Isle of Wight Academy: Difference between revisions
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|image=[[File:Iwa.logo.png]] |
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17111 Courthouse Highway, Isle of Wight, Va 23397 |
17111 Courthouse Highway, Isle of Wight, Va 23397 |
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|established= |
|established=1967 |
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|type=[[Private school|Private]] |
|type=[[Private school|Private]] |
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|headmaster=Benjamin Vaughan |
|headmaster=Benjamin Vaughan |
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|grades=Pre-K - 12th |
|grades=Pre-K - 12th |
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|mascot=Chargers |
|mascot=Chargers |
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|website=[http://www.iwacademy.com/ |
|website=[http://www.iwacademy.com/ iwacademy.com] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Isle of Wight Academy''' ('''IWA''') |
'''Isle of Wight Academy''' ('''IWA''') is an [[Private school|private]] [[non-profit]] [[day school]] located in [[Isle of Wight County, Virginia]]. It was founded in 1967 as a [[segregation academy]]. The school has students from [[pre-kindergarten]] to [[12th grade]] and is [[non-sectarian]] and [[Mixed-sex education|coeducational]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Isle of Wight Academy opened its doors in the fall of 1967 as a segregation academy, a school opened as part of the "[[massive resistance]]" strategy that opposed [[racial integration]] of public schools.<ref>{{cite news|title=With Resistance|url=http://www.dailypress.com/dp-brown09,0,490049.story|accessdate=November 24, 2011|newspaper=Daily Press|date=May 9, 2004}}</ref> It was one of many such schools which lost [[Tax exemption|tax-exempt]] status in the early 1970s because of racially discriminatory admissions policies.<ref name="Tax credits for nonpublic education: Hearings, Ninety-second Congress, second session, on H.R. 16141 and other pending proposals ...">{{cite book|title=Tax credits for nonpublic education: Hearings, Ninety-second Congress, second session, on H.R. 16141 and other pending proposals ...|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=GIgsAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=20 September 2011|year=1972|publisher=U.S. Govt. Print. Off.|page=647}}</ref> |
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The year was 1959. Two friends met at the Twins restaurant in Smithfield, VA. They began to discuss the prevailing climate of education in Isle of Wight County and the need for a viable alternative to the system of the time. They wanted the best possible education for their children. For them, "best possible education" meant a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge upon which their children could build in pursuit of post-secondary education or their life's work. |
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The Isle of Wight Academy regained its tax-exempt status in 1985.<ref name=prince>{{cite journal|journal=Richmond Times-Dispatch|date=April 16, 1986|last=Gordon|first=Richard E.|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:RTDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4F645A34DCDD2&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|accessdate=November 24, 2011|title=Prince Edward Academy Given Tax Exempt Status}}</ref> However, in February 1986 the [[Internal Revenue Service]] announced that it was opening an investigation to determine whether the IWA and two other Virginia private schools had actually abandoned these policies.<ref name=demo>{{cite journal|journal=Richmond Times-Dispatch|date=February 26, 1986|title=Democrat Says IRS Probing Three Schools|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:RTDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4F6391EB060A9&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|page=B1|accessdate=November 24, 2011}}</ref> William Hooper, IWA headmaster at that time, stated that although none of the school's 400 students were Black, the school was open to anyone.<ref name=demo /> In April 1986 the IRS announced that both IWA and the [[Amelia Academy]] would have their tax exemption revoked.<ref name=prince /> Hooper stated: "We just have not had a black to apply or a minority to apply. I don't know what we can do at this point. I hope we'll get some applications so we can get this thing behind us. Evidently that's what it's going to take, and we'd be happy to get some tomorrow."<ref name=prince /> |
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The two men, Robert L. Magette and A. Dwight Doggett, began to take their concerns to other citizens and community leaders who also felt the need for an education of the highest quality for their children. A meeting was called at the Doggett home for interested parents and, as a result of the action taken there, the Isle of Wight Educational Foundation was formed and subsequently granted a charter by the State Corporation Commission. |
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Many of the segregation academies which lost their tax exemptions experienced a sharp drop in donations. Some of them were forced out of business by the loss in income, but the Isle of Wight academy managed to survive. Bennie Vaughan, headmaster at IWA during the 1994-95 school year, attributed the school's survival to "innovative programs, enlightened leadership, extended bus routes and 'generous' contributions."<ref name=iw>{{cite journal|journal=Daily Press|date=August 28, 1994|title=IW School Has Always Thrived: Crop Money Key to Success?|last=Paust|first=Matthew|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:NPNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4E8CE6CBD9BDD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|accessdate=November 25, 2011}}</ref> G. Meri Longest, former president of the board of directors of one of the schools that ended up closing due to IRS actions, explained that the difference was that many donors to IWA were local farmers who were able to grow valuable cash crops such as tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. According to Longest, schools in less favorable locations, such as Longest's York Academy, were dependent on corn farmers, who generate much less money per acre, and so were unable to support their local private schools as generously.<ref name=iw /> |
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The management of the school was vested in a seventeen-member board of directors who were chosen because of their leadership in the various sections of the county, with each district being represented by at least one member on the board. From this board an Executive Board was selected to facilitate the management of the school. |
