2024–2025
ANNUAL REPORT
It was a big year for Rise Academy.
We made important strategic decisions, served 92 students, and welcomed 250 families and partners during our community event.
Keep scrolling or use the buttons to read about our impact
HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LETTER
Dear friends of Rise Academy,
When I reflect on the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the words “forward motion by faith” come to mind. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is always making a way and doing something new even when we cannot see it. By faith, we continued to move forward and from my now permanent seat as Head of School, I’m filled with optimism. We have a clear direction, we’re fully staffed, and the work to match students’ potential with opportunity continues. We’re grateful to the hundreds of donors, volunteers, and supporters who make this possible. The future is bright.
Dr. Brittany Lopes
THE HIGHLIGHTS
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Students served between The Academy and the after school program
92
98%
attendance rate compared to the 90% national average
of students met academic growth goals on their NWEA Measures of Academic Progress assessments
97%
The Class of 2025 collectively earned…
200
college acceptances
$2M
in scholarship dollars
We’re grateful for the generosity, talents, and efforts of:
350
donors
36
volunteers
faculty & staff
23
A few more highlights •
A few more highlights •
record-breaking points scored by Devonte A., during the basketball season
1000
college tours throughout the school year
20
basketball players who made it to the VISAA Division IV state championship game
15
students who started or renewed their faith journey
12
9
guest speakers and musicians during chapel
9
faculty with advanced degrees
2
dual enrollment courses offered
1
valedictorian who won a $25K scholarship from Chick-fil-A
THE EAST END BLOCK PARTY
250 guests
including Mayor Danny Avula, 3rd District Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, students, families, and neighbors
23 community partners
including Peter Paul Development Center, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond, The Market at 25th and VCU Health Hub
20 student volunteers
who served as greeters, hosts, and event organizers
FINANCIALS
$2,579,295
OPERATING INCOME
$2,649,855
OPERATING EXPENSES
-
The numbers presented here are unaudited, cash-based numbers. Our annual audit, which was still ongoing at the time of this report’s publication, will present accrual-based numbers which might differ from this report. You can find audited financial statements from previous years at www.riseacademyrva.org/financials-reports, and statements from this year will be published as soon as they are available.
2024-2025 reported Sales Income is the result of a larger revenue strategy to secure $700,000 for the sale of property previously held by CHAT/Rise Richmond. “The Resurrection House” at 3015 N. Street in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia was sold for $699,770.86. The cash sale is represented as Income for the year.
As property managers of Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church (home to Rise Academy), a one-time cash facilities expense of $160,000 for HVAC replacement is reported as an Operational Expense for 2024-2025.
Ending Assets for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 were approximately $1,006,970. This represents the total value of Rise Richmond’s assets (such as cash, prepaid expenses, vehicles, and buildings). Total Equity was $846,882.
5. Our program spending breakdown in Fiscal Year 2024–2025 is as follows: Rise After School: $393,504; Rise Academy: $1,551,340.
$2,500,000
TOTAL BUDGET
More stories from the year
The 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year
From CHAT intern to 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Courtney Barber embodies the heart and dedication that define Rise Academy today.
Using meditation in PE
In 2025, it’s rare to find a group of teenagers sitting quietly without their phones in hand. But step into Coach Josh McDonald’s gym class at Rise Academy, and you’ll see just that.
Inside our college & career class
As the College and Career & Technical Education teacher, it’s hard to find someone more passionate about helping students realize their potential than Mrs. Andrews.
What students are saying
“Rise Academy has bettered my discipline, academics, athletics, and even the way I take care of my space. I’m more focused than ever, and I’ve learned that life is much easier when you ask for help.”
— Kyheim S., Class of 2026
“I’m more mature because I’m here. I’ve learned that what friends you hang around, you become.”
— David B., Class of 2026
“Rise Academy has helped me gain confidence and build better friendships. Being here has taught me patience and respect.”
— Devonte P., Class of 2026
“Rise Academy helps me aim higher. My grades are better, and I’ve learned how to apply for jobs & waivers.”
— Laniya Y., Class of 2026
“Rise taught me that the world is way bigger than I think. There are so many opportunities here, and the relationships I have with my teachers have helped me connect better with adults.”
— Jasmine G., Class of 2025
“I’ve learned that education comes first at Rise Academy. I’m more determined since I’ve been a student here.”
— Akhei C., Class of 2026
Dear Rise Academy,
You asked, we answered. Our school leaders are answering your top questions.
How does a private high school make a difference for the community?
“Every student deserves a school that meets their needs—and they shouldn’t have to leave their community to find it.”
