Upper School
The Upper School consists of 230+ students in grades 9-12. With an average class size of 12, R-MA teachers provide the attention and instruction geared towards academic success for each student. At the heart of teaching and learning at R-MA is student-centered learning. Student-centered education employs the student’s prior knowledge, collaboration, and exploration of interests to arrive at an authentic understanding of the world. Teachers facilitate the journey with guidance and questions so that students hone critical thinking skills to make decisions about the world we live in. R-MA also offers over 15 Honors and Advanced Placement courses in math, science, English and history.
R-MA offers advanced teaching and learning by offering over 10 Dual-Enrolled classes with James Madison University, Shenandoah University and Lord Fairfax Community College. Students who successfully complete these courses are able to receive college-credit at universities in Virginia and beyond. Many R-MA graduates have gone on to colleges having accumulated enough credits to fulfill an entire freshman year of university studies.
At R-MA, students have many opportunities to explore and engage in learning outside of the regular classroom:
- Clubs at R-MA are plentiful, fun and more importantly, student led! Our students are empowered to start clubs that bring a wealth of opportunities to our entire community.
- The Pre-Professional Pathways allow students passionate about a subject area to dive deeper into a potential career interest. A combination of electives, experiential learning opportunities and capstone project is included.
- Our January Term (click on the “Academics” box below) is a 3-week term between the Fall and Spring semesters. Students can take advantage of seminar-style and experiential learning opportunities to develop career and life skills. Some of the more popular courses have been in DIY, persuasive speech and writing, photography, and hydroponics.
ALL
Academics
Clubs
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)Pre-Professional Pathways
Mentoring
Academic Assistance
Overview
Pre-Professional Pathways
Aviation Classes and Drones
Academics
Aviation Pathway
Pre-Professional Pathways
Global Entrepreneurship
Pre-Professional Pathways
High Flight
Pre-Professional Pathways
Software & Engineering
Pre-Professional Pathways
Overview
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)
Available Courses
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)
Eligibility
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)
Participation
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)
Receive College Credit
Dual Enrollment
(University Credit)
Academy's Own
Clubs
Beacon Club
Clubs
Drama Club
Clubs
Drill Team
Clubs
French Honor Society
Clubs
German National Honor Society
Clubs
Honor Council
Clubs
Interact Club
Clubs
International Club
Clubs
Kitty Hawk Air Society
Clubs
Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society
Clubs
National Honor Society
Clubs
National English Honor Society
Clubs
National Junior Honor Society
Clubs
Philosophy Club
Clubs
Praise Team
Clubs
Social Studies Honor Society
Clubs
Science National Honor Society
Clubs
Spanish National Honor Society
Clubs
Spiritual Life Leadership Team
Clubs
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Clubs
Yearbook Club
Clubs
English
Academics
ESL
Academics
January Term (J-Term)
Academics
Mathematics
Academics
Physical Education
Academics
Robotics & Computer Science
Academics
Science
Academics
Social Studies
Academics
Visual & Performing Arts
Academics
World Languages
Academics
Overview
Mentoring
Learning Support Program
Academic Assistance
Tutorial and Learning Lab
Academic Assistance
Overview
The Pre-Professional Pathways Program at R-MA is a program created to allow students to explore their passions and career interests. The program gives students a solid foundation in their field and gives a student a competitive edge in the college admissions process.
Students who are enrolled in the program will have a notation made on their transcript to indicate their ongoing enrollment. A final grade of P/F will be issued their senior year after the Capstone Project is completed.
A set of elective coursework to be completed for each Pathway, each Pathway will have different coursework requirements. Pathways offer experiential learning opportunities, mentorship with faculty leaders of the program, and a capstone project of the student’s choice.
Aviation Classes and Drones
Field Trips
Randolph-Macon Academy’s Aviation Program is the only one of its kind at the secondary school level in the United States. The Program provides both Flight and Drone instruction, preparing students for college careers in subjects that have yet to exist or be defined in our world today.
The philosophy of the Flight Program is to attract young people to the world of aviation and flight. The aviation and aerospace industries are growing rapidly and currently have a shortage of qualified pilots and professionals. A number of our students have chosen to attend our institution because of the Aviation Program, and Randolph-Macon Academy is proud to offer them the chance to explore the world of aviation.
