Shenandoah Valley Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shenandoah Valley Academy |
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| Address | |
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234 West Lee Highway
, 22844
United States
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| Coordinates | 38°39′02″N 78°41′20″W / 38.650480°N 78.688945°W |
| Information | |
| School type | Parochial, Private, Day & Boarding |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Seventh-day Adventist |
| Established | 1908 |
| Authority | Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists |
| Principal | Donald Short |
| Teaching staff | 13 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Enrollment | 244 (2010) |
| International students | 15% |
| Average class size | 30 |
| Student to teacher ratio | 11:1 |
| Campus size | 450 acres (1.8 km2) |
| Campus type | Rural |
| Color(s) | Navy and White |
| Slogan | Serve God, Value Knowledge, Accept a Life of Service |
| Athletics conference | Cavalier Athletic Conference |
| Sports | 7 Varsity Teams, 1 Junior Varsity Team |
| Mascot | Stars |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Virginia Council for Private Education, Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools |
| ITED Composite average | 70th% |
| Newspaper | Shen-Val-Lore |
| Yearbook | Shenandoan |
| Tuition | ≤$21,200 |
| Alumni | <6,000 |
| Website | SVA Website |
Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) is a private high school in New Market, Virginia, United States. It is a co-educational school, meaning both boys and girls attend. Students can live at the school (boarding) or come for the day.
SVA teaches about 250 students from grades 9 to 12. The school is located in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It is about 90 minutes west of Washington, DC. SVA is officially recognized by important groups like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school started in 1908. Its first students began classes that fall, and the first senior class graduated in 1911.
Contents
History of SVA
The land for Shenandoah Valley Academy was given in 1905 by Charles D. Zirkle. He wanted a school built for young people of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Two years later, building began. The school was first called New Market Academy. However, that name was already used by another school. So, it was changed to Shenandoah Valley Academy, which it is still called today.
The school opened in September 1908 with ten grades. Only 15 students enrolled that first year. The first four students finished their studies and graduated in 1911. When it opened, SVA was one of the first Seventh-day Adventist high schools in the United States.
SVA faced tough times early on. It did not open in 1913-1914 because of money problems. From 1916 to 1921, the school struggled to stay open. Pastor R. D. Hottel helped by collecting money and food for the school. During World War I, the school lost students. In 1918, the Spanish flu epidemic also caused the school to close for a short time.
In 1927, W. C. Hannah became the principal. He was principal for 26 years, longer than anyone else. He helped the school and its campus grow a lot.
Today, most SVA students come from Virginia and Maryland. Many also come from other parts of the United States. There are also students from other countries, like South Korea and Angola. As of 2019, over 5,300 students have graduated from SVA.
SVA Campus Life
The school is set on a large 450 acres (1.8 km2) campus in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The Shenandoah River runs along one side of the campus. Students can enjoy views of Massanutten Mountain.
Most classes are held in Twomley Hall. This building also has the school offices, the library, and an auditorium. Hewitt Hall is home to the student center and classrooms for hands-on arts. The dorms where students live, Phanstiel Hall (for boys) and Hadley Hall (for girls), were updated in the early 2000s.
Academics at SVA
SVA has a required set of classes for all students. These include English, Science, Math, and Social Studies. Students also take religion classes each year. Other required subjects are applied or fine arts, personal finance, and physical education.
If students want to go to more selective colleges, they need to take foreign language classes. They also need extra science and math courses. SVA offers special classes like Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit courses. These can give students college credit while still in high school. Examples include AP English, Anatomy & Physiology, and Calculus.
Diploma Options
SVA offers three types of diplomas. These help students prepare for different paths after high school.
- The Advanced Studies Diploma is for students planning to apply to very competitive colleges.
- The College Preparatory Diploma helps students get ready for college.
- The Standard Diploma provides a solid high school education.
Student Activities
Performing Arts
SVA has a very active and award-winning performing arts program. The school has teachers who give music lessons to students. SVA is one of the few high schools in Virginia with a full orchestra.
Music groups at SVA include:
- The Shenandoans: A special touring choir.
- The Valley Ringers: A handbell group.
- The Chorale: A large choir.
- The Concert Band.
- The String Ensemble.
Many of these groups travel often for performances. They have toured in places like Germany, Austria, Florida, and Costa Rica. Students also lead "Praise Teams" for weekly chapel events. There is also a drama club. Members write and perform plays for school events and local elementary schools.
Athletics
Sports are a big part of life at SVA. Many students play on the school's eight sports teams. Even more students join in fun, friendly intramural sports.
Sports Facilities
- The Charles Zirkle Gymnasium: Used for basketball and volleyball.
- A full-size professional soccer field.
- A baseball field.
- An outdoor track.
Other sports, like tennis, use facilities in New Market, Virginia.
SVA Sports Teams
SVA offers several interscholastic teams:
- Cross Country (for both boys and girls)
- Boys' Varsity Soccer (Fall)
- Girls' Varsity Volleyball (Fall)
- Boys' Varsity Basketball (Winter)
- Girls' Varsity Basketball (Winter)
- Boys' Varsity Baseball (Spring)
- Girls' Varsity Soccer (Spring)
- Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball (Winter)
Notable Alumni
Some well-known people have graduated from Shenandoah Valley Academy:
- Astrid Heppenstall Heger, MD, Class of 1960: A doctor and professor. She started a program to help children who have experienced violence.
- James (Jim) Davis, DDS, Class of 1965: He served as a state senator in North Carolina.
- Dale E. Twomley, PhD, MBA, Class of 2009 (honorary): A businessman and educator. He was the president of Worthington Foods and served as principal of SVA three times.
See also
- List of Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools
- Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
- Seventh-day Adventist education
