Cortona Academy

Cortona Academy has made a profound difference for our dyslexic child. The small classroom setting, individualized instruction, challenging curriculum, and safe environment are some of the things we like the most about Cortona. Their dedicated and experienced staff is particularly well attuned to the needs of dyslexic students and provides one-on-one instruction in the classroom setting and during study halls. Prior to Cortona, our child was receiving inappropriate services, no individualized instruction, and an unchallenging and mediocre curriculum in the Fairfax County Public School (FCPs) system. FCPS was also highly unresponsive to the needs of our child, who was suffering increasingly widening gaps in reading, spelling, writing, and math achievement. On the other hand, Cortona's intensive, repetitive, and multi-sensory approach to instruction has worked very well- laptops, c-pens, and textbooks (yes those still exist!) are used in every class. There is absolutely no stigma to using assistive technology as it is integrated into everything they do. The curriculum is also from very reputable sources (The American School and the University of Nebraska High School), therefore it is well-structured and challenging. In stark contrast to FCPS, the courses involve a lot of writing and critical thinking. Because they challenge their students and give them the confidence to succeed, our child was even able to earn high school credits while an 8th grader. In the first year and a half at Cortona, our child jumped at least four grade levels in reading proficiency (based on the Qualitative Reading Inventory administered by the public school.) Our child never picked up books before, but now actually reads books for pleasure and without prompting. Math skills have greatly improved as well, and calculators are not permitted for simple Algebra. Cortona also offers a fairly flexible schedule. The staff will work with you if your child has other tutoring services or extracurricular activities they take part in (outside of Cortona.) The field trips are also enriching and promote a sense of community. Cortona has truly changed our child's life, from feeling inadequate and ignored at FCPS to feeling empowered and confident at Cortona.

Cortona Academy allowed me to bounce back from what was an incredibly distressing year in my life. As the world dealt with the troubles and uncertainties of the pandemic, this academy provided stability I was unable to find anywhere else. Contrary to the newfangled online schooling and virtual classes, I discovered that the teachers and staff are all incredibly supportive and easy to approach, always willing to help and answer questions. I have a good relationship with all of my peers, largely thanks to how the environment is extremely low-stress. I`ve been provided with plenty of study halls in my schedule, which allows me to focus and have the ability to ask others questions rather than panic and stay up late at home. While going through the process of applying to colleges this year, I found that I was much more at ease than I expected and was able to get assistance for every step. I`ve already been accepted to some schools and offered large scholarships, a testament to how Cortona Academy has improved my academic skills and my life.

Growing up, I had always succeeded and enjoyed school. I never struggled and enjoyed my experience. Things changed once in high school as I started to not enjoy school. I was losing motivation to go to school and struggling with my classes. I was constantly not caring about myself or my future and needed a new healthier environment. After my Sophomore year, I decided that I need to try something new and that`s when I found Cortona Academy. This turned out to be an amazing experience as this school was my savior. I am very grateful for this as I couldn`t imagine where I would be without this experience. I have seen firsthand people that have lost all motivation from being in a negative environment. It`s sad still having friends that don`t have any happiness for school and their future. I don`t think I would have made it through school if it were not for this decision. Cortona Academy has motivated me once again for school and my future.

When I was younger, the school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. The school became frustrating. It began to make me feel bad about myself. This was so discouraging and degrading. I started not wanting to go to school, not wanting to even try. My sophomore year I knew things had to change if I wanted to have a good future and go to a good college. We found Cortona Academy and, honestly, my life changed! Cortona Academy made me feel good about learning again and helped build up my confidence. They made school less frustrating, making sure I understood something before moving on, making certain I had a strong foundation and could successfully tackle any subject put in my path. Cortona Academy helped bring up my GPA and, most importantly, helped me feel ready for college. I no longer feel discouraged; I no longer feel like I can't. Cortona Academy has shown me that I "can," no matter the task in front of me.

We have been very impressed with our son's learning experience at Cortona Academy. Over his last two years of attendance, his skill set has been approved across all areas. The small classroom size allows for direct teacher interaction and instruction. The teachers are all fully engaged and take a lot of interest in the student's mental and emotional well-being. The methods of learning are setting up the kids to excel at the next level of education. I would highly recommend this school for any and all students no matter where their current educational skill level is currently at.

Before Cortona, I was a struggling student with no drive to learn, the victim of public education. Cortona gave me the tools to expand my knowledge base to levels that were not possible in public school. The teachers have given me the opportunity to dive deeply into the subjects in which they are experts and accomplished professionals within their academic fields, which is quite a change from public school. My horizons have broadened in ways I cannot explain. Thanks to Cortona, I intend to pursue a career in medicine. I am proud to say Cortona unlocked my full potential.

Before Cortona, I was a man of my word with nothing to say. I was the type of kid that knew his way around tests and homework, but never felt like actually doing them. I was constantly slacking and behind in my classes, regardless of how easy it was for me. Many of my grades were 0's for not turning in homework on time. Once I joined Cortona, things changed. The curriculum was easier to understand due to two factors: one, how the students around me act, and two, how the curriculum is to-the-point. The surrounding students were never talking in class, but truly learning. I actually learned here. I learned what really mattered to the subject, and didn't waste my time on unnecessary methods with no purpose. All in all, Cortona Academy is rigorous, but fun, and easy to learn. I am so thankful for the education I received at Cortona.