Unmanned Aviation Systems Lab (Drones):
The UAS Lab at R-MA is a a nationally recognized drone application program, whereby the Federal Aviation Administration provides significant grants to the Academy specific to flight training and drone instruction. Students are taught fundamentals in a variety of industries:
- Cinematography and TV/Film
- Agriculture
- Emergency Response and Management
- Engineering and Construction
- Energy and Infrastructure Management
Click here to learn more about the FAA Grant and our Drone Instructor, Brian Kelly
Flight Program:
Randolph-Macon Academy’s Flight Program is the only one of its kind at the secondary school level in the United States. The flight instructors are members of the Randolph-Macon Academy staff, and the Academy owns two Cessna 172 Skyhawks that are kept at an airport, just ten minutes from campus.
The flight program is a complete instructional package that includes:
- Private Pilot Ground School
- Dual Instruction
- Solo Time
- FAA Written Test Preparation
- Practical Test Preparation
We teach young men and women to fly, earn solo wings, earn Private Pilot Certification, and in some cases, earn an Instrument Rating. As students reach their goals in the program they gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and broaden their career options.
Aviation Pathway
Do you dream of soaring over the Earth? Do you dream of supporting and assisting those flying in the sky? Do you dream of directing the operations of an airline or drone company? Do you dream of inventing, developing, fixing aircraft both manned and unmanned? There are so many options available in the aviation industry and the Aviation Pre-Professional Pathway at R-MA can help you find your niche. This pathway provides experience and knowledge to students so they understand the opportunities available, have a head start in furthering their education in this field, and discover potential careers in aviation. This pathway builds on the historic flight program of ground school and flying lessons with a selection of elective courses, guest speakers, field trips, internship opportunities, extensive opportunity for field research using unmanned aerial systems and culminating in a senior year capstone project.
The Aviation Pre-Professional Pathway is designed for students with an interest in and love of aviation-not just flying!
Course Requirements: Students must take at least 4 of the following classes:
- Exploring Aviation (prerequisite to the pathway)
- Ground School
- Drone Applications I
- Drone Applications II
- Pre-Calculus
- Physics
Experiential Learning Opportunities (must complete either an internship or summer program):
- Flight lab flying R-MA airplanes and drones
- Experience with our flight simulator
- Field Trips
- Guest Speakers
- Internship or summer program (additional fees may be required)
Senior Capstone Project
Pathway Advisors:
- Brian Kelly
- Ryan Koch
- Allison Bushman
Global Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs find challenges, problems, and needs around the world and find innovative ways to solve them. Entrepreneurs can change the world!
The Global Entrepreneurship Pre-Professional Pathway at R-MA gives students who are passionate about solving problems, meeting challenges, and changing the world through products and awareness the opportunity to dive deep. Maybe this means starting their own business before they even graduate R-MA or start an awareness organization to bring attention to a cause they care about. Either way, this Pathway is the perfect place to start!
Course Requirements: Students must take at least 4 of the following courses:
- AP Psychology
- AP Stats
- Graphic Design
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Mathematics for Business & Finance
- Principles of Economics
Experiential learning opportunities (must complete either internship or summer program):
- Internship or summer program (additional fees may be required)
- Workshops, conferences, and field trips organized by faculty leaders
- Shenandoah University Business Symposium
- “Shark Tank” like competitions
- Business visits and networking with experts in business
Senior Capstone Project
Pathway Advisors:
- Tracey Ramey
- Derrick Leasure
High Flight
The High Flight-Military Career Pathway prepares rising Junior or Senior students to compete for service academy appointments and/or ROTC scholarship. This program is geared towards students interested in pursuing a military career by attending a military service academy or participating in ROTC in college.
High Flight Students gain the following opportunities:
- Mentored by retired senior military officer faculty/staff
- Prescribed academic advising
- Portfolio Development
- Physical conditioning program
- Opportunity to attend leadership conferences, academy days
- Scholarship for test prep and testing fees, travel and fees to attend conferences
Prerequisites:
- Rising junior or senior interested in a military career.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the second semester of the sophomore year.