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Isle of Wight Academy regained its tax-exempt status in June 1987.<ref name=despite>{{cite journal|journal=Richmond Times-Dispatch|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:NPNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4E5DBB9180B9A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|accessdate=November 24, 2011|date=November 26, 1989|title=Despite Its Changed Image, Academy Draws Few Blacks|last=Ebeling|first=Ashlea}}</ref> In 1988, IWA enrolled three Black students out of 300, and in 1989 one.<ref name=despite /> Headmaster Don Deaton told the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' that "We would like to have more black students but it's hard to attract them."<ref name=despite /> |
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Until 1966, the Foundation was unable to bring its plans to fruition. In that year, the county school board decided to sell the county school located across from the Isle of Wight Courthouse. This school, once a high school and later an elementary school, was not in use as part of of the county school system in 1966. The Foundation was able to purchase the five acres of land and its three buildings (a school, a gymnasium, and a teacherage) for $7,500.00 at public auction. A larger portion of land was needed for the school to qualify for accrediation by the state. When Mrs. Kay Porter Whitley and Mrs. Cora Taliaferro Wilson became aware of the school's need, they donated the land adjacent to the school to the Foundation. Mrs. Whitley donated 4.1 acres which is today a part of the school's athletic fields and Mrs. Wilson donated eight acres which is now the site of the Edward C. Jester Gymnasium and lower school playground. Mr. A. D. Doggett allowed certain land to be used by the school. |
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In 1966, the Board began registration for the 1967-1968 school year. Students were enrolled for grades 1 through 8. Tuition was set to be as reasonable |
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as possible (a policy that is still pursued to this day) and bus transportation was provided. Mr. William Story, a former school superintendent, was engaged as headmaster and a staff of competent teachers was employed. All was in readiness and Isle of Wight Academy opened its doors in September of 1967. |
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On Election Day 1968, a tragedy occurred. The old school, so recently purchased from the county, burned to the ground. Some of the contents of the |
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building were saved. Sympathy for the children thus deprived of their school was felt among many citizens of the county and donations to the Foundation were numerous. In two days, the two remaining buildings had been subdivided into classrooms and the children were back in school. The Isle of Wight Ruritan Club House and the Isle of Wight Christian Church were also used to house some of the classes. |
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These measures, however, were only temporary. The Board of Directors with great commitmen to Isle of Wight Academy decided to build anew. Three buildings were erected before September of 1969. They consisted of a lower school,an upper school and a library wing. The gymnasium, which had been subdivided for classes, reverted to its original use. The offices for the school were housed in the old teacherage. Dr. Carlysle C. Crank was headmaster during these transition years. He was followed in this office by Mr. Jack Chapman, who came to Isle of Wight from Woodberry Forest School. |
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In 1970, Mr. William Story returned as headmaster for another year. A new building was added to house the middle school. By 1974, the student population had exceeded 500 students. A kindergarten program was begun during this time. Mr. William Hooper was headmaster during this period of rapid expansion. |
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The 1980's saw a decrease in enrollment due, for the most part, to the financial crunch of the 1980's and the rising cost of tuition. It was during this time that a pre-school and day care program was added. Mr. Don Deaton, headmaster from 1986-1990, placed much emphasis on this new program. |
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The current headmaster, Mr. Benjamin Vaughan, reported a substantial increase in enrollment during his first year as headmaster in 1991. The 1990's was a period of remarkable growth for Isle of Wight Academy. Enrollment nearly doubled, advanced placement and dual credit courses were offered, a new office building was built to accomodate the growing enrollment, and a comprehensive technology plan establishing two fully wired computer labs and computers in every class room was implemented. The Academy's athletic teams consistently won conference and state titles. Academics thrived, with students participating in state and national academic competitions, such as the Scholastic Bowl, Envirothon, and Science Bowl. A highly successful capital campaign, "Building with our Hearts and Hands," has added over 8,000 square feet of new instructional and multi-use space along with improved heating and cooling systems in several areas of the school and promises to bring about future improvements. With the entire school community working together, IWA continues its charge toward progress and the future as it enters the new millenium. |
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The dynamism and energy of the 1990's has helped Isle of Wight Academy to face the twenty-first century as an institution that truly lives up to its motto "Excellence in Education." Today, the Academy has a student population of over 650, a rich college preparatory curriculum, a caring faculty and staff, and a tradition of academic excellence. The community created by a group of concerned individuals in the 1960's endures and thrives to this day as a place that instills a great deal of pride in past, present, and future Chargers. |
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The school's current mission is to enroll students regardless of race, color, ethnic, national, or religious origin, as required by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] standards and accreditation process.<ref>{{cite web|title=SACS/AdvancEd Accreditation Standards|url=http://www.advanc-ed.org/webfm_send/16|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> The school's philosophy is to "accept students of average or above average ability and develop them to their fullest potential by providing a quality program, which will build the student mentally, physically, and spiritually. The school emphasizes the honor, integrity, social development, and citizenship of the student." <ref>{{cite web|title=Philosophy|publisher=Isle of Wight Academy|url=http://www.iwacademy.com/mission--philosophy.html|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> |
