Dominion Ridge Academy Expands with New Campus and Big Vision for Students

Dominion Ridge Academy is preparing for a new school year in a new location, bringing its unique educational model to a larger space with room to grow. Located at 55 East Strasburg Road in the lower level of Riverton Church, the academy’s fresh campus marks an important step in its mission to provide a classically based, inclusive learning environment for K–12 students in the Front Royal area.

Led by Principal Carrie Hill, Dominion Ridge continues to set itself apart through a combination of small class sizes, targeted learning support, and a strong commitment to community and character development.

“We’re very optimistic,” said Hill. “This new space gives us the flexibility and room we need to keep offering an environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged.”

The school’s academic foundation is classical in structure, with a focus on reading, cursive writing, and critical thinking from an early age. Dominion Ridge also integrates two nationally recognized programs to support students with learning differences: the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) and the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) program.

“These aren’t tutoring programs,” Hill explained. “They are structured interventions that teach students how to think, organize, and approach learning in ways that help them overcome struggles.”

About 10 to 15% of Dominion Ridge’s students benefit from these programs, and all are fully included in regular classrooms. The goal, school leaders say, is to foster a learning environment where students of all ability levels learn together and support one another.

“Students mentoring students is one of the most powerful parts of our school culture,” said Board Chairman Jason Herndon. “It helps them learn how to communicate, listen, and grow as people, not just as students.”

That collaborative spirit is also present in the school’s extracurricular programs, most notably its award-winning archery team. Now entering its tenth season, Dominion Ridge Archery has sent students to national competitions in eight of the past nine years and, for the first time this past season, competed at the world level.

The program includes students from grades 4 through 12, all shooting at the same distances —10 and 15 meters —regardless of age. The team also offers a 3D archery program, which uses animal-shaped targets to challenge archers in new ways.

“Archery is 90% mental,” said Herndon. “It teaches patience, discipline, safety, and focus. These are qualities that help our students not just in sports, but in life and learning.”

Another distinctive feature of Dominion Ridge is its early introduction of cursive writing. Students begin learning cursive in kindergarten, which supports fine motor development and cognitive growth.

“There’s a strong neurological benefit,” said Hill. “It builds neural connections and helps students retain and process information more efficiently. By third or fourth grade, many of our students are writing primarily in cursive.”

Reading is also a top priority. While some students arrive at kindergarten already beginning to read, others develop their reading skills over time. The school aims to have all students reading fluently by second grade, using methods that focus on comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics.

Dominion Ridge’s classrooms are intentionally small, typically capped at 12 to 15 students. This allows teachers to provide more individual attention and helps students feel more comfortable participating and asking for help when needed.

“In smaller classes, students can’t hide,” Hill noted. “We see them. We know them. And that makes a real difference in how they learn and grow.”

Board member Cory Gray, who also has children enrolled at the school, said the sense of community is one of the things families appreciate most. Dominion Ridge actively involves parents, grandparents, and even local businesses in school life.

“It’s a family-centered environment,” said Gray. “You really feel like you’re part of something that’s focused on more than academics, something that supports the whole child.”

This sense of connection is visible in the way older and younger students interact on campus. School leaders shared that it’s not uncommon to see seniors forming friendships with kindergarteners, creating mentorship moments that last far beyond the classroom.

Dominion Ridge is currently enrolling for the upcoming school year, which begins after Labor Day. An open house is in the works and will be announced soon. Families interested in learning more can visit www.dominionridgek12.com or email admissions@dominionridgek12.com for more information.

The academy also participates in the ACSI Child Tuition Fund, which provides tuition assistance to qualifying families. Donations to the fund offer donors a 65% Virginia state tax credit, helping both families and the broader school community.

As Dominion Ridge settles into its new location, the school remains focused on what it has always done best: combining academic excellence with character development, emotional growth, and strong community ties.

“We’re not just teaching students,” Hill said. “We’re preparing young people to lead with integrity, think critically, and care for the world around them.”