- Have no known disease or disorder which would prevent the student from passing a DoD Medical Exam Review Board (DoDMERB) examination.
- Represent the character and leadership attributes of an R-MA Cadet.
Course Requirements:
- Math – Honors Pre-Calculus (11)/AP Calculus AB (12)
- Science (lab based) – Physics (11)/AP Chemistry (12) and/or AP Physics (12)
- English – AP English Language (11)/AP English Literature (12)
- Language – Minimum 3 years of a modern language
- Computer Science
- Air Force JROTC
Expectations:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA 3.5
- Begin standardized testing (SAT & ACT) in the 2nd semester of junior year and participate in all fall testing opportunities
- Maintain an exemplary discipline record
- Qualify for a Cadre position in JROTC
- Participate in High Flight physical conditioning and testing
- Apply to service academies summer program
- Apply early to service academy of choice, all nominating authorities and ROTC scholarship
Pathway Advisors:
- Mary Gamache
- Todd Freiwald
Software & Engineering
The Software and Engineering Pathway equips students in the broad field of Software and Engineering by encompassing deep concepts that go well beyond just learning how to code. We immerse our students in a 21st Century environment where problem solving, logic, communication, collaboration, and creativity are at its very core. Students emerge from our pathway as critical thinkers who are able to become innovators and creators of next generation technologies instead of just being consumers of today’s technologies.
Every industry around the world desperately needs engineers and their journey begins here with an in depth software and engineering focus in their high school curriculum:
Course Requirements: Students must take at least 4 of the following courses:
- Introduction to Computer Science in Python (prerequisite to the pathway)
- Java Programming and Quantum Computing
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Advanced Cyber Security
- Robotics and ROV Engineering
Experiential learning opportunities (must complete either internship or summer program):
- Internship or summer program (additional fees may be required)
- Workshops and conferences
- Field Trips
- Guest speakers
Senior Capstone Project
Pathway Advisor:
- Stephanie Wagner
Overview
Dual Enrollment at Randolph-Macon Academy is an exceptional opportunity for students to earn college credit while taking selected advanced R-MA classes on our campus. R-MA is able to provide this opportunity through the strength of our curriculum.
Students learn first-hand the demands and rewards of college survey course work and may satisfy future bachelor’s degree requirements while reducing the overall expense of college. Enrollment requirements are set by participating colleges and universities.
Available Courses
Colleges and universities may offer dual-enrolled status to courses that match the curriculum of their own college survey courses. Instructors at R-MA must also have the same degree credentials required by the participating colleges and universities. Advanced Placement (AP) courses designated by the College Board may only be dual-enrolled if the college or university offers a course of the same curriculum and R-MA has an instructor with the appropriate credentials. Otherwise, AP courses may only allow for college credit through qualifying scores on AP exams.
Shenandoah University: Winchester, VA
SU Course | Credits | Concurrent R-MA Course |
English 101 | 3 | AP English Language and Composition, sem. 1 |
English 209 | 3 | AP English Language and Composition, sem. 2 |
History 103 | 3 | AP United States History, sem. 1 |
History 104 | 3 | AP United States History, sem. 2 |
Math 101 | 3 | Honors Pre-Calculus sem. 1 |
Math 102 | 3 | Honors Pre-Calculus, sem. 2 |
Math 201 | 4 | AP Calculus AB |
Math 202 | 4 | AP Calculus BC |
Psychology 101 | 3 | AP Psychology |
Lord Fairfax Community College: Middletown, VA
LFCC Course | Credits | Concurrent R-MA Course |
Chemistry 111 | 4 | AP Chemistry |
French 111 | 3 | AP French Language and Culture, sem. 1 |
French 112 | 3 | AP French Language and Culture, sem. 2 |
Environmental Science 121 | 4 | AP Environmental Science |
Eligibility
R-MA Juniors (Grade 11) and Seniors (Grade 12) who are enrolled in select advanced courses are eligible for dual-enrolled status.
Freshmen (Grade 9) and Sophomores (Grade 10) who are enrolled in these courses must be approved for dual-enrollment by the appropriate college president or university dean.
