The education landscape is experiencing a faster, more disruptive rate of change than it has in decades. There have been over 200 state laws passed in the last decade that have had some effect on public education, with over 100 of those passed in the last session. In this uncertain educational environment, many families are looking for a steady foundation for their children’s education. For Tom and Jessica Clark, that led them to Arlington Classics Academy (ACA).
The Clark family is connected to all three of ACA’s campuses this year, with Rex in kindergarten, Lincoln in the fourth grade, and Ben in the eighth grade (cover photo).
“ACA has provided consistency while the educational climate is changing,” Tom Clark explains. “A customer of mine mentioned Arlington Classics Academy, and we were drawn to the academic program that used a classical approach. We value education, patriotism, and discipline. Arlington Classics lined up with our values.”
High academic standards and a student-first environment define the ACA experience, which the Clark family says has “provided an element of consistency for our family. At ACA, we found strong leadership that puts the kids first. High academic standards that always put my kids head and shoulders above peers.”
That structural stability is intentional. Craig Sims, Executive Director of Schools for Arlington Classics Academy for over a decade, understands the unique challenges confronting today’s parents. “While legislators debate policy around education, we are unapologetically hyperfocused on what our students have proven to be able to do year after year: that is, students, if given the chance, can meet high expectations in both academics and behavior.”
ACA’s answer begins where it always has: “We don’t need state laws prescribing everything we do. We need parent partnerships. That’s where the value lies. That is the most powerful change agent for these students.”
ACA was founded in 1999 by a grassroots effort of dedicated parents, planned from the ground up by local families. They were looking for an instructional model that focused on classical methodologies and a strong partnership between parents, educators, and students.
“When I think of parent partnerships, I think of families like the Clark family. Three boys, each unique in their own way, but with parent support and a partnership with the campuses, the family engages with ACA so their kids can take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. The parent role in education cannot be overstated. A community is a group of people. If we want a great community, we have to individually do what great people do every day,” shares Mr. Sims.
ACA continues to stay true to its founding by placing less emphasis on state standardized testing and instead focusing on parent satisfaction surveys. Mr. Sims continues, “Education is not a one-size-fits-all system, and yet, for legal purposes, the state accountability system compels all schools into one evaluation system, no matter how hard the school tries to differentiate. Over 90% of ACA’s parents surveyed consistently state that they are proud of their students’ accomplishments at ACA and that they would recommend ACA to a friend. That is our highest honor and more valuable than any letter grade we could earn.” It isn’t about avoiding accountability; it is about choosing a higher, more complete standard of accountability that aligns with the classical philosophy and is at the very heart of why ACA was founded.
Because ACA rejects “teaching to the test” and instead aims to cultivate a lifelong love of learning, the school’s true success cannot be measured at the end of a grading period. ACA continues to celebrate with its students through high school, college, and beyond.
Here is what students on their way to college have to say about their time at ACA:
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“ACA taught me that growth lives in discomfort – that challenges aren’t something to avoid, but something to walk toward… fear isn’t a reason to step back. It’s a signal to step forward.”
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“I learned not just how to succeed in school, but how to step into the world with confidence and authenticity.”
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“ACA and its core values taught me what it means to be a leader and how leadership skills can make an impact on another’s life. I will never forget what ACA has done for me both academically and morally.”
In an ever-changing academic landscape, ACA’s leadership and families continue to find profound joy in their shared mission. “We strive to instill the values of community and purpose in our students.” Mr. Sims continues. “We hope to share that joy with everyone who finds a home in our educational community.” With unrelenting focus on parent involvement, high academic achievement, and high behavioral expectations, ACA has earned its place as an important contributor to Arlington’s educational community.
Celebrating 25 Years of Inspiring Excellence at Arlington Classics Academy
Congratulations to Ms. Iocapi and Mrs. Barton for 25 years of dedication to the mission and vision of Arlington Classics Academy. By blending high academic and behavioral standards with a deep concern for their students, they have made learning a truly joyful experience for generations of Griffins. Happy Silver work anniversaries!
Mrs. Julie Barton (left) and Ms. Julie Iacopi (right) receive their ACA 25-year service pins from Principal Melissa Fambrough (center).
