Dominion Ridge Academy to Become Blue Ridge Christian Academy

Dominion Ridge Academy is preparing to begin a new chapter under a new name, with school leaders announcing that the private Christian school will become Blue Ridge Christian Academy for the coming academic year.

Principal Carrie Hill and curriculum adviser Dietra Tutton discussed the change during a recent interview at the Royal Examiner studio. They said the new name reflects the school’s Christian mission while building on the programs, staff, and educational approach already in place.

The school will also adopt a new mascot, the Griffins.

Hill said the name and mascot were chosen after members of the Class of 2026 submitted ideas to the school’s board. Students provided several pages of suggestions before the board selected Blue Ridge Christian Academy.

“We wanted to put Christian back in our name,” Hill said.

The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is located at Riverton Church, 55 East Strasburg Road in Front Royal. The church welcomed the school to the property last year and has continued to support its growth.

The site includes classroom space, open land, and a soccer field. School leaders said the location provides students with space for academics, athletics, and other activities.

Blue Ridge Christian Academy is also adding flag football this fall for elementary- and middle-school students. Both girls and boys will be able to participate.

Tutton said the school’s curriculum will remain strongly centered on Christian teaching, even as materials and programs are updated over time.

“Christ is going to be all the way through our school, all the way from kindergarten through 12th grade,” she said.

School leaders said the academy will continue to focus on small classes and individualized instruction. Tutton said the approach is designed to support students with different learning styles, including children who may struggle in larger classrooms.

“We want to provide a place where parents feel safe sending their children,” she said. “They will know they’ll receive that biblical instruction and that they will have a small, individualized program.”

Hill said older students also have opportunities to mentor younger children. She described service as an important part of the school’s identity and said students are encouraged to take part in the wider community.

“We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Hill said. “We need to go out and serve, from the youngest to the oldest.”

The school’s Center for Cognitive Formation provides additional support for students. Hill said the center offers educational therapy through the National Institute for Learning Development, or NILD, for students with challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

The center also uses Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment, a program school leaders said is designed to build thinking skills and support social and emotional development.

The academy follows a classically based educational model. Tutton said students move through stages that emphasize foundational knowledge, logical thinking, discussion, and public speaking.

At the high school level, Christian apologetics is also part of the program. Tutton said students are taught not only to understand their faith, but also to explain their beliefs clearly and confidently.

School leaders said the goal is to prepare students for life after graduation by strengthening communication, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.

Dual enrollment is another part of the high school program. Hill said students in 10th grade and above may take classes through Laurel Ridge Community College, Liberty University, Regent University, or Grand Canyon University.

The school is accredited by Cognia, an international organization that works with public, private, and college schools. Hill said accreditation is important for families because it supports the recognition of student transcripts and diplomas.

In addition to academics, the academy offers a range of electives and extracurricular activities. Younger students may take Spanish, art, and music, while middle and high school students can choose from additional electives.

The school also has a long-running drama program that includes classes and spring musicals.

Archery remains one of the academy’s most successful activities. Hill said the team has placed at the state level each year, has competed at the national level in nearly every year the event was held, and placed at a world competition two years ago.

Tutton said archery fits well with the school’s educational philosophy because students compete as part of a team while also learning personal focus, discipline, and responsibility.

Technology is used in the classroom, but school leaders said it is meant to support, not replace, instruction.

Tutton said middle and high school students may use Chromebooks for selected activities, videos, reviews, or quizzes. Elementary students use screens much less often.

“We’re not a screen-free school, but we’re certainly not a screen school,” she said.

Traditional academic skills also remain part of the curriculum. Tutton said the school has continued to use phonics-based reading instruction and teaches cursive writing. Hill and Tutton said the academy places value on helping children learn in ways that fit their individual needs.

Hill said that may mean giving students more time, trying a different method, or helping them understand that learning differently does not mean they cannot succeed.

“It’s okay if you don’t learn like the rest of the class,” she said. “Your brain is still able to solve a problem. Let’s help you find that way.”

Blue Ridge Christian Academy is scheduled to begin classes Aug. 31. Open house dates had not been finalized at the time of the interview, but families may schedule a tour or ask about enrollment by calling 540-635-6799.

The school’s new website was still under construction at the time of the interview.

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