As the Strelitz International Academy graduates ascended the stage on June 8, 2021 for their special graduation ceremony, parents and supporters all cheered with joy and pride!

The 2020-2021 school year commenced with an unsettled beginning of the global pandemic, and graduation signaled the light at the end of the tunnel. Parents beamed with pride and smiles of gratitude knowing that their students had been in the best place possible – at the Strelitz International Academy with their friends as well as the support and guidance of the school and nurturing teachers.

In her opening remarks, Heather Moore, Head of School, thanked the community for their support which helped to ensure the success of the school year.

“Our goal for this school year was to provide in person instruction for all SIA students while ensuring the health and safety of our entire school community. We have been so fortunate this year and it is clear, our adherence to health mitigation strategies and recommendations from the CDC and VDH have kept our children and school personnel healthy and safe at school. I could not be more proud of our school. Thank you to our incredible community of teachers, staff, parents and students for working together to create a successful school year! And today we are able to come together to celebrate the Class of 2021!”

In their final essays, the graduates reflected on learning about the global pandemic, elections, democracy and the importance of community service and social action. Fifth grade students also recognized how much they have grown and matured during their time at the Strelitz International Academy – one of the leading IB primary schools in Virginia Beach. As an IB Candidate School®, students learn through inquiry, research and reflection. Fifth graders complete a special exhibition highlighting the growth outlined in their final school essay.

SIA graduates will be attending the following middle school programs this fall:

Cape Henry Collegiate, Great Neck Middle School, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Plaza Middle School, Kempsville Middle School, Lynnhaven Middle School, and Old Donation School.

During the graduation ceremony, each student was recognized with one or more special awards highlighting their talents and contributions to their class community. The graduates of SIA will take with them all of the love and wisdom they have received during their time at SIA as they proceed with confidence to middle school and beyond.

For information on enrollment or to schedule a tour of one of the best affordable private schools in Virginia Beach, please contact Carin Simon, Admissions Director, at csimon@strelitzacademy.org or 757.424.4327.

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

**Mission Statement from the IB The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.