Strelitz International Academy
General Information
About
Strelitz International Academy (SIA) is a private, Jewish day school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offering education from infant/toddler through 5th grade. Established as a community-rooted institution, SIA combines rigorous academics with its heritage in Jewish values, promoting a respectful, compassionate, and globally minded learning environment. As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), SIA’s curriculum is inquiry-based, globally focused, and designed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
The school emphasizes developing not only students’ academic skills, but their character, civic responsibility, and understanding of diverse cultures. With small class sizes and a close-knit community, SIA cultivates a warm, nurturing atmosphere where children are known individually and their growth as learners and people is supported.
Contact Information
Address: 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone Number: (757) 424-4327
Email Address: Admissions & general inquiries are handled via the school’s admissions director, Carin Simon, reachable through the school’s contact channels.
School Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1955 (as Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, later became Strelitz International Academy) |
| Type | Private, Jewish day school, IB Primary Years Programme |
| Grades Served | Infant / Toddler through Grade 5 |
| Accreditation | Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) |
| Motto / Core Values | Respect, Community, Repairing the World, Love of Learning |
| IB Programme | International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) |
Strelitz International Academy Rankings
| Scope | Status / Ranking |
|---|---|
| State (Virginia) | Recognized among leading private schools in the Hampton Roads region for its IB curriculum, small class sizes, and strong faculty credentials. |
| Global / IB World | As an IB World School, SIA is part of the globally respected International Baccalaureate network, providing internationally benchmarked Primary Years education. |
Strelitz International Academy Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Early Childhood / Infant-Toddler Program
- Early Years (Preschool / Pre-K)
- Primary Years (Kindergarten – Grade 5)
- Judaic Studies (Jewish Life & Learning)
- Hebrew Language
- Music & String (Suzuki Violin)
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education & Athletics
- Science / STEM
- Technology / Coding & Robotics
Courses and Programs / Majors
Rather than “majors,” SIA offers a comprehensive program for young learners, including:
- Infant / Toddler sensory and developmental exploration
- Early Years literacy, numeracy, art, and play-based learning
- IB PYP core subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Jewish Life & Learning, including Torah, holidays, and prayer
- Hebrew language instruction (modern & biblical)
- Music program: Suzuki violin, recorders, bells, and performance opportunities
- Visual arts: drawing, painting, clay, sculpture
- Physical education and sports: swimming, basketball, soccer, intramurals
- Technology: computer use, digital citizenship, coding club, robotics
Online Learning
Strelitz International Academy primarily operates with in-person instruction. There is no publicly documented full-time online school program; the emphasis remains on hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a physical classroom environment.
Average Test Scores
As a primary-level institution (Pre-K to Grade 5), SIA does not report average SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. Standardized testing in the traditional secondary/tertiary sense does not apply to its age range.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because SIA is an elementary-level school, traditional metrics like “graduation rate” or long-term retention (as used in universities) are not publicly reported. Its model is to guide students from infancy through grade 5, after which alumni transition to middle schools or other programs.
Strelitz International Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Since Strelitz International Academy serves very young learners (infant up through grade 5), it does not use GPA or SAT/ACT scores for admission. Admissions decisions are primarily based on enrollment availability, family fit, and developmental readiness rather than academic testing.
Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 90% per private school profile sources. |
Application Requirements
Strelitz International Academy’s admissions process is designed to be welcoming and inclusive. Families applying to SIA typically need to submit an application, provide child developmental or academic history for older entry levels, and optionally meet with admissions staff. The school emphasizes community alignment with its core values and encourages parents to engage in tours and conversations about how SIA’s IB-based, Jewish, and inquiry-driven learning model can support their child’s growth. Because SIA serves very young children, it seeks parents who value early childhood education integrated with global-minded and values-centered teaching.
Application Process
- Submit an inquiry or application via the admissions office.
- Schedule a campus tour and tour the classrooms.
- Provide necessary documentation (e.g., for toddlers, developmental profile; for older children, any prior school history).
- Complete a family interview or meeting to discuss values and fit.
- If applicable, apply for financial aid or flexible tuition. (Deadline for flexible tuition has historically been February 15.)
