Selecting the best private elementary schools in Virginia Beach
When searching for the best elementary schools in Virginia Beach, look no further than Strelitz International Academy (SIA). Located in Coastal Virginia, SIA is a member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and offers a world-class education for children 3-12, from Kindergarten age through Grade 5
Why Virginia Beach Families Choose Strelitz International Academy
Families searching for an IB® Elementary School in Virginia Beach, VA often seek an educational environment that reflects both the academic expectations and community values of the region. We serve families throughout Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area by providing an accessible, community-centered learning environment that aligns with the needs of local families.
Our Connection to the Virginia Beach Community
We are part of a family-oriented community in Coastal Virginia and welcome students from Virginia Beach and surrounding cities. Our location allows us to serve families who value proximity, consistency, and a school culture that supports long-term relationships between students, families, and educators. For many families exploring an IB® Elementary School in Virginia Beach, VA, accessibility and a strong sense of community are essential considerations.
Our school environment reflects the expectations of families in this area who prioritize safety, collaboration, and meaningful engagement throughout the elementary years.
Key Reasons Virginia Beach Parents Prefer SIA
Parents in Virginia Beach often look beyond traditional instructional models when choosing a private elementary school. We address these priorities through several defining characteristics of our program:
- Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and meaningful interaction
- A safe, nurturing environment that supports both academic and social development
- An inquiry-based educational approach grounded in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
- A globally focused curriculum that encourages curiosity, cultural understanding, and critical thinking
- A values-driven school culture that supports personal responsibility and respectful relationships
These elements contribute to an educational experience that meets the expectations of families seeking an IB® Elementary School in Virginia Beach, VA with both academic depth and community focus.
Meeting Local Family Expectations for Elementary Education
Families in Virginia Beach frequently seek schools that prepare children for future academic challenges while supporting their personal growth during the elementary years. We respond to these expectations by emphasizing the development of the whole child through a balanced, student-centered approach.
Our elementary program is designed to support:
- Academic readiness for middle school and beyond
- The development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Recognition of diverse learning styles and individual strengths
- Opportunities for students to develop independence, confidence, and self-management
- Ongoing collaboration between families, educators, and administrators
By aligning our educational philosophy with both local priorities and international standards, we provide an elementary learning experience that supports long-term success within a familiar and supportive community.
A Distinctive Option for Elementary Education in Virginia Beach
As a VAIS school, how does SIA stand out above the pool of other schools in the area from which to choose? We can offer an exceptional learning experience for your child as an International Baccalaureate (IB®) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School utilizing an inquiry-based educational program.
The International Baccalaureate® is an educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, that was founded in 1968 with a mission to create a better world through education. It comprises four different programmes (including the Primary Years Programme) that aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Through inquiry-based lessons, students build critical thinking skills, nurture their curiosity, and gain the ability to solve complex problems.
According to the International Baccalaureate, there are five Approaches to Learning (ATL), that are important in the development of young minds. Those approaches including:
- Thinking Skills
- Communication Skills
- Social Skills
- Self-Management Skills
- Research Skills
We understand that different students learn in different ways, which is why the five ATLs are so important. Compared with traditional methods of teaching you’ll find in most public schools, inquiry-based education allows students to take control of their learning, as opposed to memorizing facts and figures from a book or lecture and hoping the information is retained.
Utilizing the principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, we:
- Promote student agency through an inquiry-based approach so learning can thrive in the classroom and beyond.
- Provide the framework of knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and actions that develop the whole child to be a lifelong learner.
- Utilize globally significant transdisciplinary themes to guide deeper learning.
- Cultivate educators who are dedicated and passionate through unique professional development experiences.
- Highlight the significance of global connections and the translation of best practices in the classroom to inspire student engagement and instill a love of learning.
In other words, instead of providing a teacher-centric approach that promotes academic intelligence, the IB® PYP offered at Strelitz International Academy uses a child-centered philosophy that promotes the education of the whole child. This helps students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude they need to excel in both their studies, as well as their own personal growth. We’re also a faith-based school, operating as a Jewish day school in Virginia Beach.
As one of the best private elementary schools in Virginia Beach, Strelitz International Academy nurtures a safe environment for your children, to provide them with the greatest possibilities to learn and grow. We invite you and your child to come visit our campus, to see what we have to offer and how affordable we are, meet with educators, and talk with administrators about your expectations and questions.
To schedule your visit, give us a call at 757-424-4327. We are located at 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180 in Virginia Beach, on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.
