The Academy of academic Excellence began with a vision of a small schoolhouse environment that encompassed a tremendous wealth of learning strategies for Pre-Kindergartners to fifth graders.
AAE offers gifted services With a low student to teacher ratio, the school seeks to identify and cater to the learning style of each student.
Parents are gladly received as engaged participants in this customized learning process.
The world is our class room. Math, reading, history, science, arts, music, physical education, and technology are not learned in isolation, but are fully integrated in the AAE curriculum.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 76 students
- Yearly Tuition: $18,100
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Academy of Academic Excellence ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1997
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
76 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
98%
Average Class Size
12 students
Average Percentile SSAT
95%
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms on Tues. Thurs, T.shirt on Fridays
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$18,100
Tuition Notes
includes swimming lessons pickleball
Admissions Director
Dean Rita Busch
Sports
School Notes
- "Intelligence is not what you know but what you do when you don't know" - Albert einstein articulated this many years ago, and his timeless observation best describes the formula for the educational paradigm utilized by the Academy of Academic Excellence(AAE) today.
- AAE enrolls students from Kindergarten through third grade. In order to provide students with a balanced education, Mrs. Rita Busch, owner and dean of the school, has created a curriculum that incorporates the most exemplary principles from a variety of programs in public and private education.
- AAE is committed to providing a learning environment that:
- encourages curiosity, li>supports thinking "outside the box", li>promotes creativity in art and writing, li>exposes children to unique, new ideas, li>rewards good citizenship, li>teaches leadership and problem-solving skills, and, li>helps develop an insatiable love of learning.
- AAE seeks to delicately weave all the educational areas together by joining master atisans, students, faculty, family and the community with the unique vision of the school. AAE embraces cultural diversity and celebrates its many international and multi-faith students by sharing in learning about their heritage, customs and traditions.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Academy of Academic Excellence cost?
Academy of Academic Excellence's tuition is approximately $18,100 for private students.
What sports does Academy of Academic Excellence offer?
Academy of Academic Excellence offers 2 interscholastic sports: Bowling and Swimming.
What is Academy of Academic Excellence's ranking?
Academy of Academic Excellence ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Academy of Academic Excellence?
The application deadline for Academy of Academic Excellence is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 10/4/2022
We love this school! We have 2 children and could not be happier. We had 2 poor experiences at a previous school, 1 small Christian school in Henrico and another in Powhatan, and our children now love going to school. The individualized attention sets this school apart. They prepare your child for college, not just middle school. We have been very impressed and feel that this school is worth every penny of the tuition. Highly recommend!
5 5/10/2021
AAE was recommended to us by many parents whose children had graduated from the school and were all excelling in middle school and beyond. We have had the same great experience at AAE with our two children. Owner and Dean Rita Busch is extremely passionate, experienced and engaged in the children` educational experience and curriculum. The school has a dedicated team of teachers who deliver high-quality education whilst making learning fun. The low student to teacher ratio, focus on leadership skills, and ability to challenge each student at their individual academic level are some of the things we value the most. The school offers a personalized approach to learning in order to bring out the best in each child. Our children feel so loved by their AAE family, they are excited to go to school every day and learn. The parent community is also very supportive and the children all motivate each other.
5 5/6/2021
My son has been a student with AAE since PreK. It was important to me that my son attended a school that was able to see pass his somewhat rambunctious personality and hone in on his academic abilities. It was also important to me that the school was diverse and able to provide a more individualized learning environment. AAE has continued to exemplify a level of excellence that has allowed my son to "feel at home". His academic abilities have soared and his level of confidence has increased. AAE has found a way to keep my son engaged, interested, and excited about school. I am so glad this school was recommended to me. The investment is worthwhile!
5 5/6/2021
I have been an AAE parent for more than 6 years now . My son graduated from AAE 3 years ago and I now have both my daughters enrolled in the education program. If you`re looking for a school that will challenge your children in a fun and exciting way then you`ve found the right place . The teachers are all engaging and make education fun without the children even knowing how much they are learning . day to day. I highly recommend this school and can`t say how much it`s made my own children grow academically.
5 4/30/2021
I am from a family of educators and I have worked as a teacher at an elementary school. When it comes to my daughter's education, I have very, very high expectations and a deep insight based on experience. This school was referred to me by the director of another school as one of the best. After reviewing the AAE's website and speaking with Mrs. Rita Busch and other parents - I was sold! Then we met Mrs. Rita Busch and saw the school. Well....I was absolutely sure then, that we were making the correct decision in our school choice. I continue to be absolute in my decision. The entire environment of the school campus is well-suited for a child who is excited about learning, thirsty for knowledge and is open to a wide range of ideas and subjects. The staff is vibrant, interested in the children's performance, motivated to help them grow and I have to mention - all graduate educated. (this is rare to find). The school is small, with a low student-to-teacher ratio, which is like gold for young children's education. The materials, games, books, challenges, school events, and interior design are all perfectly aimed at getting kids excited about learning. The teaching pedagogy of the school is well-defined with differentiated teaching at the forefront of all that they do.In the age of Covid, they have been phenomenal in their response and have managed to stay open this entire time. They, like all of us, have had challenges, but the response has been great. Modifications such as children being 6 feet apart with their masks on and mobile handwashing stations are in place and the children keep up with the new way to be at school. We even had an option to be virtual in the initial stages when everything was uncertain. Other parents have been serious about their children's education and also about protecting the staff and students against the virus. My daughter LOVES her school. She is in Kindergarten now but is at a higher grade in her work, but guess what, her schoolwork is at her level, as is her homework. I have watched her blossom in her attitude to the work, vocabulary, discipline, math skills, leadership.....you name it and she has just exceeded my expectations. She is even skilled at writing in cursive! Imagine that!Mrs. Rita Busch and her staff have done an excellent, excellent job at preparing, motivating, and fostering a great love of knowledge and learning in my daughter. I am very happy. In the critical years of learning for a child, this is absolutely priceless. The investment in her education pales in comparison to the tremendous benefits that this foundation is providing to her. If you are serious about your child's education and recognize the importance of the values this school provides, you will not be disappointed in the care, education, and staff at AAE. I promise.
5 4/29/2021
Best investment we've made! We have two sons that attend the academy. AAE has a "work hard to play hard" philosophy, and focuses on work ethic, critical thinking, collaboration and leadership skills all while finding the kids` talents and providing them an environment where they feel loved and part of a team. The parents and families that attend the school are extremely supportive and value the importance of education. It's wonderful for your kids to be around other kids that are motivated to learn and succeed. AAE offers differentiated instruction so the kids are met at their appropriate level of difficulty. The teachers provide individual dynamic instruction that focuses on various learning styles. My sons were reading and writing beautifully by the end of prekindergarten. Rita, the owner is a really fun and lively owner who is passionate about her job, the school, and her teachers.
5 5/2/2018
We absolutely love AAE. My 4 year old can't wait to get to school. The teachers are wonderful. The Dean is fantastic. The academics are unparalleled. I have a background and experience in the field of education. We chose this school because they meet students at their own ability appropriate level and then use visual, kinesthetic, and auditory teaching strategies to help them just soar. The teacher/student ratios are also incredible. We couldn't be happier!!!
5 6/20/2012
As a parent of a 5 yr old attending this school, I could not be happier. The teachers at this school know how to motivate, stimulate and challenge the kids. The kids are exposed to languages, art, music, yoga, and they tailor the lessons to each kids ability. Kudos to the awesome teachers at AAE.
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