- Receive admission decision.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Date or Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications Accepted | Rolling basis, as space allows. |
| Flexible Tuition Application Deadline | February 15 for those applying for financial aid or flexible tuition. |
| Open House / Tours | The school hosts regular open house events. Historically, for example, “Beyond Preschool” preview days have been held in November. |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable. Given its early childhood and elementary school grade range, Strelitz International Academy does not require personal essays as part of its admission.
Scholarships
Strelitz International Academy offers generous financial aid / flexible tuition to families in need. While specific scholarship amounts are not publicly detailed, the school’s admissions process includes a flexible tuition application (deadline February 15) to make education accessible.
Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Specific annual tuition is not publicly listed; families are advised to contact the admissions office for the most current rates. According to private school profiles, the school provides financial aid. |
| Fees | May include enrollment or activity-based fees, depending on program (infant care, enrichment, after school, etc.). Flexible tuition options are available. |
Student Profile and Demographics – Strelitz International Academy
Student Demographics
Strelitz International Academy welcomes a diverse group of students, both in terms of age (from infants through grade 5) and cultural background. While its foundation is Jewish, students of all faiths attend, contributing to a pluralistic environment. The school is part of a global-minded community due to its IB curriculum. Community stories have noted families from Israel, Denmark, Czech Republic, and other nations, contributing to cross-cultural exchange.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
SIA’s flexible tuition program suggests a commitment to economic diversity, allowing families with varied financial means to apply. Publicly available sources do not provide precise proportions of students with disabilities, but as an accredited independent school, SIA likely supports inclusive practices appropriate to its size and mission.
Student Body Size
| Metric | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Around 120 students, per private school review data. |
| International Students | While not formally “international,” SIA draws from a globally aware community, including families with connections to Israel and European countries. |
School Diversity
Strelitz International Academy embraces diversity as a core part of its identity. Though its roots are deeply Jewish, the school welcomes students of all faiths, contributing to a richly plural community. The IB Primary Years Programme reinforces this global-mindedness, embedding units that encourage students to think beyond their immediate context, understand different cultures, and act with empathy. The school’s commitment to “repairing the world” (tikkun olam) encourages students to reflect on how their actions affect both local and global communities. This combination of religious heritage and international curriculum fosters a nuanced environment where students learn respect, responsibility, and interconnectedness.
Average Earnings
As an elementary school serving very young children, Strelitz International Academy does not report alumni earnings. The school’s mission centers on foundational education—not preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce—but rather on building lifelong learners with strong character, academic readiness, and global awareness.
Strelitz International Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Strelitz International Academy has a dedicated faculty experienced in both early childhood education and primary-year IB methodologies. The school maintains small class sizes, allowing teachers to provide personalized attention and engage deeply with each child’s learning journey. Staff include certified IB educators, early years specialists, Judaic studies teachers, Hebrew language instructors, music and arts teachers, as well as support staff for after-school or enrichment programs.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at SIA are deeply committed to inquiry-based learning, Jewish values, and global citizenship. Teachers in core academic areas (language, mathematics, science) integrate IB philosophies to nurture critical thinking, communication, and self-directed learning. The Jewish Life & Learning faculty guide students through meaningful engagement with Torah, holidays, prayer, and Jewish history. Specialist teachers—such as in music, art, and physical education—support holistic development. Many faculty members hold advanced credentials and have participated in rigorous IB training. The school’s recent VAIS accreditation highlights not just academic excellence but also the strength and dedication of its teaching staff.
Strelitz International Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Strelitz International Academy is situated on the Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach, sharing a broad community resource site. Its physical facility includes modern, well-designed classrooms, a two-story library, science labs, technology labs, and spaces for art, music, and physical activity. Because it is an elementary school, SIA does not provide housing; students attend as day students. Campus life is enriched with Jewish community rituals, school-wide celebrations, family events, and service opportunities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Transportation
Students at Strelitz International Academy typically commute from the Hampton Roads region (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake). While the school does not publicly detail its transportation system, many families drive or carpool, and there may be district or community-led transportation arrangements. On campus, movement is structured and safe, with students transitioning between classrooms, specialist spaces (like music or science), and communal areas under adult supervision, promoting both independence and security.