The school's current mission is to enroll students regardless of race, color, ethnic, national, or religious origin, as required by the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] standards and accreditation process.<ref>{{cite web|title=SACS/AdvancEd Accreditation Standards|url=http://www.advanc-ed.org/webfm_send/16|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> The school's philosophy is to "accept students of average or above average ability and develop them to their fullest potential by providing a quality program, which will build the student mentally, physically, and spiritually. The school emphasizes the honor, integrity, social development, and citizenship of the student." <ref>{{cite web|title=Philosophy|publisher=Isle of Wight Academy|url=http://www.iwacademy.com/mission--philosophy.html|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> |
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==Accreditation== |
==Accreditation== |
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IWA holds dual accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, attained in 1992,<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Virginian-Pilot|date=March 31, 1993|accessdate=November 24, 2011|title=Making the Grade: The Isle of Wight Academy Self-Study Effort Achieved its Goal Last December - Regional Accreditation|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:NVPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAFF63A6A13281D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|last=McNatt|first=Linda}}</ref> and the Virginia Independent Schools Association. |
IWA holds dual accreditation with the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]], attained in 1992,<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Virginian-Pilot|date=March 31, 1993|accessdate=November 24, 2011|title=Making the Grade: The Isle of Wight Academy Self-Study Effort Achieved its Goal Last December - Regional Accreditation|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:NVPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAFF63A6A13281D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|last=McNatt|first=Linda}}</ref> and the Virginia Independent Schools Association. In addition, IWA is a member of the [[Southern Association of Independent Schools]]. |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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The IWA student population currently consists of approximately 6-7% minority students.<ref name=greatschools>{{cite web|url=http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/va/otherprivate/1980#toc|title=Isle of Wight Academy|publisher=GreatSchools|accessdate=November 26, 2011}}</ref> At present, IWA enrolls approximately 646 students in preschool through the twelfth grade.<ref name=greatschools /> |
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School Profile - 2011 STATS |
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FACULTY |
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Over 80 faculty and staff members; average years of teaching experience: approximately 13.7 years; Student to teacher ratio: approximately 12:1; average upper school class: 17-20 students; average lower school class: 15-16 students |
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STUDENTS |
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650 students in preschool through the twelfth grade; 254 students in Upper School; 90 students in Middle School; 253 students in Lower School; 53 students in Preschool; 50 students in the Class of 2012. Traditionally, one or more exchange students stay with Academy host parents each academic year, adding to school diversity |
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ADMISSION |
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Student admission is based on admissions testing administered by either the Director of Admission or Guidance Counselor. Isle of Wight Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. |
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR |
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The IWA calendar consists of two semesters of two equal quarters, with midyear and final exams. The school day runs from 8:40 am to 2:40 pm with 6 fifty minute periods. Students attend 6 academic bells a day in addition to before/after school extracurricular activities. |
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==Athletics== |
==Athletics== |
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Isle of Wight Academy is a member of both the Virginia Commonwealth Conference |
Isle of Wight Academy is a member of both the Virginia Commonwealth Conference and Metro Athletic Conference.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metro Conference|url=http://metroconf.tripod.com/|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> In its history, IWA has won 70 conference season championships, 35 conference tournament championships, and 11 state championships (five in softball, five in football, and one in baseball).<ref>{{cite web|title=IWA Trophy Case - Metro Conference|url=http://metroconf.tripod.com/TrophyCases/iwa_trophy.html|accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Isle Of Wight Academy}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Isle Of Wight Academy}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Private high schools in Virginia]] |
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[[Category:Schools in Isle of Wight County, Virginia]] |
[[Category:Schools in Isle of Wight County, Virginia]] |
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[[Category:Segregation academies]] |
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[[Category:AdvancED]] |
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[[Category:Private elementary schools in Virginia]] |
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Revision as of 20:05, 6 August 2012
| Isle of Wight Academy | |
|---|---|
.png)
17111 Courthouse Highway, Isle of Wight, Va 23397 | |
| Location | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1967 |
| Headmaster | Benjamin Vaughan |
| Grades | Pre-K - 12th |
| Mascot | Chargers |
| Website | iwacademy.com |
Isle of Wight Academy (IWA) is an private non-profit day school located in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. It was founded in 1967 as a segregation academy. The school has students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and is non-sectarian and coeducational.
