Randolph-Macon Academy

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School Busing:

• Winchester
• Gainesville

Additional notes: Most students board at the Academy. Bus pick-up/drop-off is at one central location in each city.

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Randolph-Macon Academy.

School Facilities Gallery

Photo-tour of facilities

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• Arts facilities
• Campus
• Science facilities
• Shared spaces

Arts facilities

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R-MA's drama instructor is one of the best in the area, and has connections to the professional theater world. In addition, students who want to perform on a more informal level can participate in the coffee house events or poetry slam held each year.

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Campus

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Mast Hall is the academic building at the Middle School Campus, which encompasses grades 6-8.

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The Randolph-Macon Academy campus spans 135 acres in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

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Sonner-Payne Hall is the main office building, as well as the boys dorm for grades 9-12. It also includes an area for relaxation--playing ping pong, watching TV, or just hanging out--as well as the school bookstore and uniform store.

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Science facilities

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Shared spaces

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Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Randolph-Macon Academy.

• Curriculum Traditional
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Traditional

  Randolph-Macon Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Traditional?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 43%
    Liberal arts - 17%
    Progressive - 28%
    Montessori - 10%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Randolph-Macon Academy is a college-prep school that combines tradition with innovation in its approach to education. Cross-curricular projects that encourage problem-solving and collaboration are facilitated by energetic, dedicated teachers who take advantage of innovation labs and the new leadership lab. The Air Force Junior ROTC program (Grades9-12) teaches many of the meta-skills required in society, such as budgeting and completing a job application. An entire semester is dedicated to the college search and application process. The program prepares students to be citizens and leaders, and it helps students develop confidence and a sense of maturity. There is no requirement to serve in the military upon graduation. A person’s faith helps them weather tough times and grow stronger. While all students must attend a Christian-based chapel service and take a religion class, it is not an evangelical program. There are ample supports in place for students to grow in their own faith. Pre-professional pathways are available to students who already have a career path strongly in mind. A three-week J-Term provides exploratory opportunities for students.

  Approach:

  Focus	Religious-based
  Military	Christian (Methodist)

  If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
  If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math

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    Mathematics approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Traditional Math

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional math - 29%
      Discovery math - 3%
      Equal balance - 68%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: We teach mathematics here in the traditional sequence. Math builds on one topic after another. Our course curricula reflect this ideology. We want students to understand the processes but also to understand why these processes work. Real life applications are emphasized. The goal is to develop the students' foundation in mathematics to help prepare them for college and beyond.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Glencoe McGraw-Hill: Math Course 1; Math Course 2; Math Accelerated, a Pre-Algebra Program; Algebra 1; Geometry. Other texts: Precalculus with Limits, A Graphing Approach; Calculus of a Single Variable; Transition to College Mathematics and Statistics; The Practice of Statistics.

    Calculator policy: Calculators can be an integral part of high school mathematics. However, they cannot take the place of understanding the concepts. If a calculator does the problem for the student, then it should not be used. If the calculator helps solve the problem, then it may be used.

  • Writing Equal balance

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    Writing approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Equal balance

    Randolph-Macon Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Systematic approach - 10%
      Process approach - 8%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Our Compositions classes include both systematic and process approaches to pedagogy. In Composition classes younger students have a thorough grounding in grammar and parts of speech. Students begin formal MLA essay instruction in Middle School and begin to learn all elements of MLA research style. Students study types of rhetoric to develop mastery of thesis, support, organization, and argumentation in composition and oration. Intertextuality and nonfiction introduces students to the broader culture of history, psychology, philosophy, and ethics. Rigorous evidence-based rhetoric is balanced with models and opportunities for creative writing. Students develop mastery and voice through diverse writing missions.

