Chelsea Academy welcomes new students

Parents looking for an education steeped in Catholic tradition may be interested in a new private school opening this fall. While not in Rappahannock, it is close by in Front Royal.

Tuesday morning found Headmaster Jonathan Brand eager to talk about the new facility even as construction continues and there is more debris than desktops.

"We want students to know that they are heirs of great human achievement, instill a love of the world and catholic faith, and hope they build on that," said Brand of the up and coming Chelsea Academy. "Students need to get out in the world and learn traditional liberal arts in a Catholic tradition," he added.

This is the core philosophy of the new private school opening this year in Front Royal, just off Interstate 66's exit 13.

While the Chelsea Academy may seem far away in Warren County, it is already drawing upon neighboring Rappahannock, Fauquier, and Frederick Counties. Of the 30 applications Chelsea has already received, a hand full are from Rappahannock County. Brand hopes that by their Fall 2008 inaugural semester, 40 students will be in attendance, provided they all pass their entrance exam and interview. To accommodate the students, three teachers have already been hired with two still being sought out.

As far as facilities for the new establishment, the Chelsea Academy will utilize six classrooms, restrooms, and a faculty lounge in a wing of the building that houses the Human Life International, a pro-life organization, in Front Royal.

Brand describes the space as an "empty shell" that was waiting to be used. The school will share a chapel with Human Life as well as lunch room facilities (when students are not eating outdoors, enjoying the view). For athletics, the school will use Rivendale Commons' facilities in Front Royal, a short drive from the school's site.

Recently, the school put on an event called 'Renaissance in Rappahannock' at Rappahannock Cellars in Huntly to raise money. With about 130 people in attendance, the event offered a play, auctions, and dinner to raise $30,000. In addition to that, a private donor matched the event money to make the total earnings about $60,000.

Despite not having even begun their first year, Brand is already looking ahead. "We're committed to growing and adding grades 10,11, and 12," Brand said confidently with construction crew members working just down the hall from where he stood. However, Brand believes that the school's June 6 completion date will be met with no problems.

With continued growth and continued tradition as part of their goal, Jonathan Brand and the staff of The Chelsea Academy are taking a big step, but with their aspirations can establish the school as a new cornerstone of education in the Shenandoah Valley.

BREAK OUT BOX INFO!

Location:

Chelsea Academy

4 Family Life Lane

Front Royal, VA

Grades:

6-9

Tuition:

$5900 for 6-8

$6500 for 9,

Financial Aid is Available

Phone: (540) 635-0622

E-mail: administration@chelseaacademy.org

Basic Facts