Participation
How do I participate in Dual Enrollment at R-MA?
Colleges and universities require high school students to apply to their schools with an online application. The deadlines for these applications are usually by the end of September for fall semester and the end of January for spring semester. Lord Fairfax Community College requires minimum entrance test scores or SAT scores of 520 verbal and 500 mathematics. The average cost is between $50 and $75 per credit hour depending on the school. A representative from the R-MA Academic Office will initiate the application process with each dual-enrolled class and assist with application, testing, and payment needs.
Receive College Credit
Once courses are completed, the college credit is awarded and reported by the college or university authorizing the dual-enrolled status. Therefore, students will request transcripts of college credit directly from the college or university through the appropriate registrar office. Students may begin at the following websites:
Many well-known colleges and universities will accept these credits. Please be advised to check with all state and private colleges and universities first to verify if they accept this credit in advance of making applications for Dual Enrollment.
Academy's Own
The Academy’s Own is a select group of students who share their R-MA experiences with prospective families. Working directly with the Admission office, these students represent the Academy in a variety of events including online webinars, in-person campus tours and Open House events.
Beacon Club
The Beacon is a Bible study group that provides a safe space for students to learn about faith and to support one another in love. We have focused this year on studying how to build relationships through the Habitudes curriculum. Our vision is to be a “city on a hill” where we learn to love God and others.
Drama Club
French Honor Society
The Société Honoraire de Français provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding scholarship in the study of French, to place a special seal on the graduate’s diploma, to wear a tri-colored cord or a stole at graduation, and to wear the honor society’s official regalia.
German National Honor Society
Delta Epsilon Phi (ΔΕΦ) National Honor Society for High School Students of German recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of learners of German. The organization was founded in 1968 by Käthe Wilson at Coral Gables High School (FL), a devoted AATG member, to reward scholastic achievement in the study of German and to promote interest in the study of German language, literature, and civilization.
Honor Council
The Honor Council is a group of students who promote the Academy culture of honesty and enforce a high standard of personal integrity to cultivate habits of honorable living.
Interact Club
The Randolph-Macon Academy Interact Club is a service-oriented club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Front Royal. Like the Rotary Club, Interact members perform community service and raise money for worthy causes in the local and international communities. Members also live by the Four-Way Test: Of the things we think, say, or do: first: Is it the Truth? second: Is it Fair to all concerned? third: Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? fourth: Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
International Club
The International Club is a student-led organization that celebrates our school’s diversity by hosting culturally engaging events throughout the year for the student body. All proceeds raised are donated to UNICEF.
Kitty Hawk Air Society
The Kitty Hawk Air Society (KHAS) is the academic honor society of AFJROTC. Its purpose is to promote high academic standards and achievement, school and community service, self-confidence and initiative. KHAS also develops leadership abilities, recognizes academic excellence, and furthers members’ knowledge of the Air Force role in aerospace.
Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta is an organization whose purpose is to stimulate interest in mathematics by providing public recognition of superior mathematical scholarship and by promoting various mathematical activities. It is co-sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. There are now over 2000 chapters in the United States and nineteen foreign countries. Colleges and major universities recognize membership in Mu Alpha Theta as an important part of a student’s academic resume. Topics presented during club meetings, participation in our free mathematics competitions, and the interest generated by these activities help members to gain a greater understanding and enjoyment of mathematics.
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is the leader among educational organizations and societies that promotes recognition for high school level students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Membership in the National Honor Society is a privilege. The Honor Society member exhibits excellence in academics and leadership, displays honorable and admirable character, and demonstrates a commitment to service and good citizenship – all of which indicate that the member is willing to use personal talents and skills for the improvement of both self and society.
National English Honor Society
The Randolph-Macon Academy chapter—the Byzantium Chapter—of the National English Honor Society was inaugurated in October 2007. Sponsored by the international collegiate English Honor Society of Sigma Tau Delta, the organization offers recognition, leadership, service, and college scholarship opportunities to high school English students.
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society is the leader among educational organizations and societies that promotes recognition for middle school level and 9th grade students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is a privilege. The Honor Society member exhibits excellence in academics and leadership, displays honorable and admirable character, and demonstrates a commitment to service and good citizenship – all of which indicate that the member is willing to use personal talents and skills for the improvement of both self and society.