  • Science Equal Balance

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    Science approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Equal Balance

    Randolph-Macon Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 73%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 22%
    

    Teaching approach: Many of our science courses offer three levels of instruction - General, Honors and AP. Our students are doing labs (traditional and inquiry) about half of the class time each week. We have the potential for more course offerings based on the skill set of our teachers and this year we have added Biochemistry. Our 9th grade students take an Environmental/Ecology course designed to build lab skills and help students get a feel for their role and impact on the Earth. All of our Upper School teachers have advanced degrees in the sciences and they take a true interest in the well being and success of their students.

    Treatment of evolution:

    Subject	offered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    Subject	offered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature Equal Balance

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    Literature approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Equal Balance

    Randolph-Macon Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 77%
      Traditional - 20%
      Social justice - 3%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Students in grades 6 through 10 have an intensive grounding in English with two classes each year: one in Literature and one in Composition; students in grades 11 and 12 have an array of Honors and AP English courses and electives. The Literature classes emphasize both the traditional classical canon and contemporary concerns of social justice. Literature students read eight to ten novels and plays each year. They read standard texts of nonfiction in history, biography, and criticism. Cumulative vocabulary development is emphasized at all levels. In addition to class novels and plays and anthology readings, students are guided through a rich program of independent reading which emphasizes metacognitive development.

  • Social Studies Core Knowledge

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    Social Studies approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Core Knowledge

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

    Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Core knowledge - 43%
      Expanding communities - 25%
      Thematic - 32%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Our school begins in 6th grade. Students attending 6th grade take U.S. History.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Equal Balance

    Randolph-Macon Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 85%
      Perennialism - 6%
      Pragmatism - 9%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Students typically engage in the courses of World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government. There are also opportunities to take 20th Century Warfare, AP European History, AP Art History, AP U.S. History, Psychology, Criminology, and AP U.S. Government. Classes focus on context, understanding, and critical thinking.

  • Foreign Languages Communicative

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    Foreign Languages approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Communicative

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Communicative - 35%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Equal balance - 63%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Randolph-Macon Academy's experienced and enthusiastic foreign language teachers hope to teach their students a life skill. Classes use a mix of oral drills, interactive group work, authentic texts and cultural discovery. Students may read a newspaper or watch a music video in their language of study. The goal is to create an enjoyment of the language while building practical skills.

  • Fine Arts Creative

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    Fine Arts approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Creative

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 37%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 61%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: The Arts Program at Randolph-Macon Academy functions within the general educational philosophy of the institution and seeks to reach the same general objectives dictated by that philosophy. The role of music, drama, and art in the curriculum is vital. They serve to sharpen and focus perception, to provide for nonverbal as well as verbal communication and to provide a vehicle for enjoyment and personal expression. To truly comprehend the beauty and all the processes that are necessary to attain that beauty in music, drama, or art, the student must become intimately acquainted with the medium. Students are taught to be disciplined in practice but also encouraged to be creative and discover a passion for their art.

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Medium integration

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Medium integration - 48%
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 34%
    

    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: A half-year, half-credit computer literacy course is required for graduation. Students may test out of this class if desired. Computer usage is integrated into many classes, but only if it enhances the primary curriculum of the class. There are SMART Boards in every classroom and the entire campus is wireless. Computer programming classes are offered based upon availability of the teacher. Robotics is an intramural program offered through Air Force JROTC.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: R-MA strives to promote physical education through a traditional physical education course in our middle school and through a personal fitness course in our upper school. Our goal is to continuously engage the students in activity and movement while in class. We teach the importance of physical activity and fitness while helping students understand the benefits of exercise for healthier living. Through our traditional physical education course our students will be involved with competitive games that may be team, lifetime or individual sports or skills. We help the students to understand that physical activity is fun and the physical rewards are positive. We believe in finding a skill, sport or activity that each child will enjoy and can benefit from for a lifetime. Our personal fitness course allows each participant to understand how to create and implement their own work out plan. Students will understand personal fitness and lifetime exercise.

  • Religious Education We have one or two required religion courses.