History
Isle of Wight Academy opened its doors in the fall of 1967 as a segregation academy, a school opened as part of the "massive resistance" strategy that opposed racial integration of public schools.[1] It was one of many such schools which lost tax-exempt status in the early 1970s because of racially discriminatory admissions policies.[2]
The Isle of Wight Academy regained its tax-exempt status in 1985.[3] However, in February 1986 the Internal Revenue Service announced that it was opening an investigation to determine whether the IWA and two other Virginia private schools had actually abandoned these policies.[4] William Hooper, IWA headmaster at that time, stated that although none of the school's 400 students were Black, the school was open to anyone.[4] In April 1986 the IRS announced that both IWA and the Amelia Academy would have their tax exemption revoked.[3] Hooper stated: "We just have not had a black to apply or a minority to apply. I don't know what we can do at this point. I hope we'll get some applications so we can get this thing behind us. Evidently that's what it's going to take, and we'd be happy to get some tomorrow."[3]
Many of the segregation academies which lost their tax exemptions experienced a sharp drop in donations. Some of them were forced out of business by the loss in income, but the Isle of Wight academy managed to survive. Bennie Vaughan, headmaster at IWA during the 1994-95 school year, attributed the school's survival to "innovative programs, enlightened leadership, extended bus routes and 'generous' contributions."[5] G. Meri Longest, former president of the board of directors of one of the schools that ended up closing due to IRS actions, explained that the difference was that many donors to IWA were local farmers who were able to grow valuable cash crops such as tobacco, peanuts, and cotton. According to Longest, schools in less favorable locations, such as Longest's York Academy, were dependent on corn farmers, who generate much less money per acre, and so were unable to support their local private schools as generously.[5]
Isle of Wight Academy regained its tax-exempt status in June 1987.[6] In 1988, IWA enrolled three Black students out of 300, and in 1989 one.[6] Headmaster Don Deaton told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that "We would like to have more black students but it's hard to attract them."[6]
Current mission
The school's current mission is to enroll students regardless of race, color, ethnic, national, or religious origin, as required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools standards and accreditation process.[7] The school's philosophy is to "accept students of average or above average ability and develop them to their fullest potential by providing a quality program, which will build the student mentally, physically, and spiritually. The school emphasizes the honor, integrity, social development, and citizenship of the student." [8]
Accreditation
IWA holds dual accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, attained in 1992,[9] and the Virginia Independent Schools Association. In addition, IWA is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools.
Demographics
The IWA student population currently consists of approximately 6-7% minority students.[10] At present, IWA enrolls approximately 646 students in preschool through the twelfth grade.[10]
Athletics
Isle of Wight Academy is a member of both the Virginia Commonwealth Conference and Metro Athletic Conference.[11] In its history, IWA has won 70 conference season championships, 35 conference tournament championships, and 11 state championships (five in softball, five in football, and one in baseball).[12]
References
- ^ "With Resistance". Daily Press. May 9, 2004. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ Tax credits for nonpublic education: Hearings, Ninety-second Congress, second session, on H.R. 16141 and other pending proposals ... U.S. Govt. Print. Off. 1972. p. 647. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
- ^ a b c Gordon, Richard E. (April 16, 1986). "Prince Edward Academy Given Tax Exempt Status". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b "Democrat Says IRS Probing Three Schools". Richmond Times-Dispatch: B1. February 26, 1986. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b Paust, Matthew (August 28, 1994). "IW School Has Always Thrived: Crop Money Key to Success?". Daily Press. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c Ebeling, Ashlea (November 26, 1989). "Despite Its Changed Image, Academy Draws Few Blacks". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ "SACS/AdvancEd Accreditation Standards". Retrieved 26 November 2011.
- ^ "Philosophy". Isle of Wight Academy. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
- ^ McNatt, Linda (March 31, 1993). "Making the Grade: The Isle of Wight Academy Self-Study Effort Achieved its Goal Last December - Regional Accreditation". Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b "Isle of Wight Academy". GreatSchools. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
- ^ "Metro Conference". Retrieved 26 November 2011.
- ^ "IWA Trophy Case - Metro Conference". Retrieved 26 November 2011.