Governor Mark Warner didn't recognize his old campaign headquarters, where he and his staff toiled to bring the Virginia governorship back into the Democrat column. That's because it's now the new home of the Commonwealth Academy.
Located at 1321 Leslie Ave. in Alexandria, the massive old warehouse is virtually unrecognizable inside with its modern classrooms, teacher and administrative facilities, and other amenities. As he walked from classroom to classroom, Warner expressed amazement at the structure's revitalization.
"It's hard to believe this was just a big room at one time. Wasn't the old loading dock over there?" Warner asked as he peered around one corner.
Previously located in Falls Church, Commonwealth Academy moved to Alexandria last year in order to gain more space for its planned student expansion. They had been located in a commercial complex.
AT THE TIME OF their approval by the Alexandria Planning Commission, their application explained, "We are a small, private, non-profit, co-educational school for diverse learners in grades six through 12. Some of our kids just need smaller classes and some have learning disabilities."
In September, 2002, they opened their doors in the Del Ray section. Monday night's event drew not only the governor but US Representative James P. Moran (D-8), State Senator Patricia S. Ticer (D-30), and Alexandria Councilman William D. Euille (D), as well as more than 100 parents, sponsors, staff and students.
"It really is remarkable to be here. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to see this transformation. And, you did it with the love and caring of students and individual support," Warner said.
"But we only had one room for fund-raising. You have every room for fund-raising. That's really 21st century," he joked. Each of the classrooms is dedicated to private donors who support the school.
As was pointed out by school officials, they receive no state or federal funds. Monday night's program identified those that had contributed to support various classrooms and other facilities within the school. Their goal is to raise $250,000 through their fund-raising campaign entitled "Education For Life."
JOINING WARNER at the microphone, Moran said, "This place was a dump and it now looks terrific. We will never be able to supply this type of opportunity in the public sector. You are driven by dedicated parents and volunteers."
Moran further noted, "The influence you have is far beyond the children here. The effect of what you have accomplished, and will be accomplishing, will be felt throughout the country."
Founded in 1997 by a small group of concerned parents, the school has grown to its present enrollment of 47. The goal is to reach 100, which is why they sought larger facilities.
Commonwealth Academy receives some funds through tuition and grants. But, most of its operating costs must be covered by private donors, according to school officials.
As stated in the program, the curriculum is geared to a high school and college preparatory program for average to superior students who have organizational, attention, or learning differences, along with those who benefit from small classes and individualized instruction.
AT THEIR PREVIOUS SITE on Carlin Springs Road, they occupied 4,500 square feet. The Alexandria site provides 15,000 square feet to house seven classrooms, three laboratories for, foreign language, computers, and science, a dark room, auditorium, lunch room, and staff/administration areas.
In addition to the student body, there are 15 employees comprised of seven full-time and four part-time teachers, one speech clinician, and administrative staff, according to their Planning Commission presentation.
School hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, given extracurricular programs and other administrative activities, the actual hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., August to June.