Philosophy Club
The philosophy club reflects on ancient and current concepts and challenges based on an open and supportive Socratic seminar style. Why are we here and what is the purpose of life? What is time? Could the universe be composed of just matter and energy or also Spirit? What are the ethics behind genetic research and its application? Do we have a responsibility to take care of nature and the planet and we do so?
Praise Team
The Praise Team’s main focus is to provide sacred music for all the Chapel Services on campus. While the majority of music we play is Christian, we hope to bring students, faculty, and staff of any faith tradition closer to God.
Science National Honor Society
The purpose of the Science National Honor Society shall be to encourage participation in and recognition of scientific and intellectual thought. It is to advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, to communicate with the scientific community, and to aid the civic community with its comprehension of science. It is to encourage students to participate in community service and, in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all mankind.
Spanish National Honor Society
The Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica is an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and/or Portuguese, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. This honor society promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education.
Spiritual Life Leadership Team
The SALT team (Spiritual Adaptive Leadership Team) seeks to support the R-MA community to grow spiritually and to live into our vision of being a “city on a hill.” The team consists of faculty and students who focus on loving, learning, and leading. The team leads chapel services, Bible studies, mission trips, etc…
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Tri-M® Music Honor Society is sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle level and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.
Yearbook Club
English
A solid foundation in reading and writing is the best preparation for college success. Reading and analyzing literature and rhetoric develops the student as thinker, writer, and speaker. Students develop mastery and voice in diverse writing missions. Rigorous vocabulary study with cumulative testing develops the language facility needed for reading, writing, and standardized testing. Students learn to develop a formal thesis in essays that focus on the themes and literary techniques of literature; they learn the Modern Language Association (MLA) style for writing research projects. Students in grades 8-10 take two English classes that offer an intensive development of reading, grammar, composition, research, creative writing, speechwriting, and vocabulary.
Courses offered:
- English 9: Reading, Writing & Research
- Honors English 9: Reading, Writing, Research
- English 10: Reading, Writing, Research
- Honors English 10: Reading, Writing, Research
- English 11: American Literature
- Honors English 11: Advanced American Literature
- Advanced Placement Language and Composition
- English 12: Reading, Writing, Research
- Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
- Dual-enrolled as English 101, 209 with Shenandoah University
- Senior English Elective: Honors Utopia/Dystopia
ESL
Click here to meet out International Students!
The English as a Second Language program requires that ESL students enter R-MA with a minimum score of 70 on the TOEFL Jr. test. Students are tested during their enrollment in the Mainstream English class. International students whose English capabilities fall below the score of 30 are required to attend the ESL Summer School session prior to being admitted in the Fall.
Introduction to Mainstream English
Introduction to Mainstream English develops students’ oral and written English skills. Students will learn the principles of grammar, expand their vocabulary, and become more comfortable communicating in English. Students will learn how to write MLA papers, gather sources, analyze literature, and use literary terms. Assignments will include: oral presentations, grammar questions, essay writing, creative writing, writers’ workshops, vocabulary tests/quizzes, and research papers. Throughout the year, students will read short stories and several novels. Listening and speaking skills are developed through activities like class debates and presentations. Because this class prepares students to use English in all of their classes, some of the work will address mathematical and scientific literacy.
January Term (J-Term)
Randolph-Macon Academy conducts a 3-week January term between semesters. J-term courses are seminar-style and experiential learning opportunities for students to earn credit while developing necessary career and life skills. Offerings will include designated time for internship experiences, capstone research projects, or study abroad opportunities for upperclassmen. Each mini-course will be designed as integrated and practical, led by faculty teaching individually or in teams. Students will choose courses that introduce them to topics such as drone and robotics technology, food cultivation and preparation, healthy habits of mind and body, etiquette, photography and music, engineering basics, DIY and tools, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The J-Term schedule will continue to support important school program rehearsals and sports schedules.
Check out our Upper School J-Term videos below!
