Finding the right school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Whether you’re looking for your toddler’s first classroom or a more engaging setting for an elementary student, options can feel crowded. Families comparing private elementary schools in Virginia Beach often want a partner in education that balances strong academics with values and community.
Strelitz International Academy (SIA) offers that balance. As the only IB® elementary school in Hampton Roads, SIA uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme to help children think critically and care about the world around them. This SIA enrollment guide helps families understand SIA admissions, program options, and how to choose the right placement.
Understanding Enrollment at Strelitz International Academy
Enrollment at SIA is an invitation to join a community focused on the whole child. The IB® PYP places inquiry and global awareness at the center of learning, with teachers and families working together to support growth. SIA uses rolling admissions, so applications are accepted while space is available, but popular grades fill quickly. Early inquiry is encouraged.
Enrollment vs Re-Enrollment: What Families Need to Know
The process looks different for first-time and returning families. New families explore whether SIA is the right fit as they compare elementary schools in Virginia Beach, then move through tours, applications, and document review. SIA re-enrollment for returning families focuses on continuity. Current students receive a priority window to secure their seats before new applicants are considered, which is especially important in high-demand grades such as Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Overview of Programs at SIA
Strelitz International Academy provides a path from infancy through Grade 5. The Early Years Program serves infants, toddlers, and children up to age 4 through play-based learning, early literacy, and social-emotional development. The Primary Years Program covers Kindergarten through Grade 5. It is the core of the IB® Elementary School in Virginia Beach, VA, with experience in integrated core subjects, inquiry-based units, and specials such as art, music, technology, physical education, and Hebrew.
How to Choose the Right Program for Your Child
1. Age guidelines
SIA follows clear age cutoffs to support appropriate placement. Early Years 2 serves children who are two by September 30; Early Years 3 serves children who are three by that date; and Early Years 4 (Pre-K) serves children who are four by September 30. Kindergarten students are typically five by September 30.
2. Readiness and fit
Age is one part of the picture; readiness and fit also matter. In the Early Years Program, readiness may look like curiosity, growing independence with routines, and the ability to engage with peers in play. In Kindergarten and the Primary Years Program, it can include following directions, participating in group activities, and managing emotions with guidance. The SIA admissions team works with families to match students to settings where they can grow.
Enrollment Process: Step-by-Step Overview
1. Initial inquiry and visit
Many families begin with an inquiry and campus visit. This stage allows parents to learn how SIA differs from other elementary schools in Hampton Roads and to see IB classrooms in action.
2. Application and documents
Families who wish to move forward complete the online Application for Enrollment and pay the application fee. Required documents include a birth certificate, Virginia School Entrance Form, and immunization records. Applicants to Kindergarten through Grade 5 also provide school records and a teacher evaluation.
Online Application links.
A. Application for Early Years Program.
B. Application for Primary Years Program
3. Student visit and decision
Primary Years applicants are invited for a student visit. Time spent in a classroom gives the child a chance to meet peers and experience the IB environment. After the visit and document review, families receive an admissions decision and submit an enrollment deposit to secure the seat.
What Returning Families Should Consider
1. Re-enrollment windows
For current families, SIA re-enrollment helps preserve continuity. The school provides a priority re-enrollment period before new applicants are considered. Completing online forms and paying the deposit within this window helps avoid waitlists.
2. Tuition planning and financial aid
SIA offers Flexible Tuition to help make its IB® program accessible. This need-based adjustment uses a separate application and supporting financial documents. Deadlines usually fall early in the calendar year, so returning families who need assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as the financial aid window opens.
Important Dates and Planning Tips
1. Starting early
Many families begin exploring private elementary schools in Virginia Beach in the fall for the following school year. Starting early allows time to tour, gather documents, and consider readiness.
2. Treating rolling admissions as limited
Rolling admissions means SIA accepts applications as long as seats are available. In practice, grade levels can fill at any time, so treating rolling admissions as if there were firm deadlines gives families more certainty.
Why Families Choose Strelitz International Academy
Families across Hampton Roads select Strelitz International Academy because it combines IB® academics with a close-knit, values-driven community. SIA is a Jewish day school open to families from all backgrounds, where Jewish values and traditions sit alongside universal themes of respect, responsibility, and caring for others.
Conclusion
Choosing a school is about finding a place where your child is known, supported, and challenged in ways that fit your family’s goals. For families in Virginia Beach, near Norfolk and Chesapeake, Strelitz International Academy offers a distinctive option among private elementary schools in Virginia Beach by pairing IB® academics with a welcoming, values-centered community.
As the only IB® elementary school in Hampton Roads, SIA provides students with a strong academic foundation while helping them grow into curious, caring learners. Whether you are exploring SIA for the first time or preparing for another year through SIA re-enrollment for returning families, understanding the programs and the SIA admissions process makes each step clearer and helps you move forward with confidence. Apply Now!