—Mary Coleman, Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Every student deserves a school that meets their needs—and they shouldn’t have to leave their community to find it. As the only independent high school in Richmond’s East End, Rise Academy is an incredible option for parents in the East End of Richmond seeking academic rigor, small classes, and spiritual formation so essential for their child’s future success.
–Mary Coleman, Chair of the Board of Trustees
There’s lots of private schools. What’s unique about your school?
“We remove barriers to attendance by prioritizing the specific needs of Rise Academy students and their families.”
—Dr. Brittany Lopes, Head of School
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What’s unique about your school?
What’s unique about Rise is our prioritization of student and parent voice. When parents expressed that khaki pants were an unaffordable uniform requirement, we updated our policy to include jeans. When students shared that they skipped class because of concerns about their appearance, we created a care closet—providing hygiene products, clothing, and supplies at no cost. When we remove barriers to attendance by prioritizing the specific needs of our students, students thrive. Our attendance rate is 98% compared to the national average of 90%.
—Dr. Brittany Lopes, Head of School
How do you develop lifelong learners?
“What really makes the difference is our small class sizes. Faculty can develop meaningful relationships with every student, ensuring they are known, supported, and educated in a way that will leave a lasting impact on a student.”
—Moira Sallade, Principal
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We’re aligned with the standards of the Virginia Department of Education, but we aren’t limited by them. Without the pressure of teaching to a specific test, our faculty can focus on building foundational skills through engaging, relevant lessons, and grade-level seminars. As members of the National Honor Society, our students rise to high academic and character standards.
What really makes the difference is our small class sizes. Faculty can develop meaningful relationships with every student, ensuring they are known, supported, and educated in a way that will leave a lasting impact on a student.
—Moira Sallade, Principal
How do you empower students to pursue new opportunities?
“You can’t be what you can’t see. Our first task is to introduce students to emerging fields, then we help them identify what’s right for them.”
—Duane Brown, Director of Post-Secondary Pathways
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You can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why our first task is to introduce students to emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and automotive technology through experiential trips, internships, corporate partnerships, and guest speakers.
Then, we need to help students think “of the fields that are out there, what’s right for me?” That’s when we use YouScience Discovery to help students uncover their natural talents and connect them to real-world careers. Lastly, through extracurriculars and leadership opportunities, we’re giving students a chance to safely try something new in a supportive environment.
—Duane Brown, Director of Post-Secondary Pathways
How do you prepare students to excel after graduation?
“For every student we emphasize holistic skill development (think communication, relationship management, and other soft skills) – so every graduate leaves prepared to thrive, whether they pursue college, career, and the military. ”
—Brittany Andrews, College and Career & Technical Education Teacher
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“I teach a class devoted entirely to college and career readiness. College-bound students learn how to navigate class schedules, connect with campus resources, and complete enrollment paperwork. Those entering the workforce build resumes, practice interview skills, and learn how to communicate professionally—including how to write and send a polished email.”
For every student, we emphasize holistic skill development (think communication, relationship management, and other soft skills) —so every graduate leaves prepared to thrive, whether they pursue college, career, or the military.
—Brittany Andrews, College and Career & Technical Education Teacher
How do you empower students to pursue new opportunities?
“Much of the real work happens in those ‘in-between’ moments where we ask students to be good neighbors to their classmates and staff.”
—Justin Fitzgerald, Dean of Students
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Students practice how to be a good citizen when they’re here each day. For example, by asking students to show up to their classes prepared and on time, or empathize with a classmate during weekly mentoring groups, we’re helping students develop respect, integrity, and excellence. Weekly chapel gives them a space to grow in faith, and required community service hours deepen their understanding of what it means to serve. Formal leadership positions help students develop their voice and confidence. But I find that much of the real work happens in those “in-between” moments where we ask students to be good neighbors to their classmates and staff.
—Justin Fitzgerald, Dean of Students
Then, we need to help students think “of the fields that are out there, what’s right for me?” That’s when we use YouScience Discovery to help students uncover their natural talents and connect them to real-world careers. Lastly, through extracurriculars and leadership opportunities, we’re giving students a chance to safely try something new in a supportive environment.
—Duane Brown, Director of Post-Secondary Pathways
24–25 DONORS
Because of the generosity of others, we’re able to remain tuition free and offer access to a private, Christian high school in Richmond’s East End.
Their financial support last fiscal year (September 1, 2024–August 31, 2025) made a lasting investment in students’ holistic growth.
Invest in Rise Academy and help us create more highlights.
Rise Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religious identity, and/or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and school administrative programs.