Admissions at Rise
Join a community where you can be yourself, try new things, and prepare for your next steps.
The Application Process
Step 1: Inquiry
The student submits an inquiry form, which creates their Blackbaud account and triggers personal outreach from the Admissions team. All candidates must complete this step, and inquiries are reviewed weekly.
Step 2: Application
The student begins and completes their application. The Admissions team monitors where each candidate stands, communicates with parents, and sends reminders.
Step 3: Interview Request
The student requests an interview via Google Form, scheduled at least a week out. Beyond the required interview, two additional visit types are also offered.
Step 4: Required Materials
Recommendation letters; a transcript or report card from the previous year; family demographic information (current school, disciplinary history, and referral source, if any); IEP information, if applicable; a description of student interests; and short parent responses, including why their student wants to attend Rise Academy
Family Partnership Investment & Student Fee
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Rise Academy keeps tuition affordable through a sliding-scale model based on income (families submit a recent federal tax return to determine their contribution level), in addition to a required annual student fee.
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Grades 9–11 annual fee: $650 ($200 due Sept. 1)
Grade 12 annual fee: $700 ($250 due Sept. 1)
Payment options: Full payment or approved installment plan
The annual fee covers school supplies, Chromebook and technology access, field trips and enrichment, daily breakfast and lunch, Honors/dual enrollment course access, school uniforms, and after-school programming.
Why Rise
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Why Rise •
Academics
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Dual enrollment through Richard Bland College allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.
It provides an opportunity to experience college academics early and better prepare students for their journey beyond high school.
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Rise Academy honors classes are advanced courses designed for students who demonstrate strong academic ability and a higher level of commitment to learning.
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If you’re accepted into the National Honor Society, you’ll have access to college scholarships and leadership opportunities.
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The student to teacher ratio is 10:1 meaning you’re able to get individual help and participate in class.
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All students have a chrome book that they can use during school and take home with them.
College & Career
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You’ll use aptitude and career assessments (Edmentum) to guide you to various career choices based on your interests and skills.
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We help you find full-time employment opportunities through work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized certifications upon graduation.
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Our advisor offers individualized assistance with post-high school planning, including SAT registration and help with the FAFSA. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend college trips throughout the school year.
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You’ll be required to take a college and career and technical education class. This class provides a designated time for you to work on college and tuition applications and discover your interests.
Student Life
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Our basketball and cheer teams are a crucial part of our school culture. We’re a part of the VISAA Division IV Conference and our boys varsity basketball team competes against other metropolitan Richmond and Virginia varsity teams. The season goes from November to March and includes regular season games plus playoffs.
Our cheer squad strives for academic excellence, provides school spirit, shows great sportsmanship, and demonstrates leadership for our school as we cheer our basketball team to victory.
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Students of any grade are eligible to run for Student Government Association. If elected, they will lead during weekly assembly, plan events, and foster school spirit.
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Students have the opportunity to lead the school when they serve on the chapel committee. This group works with a faculty advisor to select scriptures, songs, and readings for weekly chapel.
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Student-led clubs provide time, space, and resources for students to explore various interests, develop soft skills, and connect with peers who share their passions. Some examples include: Anime, Art, Athletics, Book Club, Dance, and Yearbook.
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All students participate in chapel every Wednesday. While it’s a Christian service, all students from any faith are welcome at Rise.
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You’ll have to turn your phone in at the beginning of the day, but don’t worry–you’ll get it back!
"Rise gives you a lot of opportunities to shine." – Kenasia, Class of 2025
"Rise gives you a lot of opportunities to shine." – Kenasia, Class of 2025
"Rise is small so you can focus more and it's easier to make friends." – Jojo, Class of 2025
"Rise is small so you can focus more and it's easier to make friends." – Jojo, Class of 2025
"No one judges you here." – Tayonna, Class of 2026
"No one judges you here." – Tayonna, Class of 2026
FAQ
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Priority is given to students from households <120% of the area median income and to students who live within our transportation boundary. You can find more information about factors that influence our admissions decisions here.
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This school year, we have 53 students enrolled.
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Students can meet with the School Counselor or College & Career Advisor for individualized assistance with post-high school planning, including SAT registration and help with the FAFSA. Students also have the opportunity to attend college trips throughout the school year. Additionally, students have opportunities to access technical education and career coaching through our vocational education program.
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Yes.
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No. The only standardized testing we require is the NWEA test in October and May to show growth in math, reading, and language use.
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Yes. Students can try out for the basketball team, cheerleading squad, and track team. Students can also participate in the Student Government Association as well as clubs and student-led interest groups (varies by semester).
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We offer transportation (through our service partner, A to B Kid Shuttle) to students who reside within our school zone. Students living outside of our boundary map must provide their own transportation.
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All of our students receive a wholesome breakfast and lunch daily free of charge. We partner with a local restaurant so our students eat nutritious food that actually tastes good.
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Yes. Students wear a Rise Academy polo shirt with black, navy blue, or khaki pants Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, students may wear appropriate clothing of their choosing.
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We ask students to turn in their phones daily during Homeroom.
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Students are issued personal Chromebooks for school use after paying their school fee and signing a Computer Use Agreement.
Fully accredited
Rise Academy is proud to be fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). We are also a member school of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). These associations affirm the quality of our academics, culture, and care for students, place us among the top independent schools in the nation, and give families confidence that Rise meets the highest standards in education.
