children, The Lord has provided. Academically, Dominion Academy has given our children an excellent education. Our oldest child, Adam, went on to attend a local public high school taking all honors courses and excelling at science. He won the Loudoun county science fair three times. No one else in the history of the fair has won three times. The science program at Dominion directly prepared him for this because Dominion participates in science fair years before the public schools require it. Adam now attends MIT, majoring in aerospace with plans to be an astronaut.

While the academic achievements of our children are very gratifying, what has kept us coming back has been the Christian atmosphere at Dominion Academy. Yes, they receive a wonderful Christian education, but it is so much more than this. Dominion Academy has been a Christian family for our family to be part of. Adam met his two best friends at Dominion. All three attended different high schools and colleges, but they remain as close as ever. They are there to support each others’ Christianity through a time of their lives that could potentially test their faith. Our younger two children are in fifth and seventh grades, and are forging these same type of life long friendship with other children. They are receiving an excellent academic foundation and, most importantly, are preparing to be confident Christians who will share their faith with others. Our family has truly been blessed to be part of Dominion Academy.

Laney and Kelli Rhymes, Parents of 3 Dominion Academy Students

Dominion Academy has been a blessing to our family in so many ways. When the school opened its doors in 1997, my son was in the first kindergarten class. We have been there every year since as our other children have come along.

First and foremost, there is a nurturing spiritual environment that encourages the children to look beyond themselves. Core values are reinforced daily and celebrated in chapel weekly as they learn to practically demonstrate Godly character.

Secondly, there is a strong academic environment that challenges the students. The teachers are able to cover additional material in more depth because of the smaller class size and because of parental involvement. It is a team approach to teaching that just works.

And, finally, there is a sense of real community and belonging that the families feel. There are so many opportunities to serve and support the school that it really is so easy to meet other families and work together toward common goals.

The real treasure to us is that there is a weaving of God, His creation, His love and forgiveness into every lesson. Whether it is science or history or recess, God is central and tangible. That is priceless.

Rindy Robberstad, Parent of 2 Dominion Academy Students

Dominion Academy is not only a place where our girls go to school, it is a haven where they are loved and guided in the spiritual principles we strive to instill in them at home. This was never more evident than when I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during my daughters’ first and third grade years. The day I told their teachers, they each wrote amazingly touching letters to my daughters expressing how cancer had affected their lives and encouraged their hearts. Not only did we feel an outpouring of love from the teachers and administration, but also the Dominion Family as a whole supported us with prayer and meals. We sent our girls to Dominion Academy wanting academic excellence. Dominion exceeded our expectations academically but what impressed us most was the family atmosphere where genuine care and concern are the norm. We have no doubt we are right where God wants our family.

Mandy Powers, 8th Grade

I have attended Dominion Academy since I was in Kindergarten. Each and every one of my teachers over the last 8 years have made a huge impact on my life, both spiritually and academically. They are so amazing! The spiritual emphasis has brought me closer to God than I would have ever thought possible. In a transient area like Northern Virginia, families move often but I have four (4) classmates that are still here from Kindergarten. I feel sure we will be lifelong friends because with smaller class you really get to know each other. You develop a "family" that you can turn to at any time. I also love the fact that God is everywhere at Dominion Academy; in our Community Service projects, our class projects, our caring for those in need inside and outside of our school, and our C.A.R.E Attitude of Gratitude program. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to attend Dominion Academy.

Jason Holder, 6th Grade

I think Dominion Academy is a good school for all of the students because it talks about God and Jesus and teaches you wrong from right. I think all of the students will get a good education here at Dominion Academy. Dominion Academy has fun and nice teachers. I have also made a ton of friends!

Michelle Cole, 6th Grade

My name is Michelle Cole and I am eleven years old. I am in sixth grade. I have been attending Dominion Academy since I was in kindergarten and have known most of my classmates since then. I really like Dominion Academy because my teachers are very kind and helpful. Each year I get an opportunity to go on some field trips. The reason why I like Dominion Academy the most is that I can share my faith of Jesus Christ freely. Dominion Academy teaches me to always persevere. Dominion is a great school!!!!