Word of Life Christian Academy

The new Principal is a highly qualified Godly woman who has now established a strong educational program as a result of a curriculum review involving numerous national Christian education experts. They're teaching Latin which is proven to help test scores and help reading comprehension. The curriculum is aligned to national standards and best instructional practices. For Word of Life teachers, it's much more than a job. The teachers really care about the students. They are very accessible for working with parents and students. Most of all a focus and priority on what matters most: imparting God's truth, which is found in all of the subject areas, into the lives of the students with excellence. This school has taken off academically and with enrichment and even greater heigts are in store! Would be a great time to enroll or re-enroll at Word of Life. by a parent Wednesday, December 07, 2011
—Submitted by a parent

If you re looking for a safe, loving environment for your child to receive an excellent education Word of Life is the place for you! As a Word of Life parent of three I ve seen my two oldest children graduate from Word of Life and then go on to the college of their choice. My youngest child who had been at Word of Life since kindergarten took the TJ entrance test last year. He actually made the semi-final round which is not easy to do. Sadly Word of Life only goes through eighth grade this year so we had to look for another option. Word of Life is a small Christian school that offers a wonderful opportunity to parents who believe in private education and want to protect their children from all the world has to offer in the public school arena.
—Submitted by a parent

There is no place in the world like Word of Life Christian Academy. God's presence is there is an amazing way. EXCELLENT new leadership and a strengthened instructional program combined with an AUTHENTIC Christian environment maximizes the learning experience. Their partnership with the University of Richmond provides computer and technology skills that will equip students for their calling into the future. Latin has been integrated which is not only found to increase SAT scores and reading comprehension (since it's English word origins), but it's a fantastic base for learning other languages later. Saxon Math develops critical thinking and Shurley English teaches them to WRITE! The teachers are not only CALLED into teaching, but K and above have a Masters level or college level Degree in Education. Hands-on science has been strengthened. They provide after school Odyssey of the Mind, a geography club, and we're looking forward to the Little Ambassadors basketball and soccer clinics after Christmas. The best part is that they start each and every day with an exceptional morning worship which helps the students and staff focus and ask God's guidance for the day.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children attend Word of Life for two and five years respectively. They received an above average education and were love and cared for by their teachers. Although they had a rough year 2010-2011, I believe they will have a strong year and get back to the family atmosphere with a strong commitment to spiritual growth and academic excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

EXCELLENT education with GIFTED, highly qualified teachers in a personalized environment and authentic Christian setting where everyone knows your name (VERY small class sizes). These are teachers you want your child to look up to as role models who are VERY well-trained and educated in their area of calling. After a curriculum review with leading experts and under strong new leadership, the academic program is VERY STRONG and now reflects best instructional practices. A fundaments of foreign language class introduces Latin and strengthens vocabulary. Kids experience science through hands-on experiments, and their technology and research skills programs are awesome. Great curriculum-coordinated "kingdom learning" field trips. Competitions inlcude spelling and geography bees, science fair, art, and publishing. Every school day starts with uplifting student-led worship and prayer. It is impossible to have a bad day after that -- sets a wonderful tone to the instructional day with the right focus and mindset. "Character development" is not a separate "activity" at Word of Life, but infused throughout every aspect of the instruction, leadership and school life.
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my high school student in summer algebra I hoping my child would receive some additional reinforcement. This school was recommended by Lee HS guidance counselor. I was extremely upset when I learned they use the Saxon Math Program -- something I didn't know before enrolling. Saxon Math is horrible because of the hopscotch method of teaching math -- it's officially called spiralling. It's confusing for a student who struggles with math to have so many different concepts presented at one time without having time to master anything. And there's a no refund policy, so basically the school made $500 free and clear (and let's think if there were 20 students in the class, that's over $10,000 per class). If your child attends Fairfax Cty. public school, DO NOT send your child for math here.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't think the last review (march 1, 2011) paints a fair picture. My children are enrolled in WOLCA as well and we have had a very good experience this year. I don't know if she is referring to a lack of interaction at extended care in the morning. I wouldn't know about that because my children don't go to extended care. However, my children love it at Word of Life. They have been getting an excellent education and want to return next Fall. The current administrator she speaks of is also not returning next year, although I personally have found him to be very responsive the few times I contacted him. Also, Mr. Dawdy, while no longer the principal, is still at teacher at Word of Life. The school has daily morning worship and a biblical emphasis. I have high hopes for the future of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have two children attending WOLA. While under the leadership of the former principal(Mr. Dawdy). WOLA had the respect of the students as well as the parents. Under the current principal. The school is ran like a juvenile detention center. Several student activities has been removed and there is no interaction among the children allowed before school. I DO NOT recommend this school to anyone under the current principal. Bring back Mr. Dawdy as principal so WOLA will be known again as a school with character, christian leadership and cares about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I sent my daughter to Word of Life Christian Academy for Kindergarten. She had homework every weekend (never on a week day) and she was injured twice while under teacher supervision (one of those injuries required stitches!). I heard from parents of children in upper grades that they really pile on the homework every weekend, so you are taking your kids homework on family trips. I also heard from kids transferring in from public schools that the WOL kids were behind Fairfax County schools achedimically, and weren't getting a quality education.... I moved to a different school and I have never regretted my decision. WOL was a nightmare. I'm glad we figured that out in K instead of in upper grades. I don't recommend this school to ANYONE.
—Submitted by a parent

Great leadership from Principal Dawdy. Students in elementary are far beyond expected academic level.
—Submitted by a parent