Before Cortona, I was at a loss. I was just a person rolling around, not really caring for the work I was doing. I was not thinking, just like a robot. I was memorizing and writing information down, but not really gaining any critical thinking skills. That all changed when I came to Cortona. Here I was taught to really think about the work I was doing, not only to evaluate what work I was given, but also to expand upon it. This school helped me expand my interests and to explore different fields. They also helped me greatly with the college admissions process. I am so much more motivated to learn now, and it is all thanks to Cortona Academy. They never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself. For that, Cortona has my greatest thanks.

When I started my high school journey, I had no desire to participate in, let alone graduate from high school. I was unfocused and unmotivated, and was barely getting C's. I moved to Cortona Academy near the end of my freshman year. I was immediately welcomed not just as a student, but as something like a family member. I was not only shown love, but I was given the extra push I needed by the teachers to get where I am now, with straight A's. I am headed to college this fall, having been accepted to my dream school with about $80,000 in merit scholarships. I credit my academic success to the staff at Cortona and it was truly a pleasure to have been a student here.

Before coming to Cortona, I struggled to focus and keep up in class. During 10th grade, I realized it would only get harder and something needed to change. So, I started attending Cortona in the middle of that school year. Even though I had to start over and complete the entire 10th grade, I was able to do so with the great support of teachers and the unique setup at Cortona, which included make-up weeks where I could catch up when needed. The small class sizes and personal attention are invaluable. Now, as I look forward to college, I feel like I am well-prepared because of the things I`ve learned at Cortona. I learned how to be prepared for class and have tools for studying effectively.

Cortona Academy has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. We transferred to Cortona as a senior to give our daughter a much better opportunity to learn, achieve her potential and be fully prepared for college. The staff at Cortona has been invaluable to her! Their program and teaching is focused on a students individual learning style and that has made a tremendous difference for our daughter. She now has the skills and self-confidence to be successful in college and has been accepted by all the universities she applied to and will be attending her top choice in the Fall. We thank Cortona and the teaching staff for all they did for our daughter!

Cortona Academy has helped me a lot, for example, when I was in public school, I was stressed out doing homework and studying for tests. I was failing in English class. When I came to Cortona I knew it was a good fit for me. Cortona has a unique note-taking system, and accommodates students who have different learning styles. One thing that stood out to me was small group classes and one-on-one attention which enables the teacher to focus on you . I also like the fact that if you don't understand something, the teacher will happily explain the concept again. It allows me to get my homework done at school, so I didn't have to be worry about it doing it at home. Cortona has the support and the learningsystems to get me ready for a four year college and pursue my dream in dentistry. Cortona has helped me set my future because when I was a public school, I didn't think that college would be in the picture. Now the doors are wide open.

My sophomore year I was in all honors classes at a 3000 person public school, passing all my classes with A`s. I was on two varsity teams, but something wasn`t right. I took classes that their only goal was to prepare us for a standardized test that only seemed to evaluates the teachers` ability to teach. Class sizes were large enough to the point where I was afraid to ask questions out of fear of looking stupid. Now, I go a school with small-individualized classes, where I can go to more in depth areas that are not on the Virginia standardized tests. The teachers are always there for you, and making sure you truly understand the content. The school hours are more individualized, so there is more time to get real life experience, such as volunteer work and internships. For example, I now have the time to go to George Washington University and do nanotechnology research in the afternoons after school. My next step is college, and I don`t think I could be more prepared.

Cortona Academy has helped me a lot, for example, when I was in public school, I was stressed out doing homework and studying for tests. I was failing in English class. When I came to Cortona I knew it was a good fit for me. Cortona has a unique note-taking system, and accommodates students who have different learning styles. One thing that stood out to me was small group classes and one-on-one attention which enables the teacher to focus on you . I also like the fact that if you don't understand something, the teacher will happily explain the concept again. It allows me to get my homework done at school, so I didn't have to be worry about it doing it at home. Cortona has the support and the learning systems to get me ready for a four year college and pursue my dream in dentistry. Cortona has helped me set my future because when I was a public school, I didn't think that college would be in the picture. Now the doors are wide open.

Since 1992, Cortona Academy has led the entire Washington Metro Area in achieving stress-free, innovative, superior STEM+ARTS education for ALL students, regardless of "label" in classes averaging 4 = 8 students OR Oxford-like, 1/1. The majority of our professors have PhD's and have been on staff for 10 - 15 years...genuinely brilliant, kind individuals who can teach teenagers! Cortona's learning environment is calm, caring, and non-competitive...when students need help, they get it, immediately! There is no failure here...ever! Compassion and 1/1 back-up classes insure great grades. Never homework on weekends! Our courses are highly-accredited, surpassing those locally approved. Motivating students is our goal, having them aspire to 4-year colleges, and helping them become well-rounded, happy individuals, getting a great education, but developing skills and talents needed for the future through our flexible schedule, which is the hallmark of our program. We schedule around family vacations, competitions, and emergency situations. Most importantly, we teach college-level Study and Organizational Skills in ALL classes, aimed at helping our students stay organized and become prepared for college. Cortona graduates enjoy a 100% college acceptance rate, with all graduates being awarded up to $110,000 in merit scholarships (since 2007). Financial aid is available with nearly 90% of our students being granted granted partial scholarships. Clearly 1/3 of our program is dedicated to extracurricular activities, field trips, and internships. We have ROLLING ADMISSIONS and students can re-do poor grades or accelerate and graduate early. Indeed, Cortona Academy is a happy place with very, very grateful parents and students. Most parents thank us for giving them back their child. (Please read our reviews on www.GreatSchools.com) Cortona Academy, AFFORDABLE private education! Thank you, Sharon Strauchs, Director