Academy of Academic Excellence

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:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1997

Student Body

Total Students
76 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academy of Academic Excellence Student 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
Tuition Notes
includes swimming lessons pickleball
Admissions Director
Dean Rita Busch

Sports

Total Sports Offered
2 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

  5.00 out of 5  (8 reviews)
5  
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!
- Posted by
5  
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.
- Posted by
5  
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!
- Posted by
5  
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.
- Posted by
5  
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.
- Posted by
5  
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.
- Posted by
5  
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!!!
- Posted by
5  
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.
- Posted by

Endorse Academy of Academic Excellence. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.

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

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Henrico County, VA is $13,906 for elementary schools and $15,953 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links