An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades 1 - 12
Chartered in 1728, Norfolk Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school of approximately 1200 students in grades 1-12.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Norfolk Academy has a charter that dates to 1728. While the school has changed through its history, even emerging as a military school for a short period in the mid-1800s, the modern school took shape after World War II, under the leadership of James Buckner Massey Jr. He led the establishment of an honor code, raised academic standards, and hired teachers with superb credentials. The school moved from downtown Norfolk to the current campus in 1966, when it became coeducational through a merger with an all-girls school.
What is your primary product or service?
Norfolk Academy is an independent, coeducational day school for grades 1 through 12. It is the only private school in the Hampton Roads region that is accredited by all three organizations that evaluate independent schools. The school is socioeconomically, ethnically, and racially diverse. Every student in each year's graduating class attends college, and many of them are accepted into the nation's most selective colleges and universities.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Norfolk Academy's educational program is distinctive. Students become confident public speakers, through a systematic approach that begins in first grade and blossoms with the senior speech. The school offers a challenging and enriched curriculum; although the school does not designate courses as AP, many students take AP tests in an array of subjects and earn college credit. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, and more than 85% of middle school students participate in a sport. Norfolk Academy has the strongest academic outcomes, as measured by matriculation at top colleges, but more important, students love learning and emerge as engaged citizen-scholars.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have a single campus at 1585 Wesleyan Drive in Norfolk. Starting in June 2016, the school embarked upon an ambitious campaign to build the James B. Massey Leadership Center, which is a brand-new building at the heart of the campus, and expand the Lower School, athletic facilities (including a new stadium for football and lacrosse), and the school's cafeteria.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Norfolk Academy is at the corner of Northampton Boulevard and Wesleyan Drive.
Which areas do you service?
Students come from all five cities of South Hampton Roads and from northeastern North Carolina. Some students travel an hour to get to school each day.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Norfolk Academy, a nonprofit organization, is governed by a Board of Trustees. The school's headmaster, Dennis G. Manning, leads the school.
What are your hours of operation?
Norfolk Academy operates year-round. The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. During the summer months, Norfolk Academy operates a summer camp program and also runs the Breakthrough Collaborative, an academic enrichment program for Norfolk public school students.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Norfolk Academy students are knowledgeable, compassionate, and action-oriented citizen-scholars.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
From the school's Philosophy: "We aim to prepare students to become ultimately useful and responsible citizens of a democracy. We strive to make them aware of their role in creating a just society." And the first of the school's objectives: "Norfolk Academy strives to live by our conviction that sound moral and spiritual values define the individual in a more significant way than academic achievement."