Student Spotlights
Meet Cassandra
A@K Class of 2011
Goal: To pursue equestrian studies emphasizing therapeutic riding
“Everyone has a voice at The Academy at King,” says 18-year-old Cassandra. “I love having small, interactive classes. The teachers make sure you understand what’s being taught.”
A serious equestrian arts student, Cassandra received The Academy’s elective and physical education credits for hours spent during and outside of the school day learning equine skills and completing an internship at Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. – a facility that applies equine-assisted activities to help people with special needs.
Cassandra, who applied to and was accepted at six colleges, has been offered the highest level of academic scholarship available at her school of choice.
Meet Patrick
A@K Class of 2011
Goal: To become a civil or mechanical engineer
Patrick, an Academy senior, has been accepted for early admission into Virginia Tech’s School of Engineering. He is one step closer to achieving his goal.
“My time at The Academy has been the best of all my academic experiences,” he says. “The teachers make it great. They go above and beyond to make sure we’re prepared for the next step.”
When Patrick leaves for Virginia Tech, he will already have 11 college credit hours, thanks to dual-credit opportunities available at The Academy.
Meet Jack
An A@K Junior
Goal: To study computer software design at an IT-focused university
Jack Lawler is a talented guitarist who also excels in computer science. The Academy environment allows Jackson to integrate music theory principles into his math, physics, English and American history studies.
“To remember what this person did against that person and why in history, I relate it to music and tonal differences between types of chords,” Jackson explains. “I think the teachers understand that I relate what they’re saying to something else, and they support that.”
Meet Erin
An A@K Junior
Goal: To attend Princeton, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, JMU or a college with a strong international relations program
Erin loves to travel and has a passion for international relations. Her ultimate goal is to work with International Justice Mission, a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.
Through The Academy’s international learning and travel opportunities, Erin has visited Italy and Paris.
“One of my favorite parts of the trip is going to see the actual place where the history happened and all the culture originated. We learn about it in the classroom but the trips allow you the opportunity to go see it first hand.”
Erin is taking AP Spanish V next year to enhance her language skills.