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    What Randolph-Macon Academy says: R-MA believes that teaching religion to our students is vital for helping them learn respect for differences and for guiding them in their journeys to be model citizens. Both religion courses, Survey of the Bible and World Religions, treat religion objectively and subjectively. Religions and their sacred texts provide wonderful insight into history and culture when studied objectively; however, it is important to also understand religion subjectively as it is a living aspect of our world as billions of people practice their faith. Holding both the academic theological study of religion in tension allows our students to gain both a comprehension of and respect for religion. The courses invite students into a discussion of the important ways that religion has impacted our world, engage the students through field trips to religious centers, and challenge the students to think about their own beliefs toward life and religion. Students are required to attend a chapel service once per week. They do not need to participate, but they do need to be respectful. Our religious course requirement is minimal: students must obtain one credit for graduation. This may be accomplished through a certificate of completion in their own religion, or by taking one religious course for one year, choosing from either Bible or Comparative Religions.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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    AP Physics C: Mechanics

    AP Psychology

    AP Statistics

    AP Spanish Language

    AP Spanish Literature

    AP United States History

    AP Biology

    AP Calculus AB

    AP Calculus BC

    AP Chemistry

    AP English Language and Composition

    AP English Literature and Composition

    AP Environmental Science

    AP French Language

    AP German Language

    AP Government and Politics: United States
  • Sex and health education Not Virginia curriculum

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    Sex and health education approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Not Virginia curriculum

    Randolph-Macon Academy has a Not Virginia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Virginia curriculum?]

    The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
    

    Randolph-Macon Academy's approach to sex-ed: Sex-ed is not included in the PE curriculum. It is taught by our nursing staff and dorm staff as appropriate.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Religious Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Standard-enriched

  Randolph-Macon Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 58%
    Accelerated - 17%
    Student-paced - 25%
  

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Students are allowed to take advanced classes if appropriate. We also offer honors, Advanced Placement, and college courses for accelerated students.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

• Academic Culture Rigorous
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at Randolph-Macon Academy: Rigorous

  Randolph-Macon Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

  [Show: About Rigorous?]

  A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Rigorous - 51%
    Supportive - 49%
  

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Randolph-Macon Academy offers a rigorous yet supportive environment. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, and students are expected and encouraged to take ownership of their work and achieve their potential. Critical thinking, questioning, and discussions are encouraged. A tutorial time allows students to seek extra help if needed.

• Developmental priorities Balanced
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says: The primary focus of Randolph-Macon Academy is to prepare students for college. While this obviously includes academics, it also includes developing a student's character, sense of community service, and leadership skills. At the same time, our students are strongly encouraged to participate in athletics. We want our students to become servant-leaders with integrity, curious about the world around them.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  Randolph-Macon Academy offers No support

  Randolph-Macon Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

    Dyscalculia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

    Asperger's Syndrome

    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

    Down syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

    Williams syndrome

    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    Clinical Depression

    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

    Clinical anxiety

    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

    Suicidal thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

    Cerebral palsy

    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

    Muscular dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

    Blindness

    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

    Deafness

    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

    Cystic Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

  Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says: Students are able to progress in the curriculum at a pace that allows them to be challenged. For example, a seventh grade student might take Algebra I (a ninth grade math course), or a high school freshman might take German V (typically a junior- or senior-level course).

• Language English
  Randolph-Macon Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, Randolph-Macon Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Randolph-Macon Academy	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins	160 mins	160 mins
  Site Average	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	106 mins

  What Randolph-Macon Academy says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12

Randolph-Macon Academy is not simply a military school or a boarding school. We are something truly unique: a place where young people come to learn and grow, a place where character still matters, a launching pad for the greatness of the individual student. When I meet alumni/ae and friends of the Academy, the stories they tell me make me pause and reflect on the amazing depth and breadth of R-MA's positive impact across decades and generations, across cultures and nationalities. The staff and faculty at Randolph-Macon Academy drive young people to find out what their best performance looks like, and then motivate them to raise the bar higher still. 

I invite you to explore Randolph-Macon Academy online, or better yet, come visit us, to see if this might be the right school for you and your family. We hope to meet you here in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.