Mathematics
The ever-increasing complexity of our society, especially in the realm of science and technology, makes it imperative that the teaching of mathematics be strengthened and expanded. Progress toward this goal depends in part upon the successful integration of the new mathematics with the old to ensure that students acquire the fundamentals, while they are provided with an overview of the rapidly expanding frontiers in this field. The mathematics curriculum consists of a sequence of courses that follow logically from the ninth through the twelfth grades, with advanced courses available for students who possess extraordinary ability in mathematical thinking.
Courses offered:
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II/Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Honors Pre-Calculus
- Dual-enrolled as Math 101, 102 with Shenandoah University
- Introduction to Calculus
- Dual-enrolled as Math 201 with Shenandoah University
- Advanced Placement Calculus AB
- Dual-enrolled as Math 201 with Shenandoah University
- Advanced Placement Calculus BC
- Dual-enrolled as Math 202 with Shenandoah University
- Mathematics and Statistics for Your World
- Advanced Placement Statistics
Physical Education
The physical education program at Randolph-Macon Academy provides an opportunity for students to develop efficient and effective motor skills and to embark on a continuing program of physical fitness. Students are given the opportunity to earn physical education credits through several different options.
Credits can be earned for participation in interscholastic sports and through one of the elective physical education classes offered. One-half credit could be earned through each season of a sport or for a semester of PE class. Physical education activities are conducted during the day and after classroom instruction.
Opportunities include:
- Individual and Team Sports
- Personal Fitness
- Competitive Sports
- Intramural Activities
Robotics & Computer Science
Robotics is taught as part of our Computer Science Course, which introduces students to the field of computer science, the fundamentals of computer programming, and robotics. The course will cover basic object-oriented programming using Java: a high-level, portable, and well-constructed computer programming language. Computer science builds logical problem-solving skills, collaboration, and an understanding of the ever-changing technological world. Computer science also encompasses more than just programming, therefore students will have multiple opportunities to explore hardware, software, and networks through robotics. VEX IQ robotics will build collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity by building teams of students to with design and build a robot to compete with other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Juniors and Seniors receive priority enrolling.
Science
The Randolph-Macon Academy Science Department strives to help students to 1. appreciate the process of scientific inquiry and the scientific enterprise, 2. understand the common themes and basic rules governing all matter, nonliving and living and, 3. develop scientific habits through practice with observation, critical thinking, problem solving, laboratory experience, and scientific writing.
Courses offered:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Physics
- Honors Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Placement Chemistry
- Dual-enrolled as Chemistry 111 with Lord Fairfax Community College
- Advanced Placement Physics Mechanics: C
- Advanced Placement Environmental Science
- Dual-enrolled as Environmental Science 121 with Lord Fairfax Community College
- Computer Science
Social Studies
The Social Studies Department seeks to ground students in the foundations of the human experience, enabling them to become culturally literate members of society. The curriculum provides students with a deeper understanding of issues and ideas, by laying a solid foundation of knowledge of the historical events and social processes that have shaped the world. Courses stress reading, writing, note taking, and outlining skills to provide students with a disciplined approach to the study of history. Students develop vital communications skills that will serve them in college and for the rest of their lives. Students also gain valuable research skills, as many courses have a term paper requirement. Through the study of history, students acquire a greater sensitivity to the experiences of mankind and a more perceptive understanding of the world.
Courses offered:
- Advanced Placement European History
- Advanced Placement Government and Politics
- Advanced Placement Psychology
- Dual-enrolled as Psychology 101 with Shenandoah University
- Advanced Placement United States History
- Dual-enrolled as History 103, 104 with Shenandoah University
- World History II
- United States History
- United States Government
- Principles of Economics
- Sociology (half year)
- Criminology (half year)
- Twentieth-Century Warfare
- Survey of the Bible
- World Religions
Visual & Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts program provides students with opportunities to experience beauty in music and art and to explore the processes necessary for attaining that beauty. Students are involved in a “hands-on” approach, so that they develop interests that provide a lifelong vehicle for enjoyment and personal expression.
