Cortona Academy of Science, Technology & the Arts

I credit the curriculum at Cortona Academy with allowing my daughter to progress far more rapidly, and much more successfully, through high school than we imagined. The teaching and and administrative staff provided a perfect learning environment for the kids and has allowed her to be a more complete college student.. My eternal thanks.
—Submitted by a parent

I started at Cortona Academy in the fall. I really like the small class sizes and the teachers. They let you work at your own pace and you only take the tests when you are really prepared. The later start times are also a huge benefit. All the kids are supportive of each other and get along well.

Cortona Academy provides an invaluable niche in education in Northern Virginia. If you are searching for a school with rolling admissions during the school year and want a place for your child to thrive, this is it. We left a large public high school after my son received a concussion in Freshman football. He needed shorter hours in class, small class sizes and caring teachers who let him work at his own pace while he recovered. Children come to Cortona for all sorts of reasons - bullying in larger schools, poor grades and anxiety to name a few. The teachers are very knowledgable and supportive. The enviornment is small and there is flexibility in scheduling. The Director is passionate and has a strong conviction that everyone can flourish in the right environment. If your child is not old enough to drive himself, at least one parent needs to have a flexible schedule and parental participation is necessary to make the most of all Cortona has to offer. It is a blend of a homeschool philosophy and an elite private school. Children find extracurriculars outside of school. Their goal is to work together with parents to build a strong college resume for each child.Thanks Cortona!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student at Cortona Academy. We chose to leave a Fairfax County Public High School because the learning environment had become almost hostile. Students were insolent and disruptive in the classroom and towards teachers while many teachers and administration either ignored what was going on, or treated students with complete lack of respect. Some students can function in poor environments, but my student could not ignore what was going on. It was a tough decision to move from a large school, with many social and athletic activities, but it was a good decision. At Cortona, students have the time and flexibility to create their own activities, find internships and pursue passions. The teachers are caring, and try to accommodate different learning abilities as much as possible. Families do need to get involved at Cortona, but that is a positive. Reports are sent to keep parents apprised of the student s progress, and frequent meetings with teachers allows for superior communication. I would recommend Cortona Academy to anyone who is looking for a place where talented and caring teachers will work towards your child s success.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son just enrolled here this summer. The instruction is outstanding. We really can`t believe it. The Math courses are much more in-depth than even the public honors math, but with the smaller classes and involved teachers our son is finding his is actually doing better with more difficult math. SAT reading and Math review courses are taught weekly as part of the curriculum. The Spanish teacher is excellent. The teachers teach the material until the student masters it at a level where they fully comprehend it and the teachers take responsibility for making sure the kids get it. Kids are very happy here and excited about learning. We are thrilled and we have experience in both the public school and independent private setting. The school is expensive but well worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

Cortona has truly helped me develop as a person. I have been attending classes since sophomore year and I am currently completing high school and college preparatory work. I struggled from childhood until freshman year in Northern Virginia schools until I enrolled here. My experience has been a very good. Scheduling is flexible and staff here has great leeway to apply their creativity and teach in a way that suits each student's educational needs. Learning is highly personalized and, crucially, so much more caring and human. I have not said so in person, but the teachers here excel not only in their knowledge of the subject matter and their brilliance; they are also deeply cultured, patient, encouraging, affirmative and most importantly kind and good people. Administration is also talented and extremely competent. Mrs Strauchs (director) is inspirational; she is amazingly well-versed both as educator and counselor, with in-depth knowledge on everything from college scholarships to award programs. She has amazing vision and I am sure that Cortona has a great future. This is the most honest review I can write and an overdue thank you; I would recommend Cortona to any student.

Our daughter got into college because of Cortona Academy. She has a future now and didn't before. I can't begin to rave enough about how influential the caring faculty and administration have been in her life. There is nothing like it on the East Coast. Outstanding Cortona!
—Submitted by a parent

When selecting a private education program do two things: Check out the quality and ability of prospective teachers and the credibility and transferability of the courses to be taken. As a current teacher at Cortona Academy, with previous teaching experience in public and military schools and membership in International Schools Board of Directors (Russia and Pakistan) I can confirm that the quality of the teachers and courses are critically important . Cortona Academy excels in both these areas. Contact the school and learn more about its teachers and courses.
—Submitted by a teacher

AWESOME school, both for the gifted and also those struggling. Small class size. High tech wing offers techies chance to create, explore, even patent inventions!
—Submitted by a teacher

Since 1992, this extraordinary staff has been educating students brilliantly, with 100% dedication to each person's abilities and potential. Now nearing our 20th year, Cortona Academy has an amazing, dramatic, high-tech facility where students in grades 6 - 12 can find hope and inspiration in today's highly competive academic world. Our no-fail philosophy, combined with the individualized care and attention for EVERY student, regardless of ability or learning challenges, is our key to success and motivation! 100% college admission rate, with between 40 - 65K in scholarships for graduates in the past 5 years. Excellence in Education, without stress, is what catapults each and every one of our students. Seeing is believing! Call 703-464-0034. Rolling admissions!
—Submitted by a teacher

As a recent graduate, I can personally say how much going to Cortona has helped me. Without having gone here, I undoubtedly would not be doing as well as I am in college. They offer a variety of classes all with great instructors in either one-on-one tutoring or in small group classes. They also offer a very flexible schedule and classes do not even start until 9am, which is quite nice. There are no other schools similar to Cortona that I know of, I would highly recommend this school to anyone.