Courses offered:
- Marching & Concert Band
- Chorus
- Music Production and Technology Class
- Studio Art
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Yearbook
Click here to find out more about Visual & Performing Arts as part of Student Life at R-MA
World Languages
The World Languages Department develops the skills needed for effective communication in the targeted language. This is accomplished by increasing the student’s ability to speak, read, and write the language with increasing accuracy, as well as to bring about a better knowledge of the people, geography, culture, and literature of the countries that speak the language. Since a very high percentage of the top American colleges and universities require three years of one language or two years of two foreign languages for admission, R-MA requires the same for its Advanced College Prep Diploma.
Courses offered:
- French I
- French II
- Honors French III
- Advanced Placement French IV
- Dual enrolled as French 111, 112 with Lord Fairfax Community College
- German I: Beginner German
- German II: Intermediate German
- Honors German III – Advanced German: Contemporary German Issues
- Honors German IV and V – Advanced German: Contemporary World Issues from a German Perspective
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Honors Spanish III
- Advanced Placement Spanish IV
Overview
Randolph-Macon Academy is committed to the success of each of our stakeholders: students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff. This means that we look out for one another and support each other.
One of the most important elements for our students’ success is the Mentoring program, which gives students the opportunity to develop one-on-one relationships with caring teachers and staff. The program also serves as a channel of communication between the school and home. A small group of students will meet formally with their mentor each week to discuss academic and personal goals, cover specific character and leadership topics, address social issues and discuss college and career planning. Mentors are an advocate for their students, help them interact with their peers, and help build their confidence to succeed in life.
Learning Support Program
The Learning Support Program provides direct support to cadets in reaching their full academic potential by understanding and honoring their strengths while recognizing that they may also need the support and guidance to find true success in a rigorous academic environment. The support provided by the learning specialist is meant to meet students where they are and guide and support them into their development as an independent learner ready for the rigor and expectations of colleges and universities.
Students who have been assessed with deficits in executive functioning skills or have been diagnosed with ADHD. A student does not need to have an official diagnosis or testing documentation to be enrolled in the program. Many families recognize the need for such a program for their child based on their previous experiences with difficulty in educational and academic settings. Students who simply want to ensure that they are strong in executive functioning skills or feel they need general academic support beyond what R-MA already offers, may also enroll in the program.
- Provide support to students with learning differences such as ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
- Assist students in developing executive functioning and good study skill habits.
- Provide small group teaching of skills (no more than 3 students per class) in time management, prioritization, organization, metacognitive strategies, goal setting, note taking, and study skills as well as provide academic support and assistance beyond the support programs already in place for all students at R-MA.
- Develop students’ ability to self-advocate.
- Provide support in academic coursework to fill in academic proficiency gaps.
- Coordinate tutorial and learning lab times for students enrolled in the program.
- Coordination of peer and outside tutors as needed (additional fees may apply to outside tutoring).
- Weekly monitoring of grades and progress in classes.
- Collaborate and communicate with parents on challenges, success and progress on interventions on a bi-weekly basis.
- Facilitating the support of content teachers in providing appropriate accommodations and support to students based on their individual learning needs.
- Collaborate with the college counselor to ensure placement in college or university that is the “right fit” and to coach skills needed for a successful transition to a post secondary school.
*There is an additional fee for this program.
Tutorial and Learning Lab
Every day during Flexible Learning Time, students have the opportunity to meet with teachers for extra help. Many students take advantage of this time to get questions answered, to dive deeper into a topic or to get some extra help on homework or to prepare for assessments. Students who find themselves struggling in a class may find that they are mandated to tutorial time with that teacher so that they are meeting regularly to get back on track and there is a system of accountability to see this challenge through.
Students who are finding themselves struggling in more than one class might be assigned to Learning Lab on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4-5. This is an extra study hall that is supervised and supported by a classroom teacher to provide extra support for the student for as long as they need it.
Students may also opt into an evening Learning Lab during evening study hall times that take place in the MELL. The evening Learning Lab is supervised by a faculty member and provides supervision and support in their evening homework and study time.
Social Studies Honor Society
The mission and purpose of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society are: to promote scholarship and to recognize academic excellence in social studies in secondary school environments and the community. It also provides through its local chapters opportunities for exploration in the social studies in secondary school environments and the community and to encourage interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies.