Ad Fontes Academy
Centreville, VA 20122
Phone: (571) 265-3143
GreatSchools Rating
private • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 • 171 students
Ad Fontes Academy, a private school located in Centreville, VA, serves grades K-12 in the .
Ad Fontes Academy is a private school located in Centreville, VA. 171 students attend Ad Fontes Academy.
Posted: January 24, 2026
I'm so happy we put my kids in Ad Fontes. They are thriving in classrooms where learning is challenging but not overwhelming, with teachers who support them and encourage them. The school values the whole child and works to develop character, social connections, and spiritual formation in addition to first class curriculum. We found them through their website and toured multiple times. Meeting the teachers and staff in person and seeing the classes sealed the deal for us. A great find!
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: January 24, 2026
Posted: November 3, 2025
We decided to switch our children from public school to Ad Fontes Academy because the public school system failed our children. My son used to be depressed in public school and wasn't learning much. Now at Ad Fontes, my son has friends, is learning so much, and is not depressed anymore. The expectations of the school for the students are much higher than in public school and both our children have much better behavior in general because of the high expectations of the school, which we as parents appreciate. I'm amazed at the curriculum of both our children and I'm so happy that my children are getting a high quality education that glorifies God, above all. Our goal is not for our kids to grow up to be rich or extremely successful in college or sports. Our goal is for our children to know God. If that is your goal for your children, then Ad Fontes Academy is a great option for you. Ad Fontes partners with parents in raising up the next generation for The Kingdom of God.
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: November 3, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
All in need to say is that I'm definitely not a Christian anymore
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 28, 2025
Posted: September 30, 2023
We are beyond thrilled with Ad Fontes Academy - the quality and experience of the teachers, administrators, leadership team, and board has exceeded our expectations. They maintain Gospel fidelity in all that they do, and they partner with parents every step of the way, ascribing to the classical method of education. We were referred by friends from McLean Bible Church, have enrolled our oldest who just started kindergarten, and we look forward to sharing with many others. You will not regret scheduling an information session and your.
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 30, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Ad Fontes came at the right time when we were desperate seeking for a new school for our children. It's God's blessing and answers to prayers to find the right school that care for our kid's education. Our kids have been thriving learning, challenging themselves to meet Ad Fontes learning expectations. The Ad Fontes community, staff members, and families have been supportive that give us such a joy to be part of this amazing experience. Our kids always look forward to return with their peers and teachers as they love the environment and the classical learning experience.
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 28, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
My daughter has been a student at AFA for 4 years. As a family, we couldnt be happier with our experience. With a Christ-centered focus, AFA builds a passion for academic subjects shared within a culture of dialogue and debate, not simply lecture. Thanks to the nurturing teachers, my daughter never ceases to amaze me.
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 23, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Posted: September 16, 2023
Our son transitioned from public school to private school at Ad Fontes during COVID. While the first semester was a bit rocky as he navigated the expectations and routine, we could not have made a better choice for him to experience in high school years.
Posted: August 7, 2023
I will admit my elementary years here were fine. It was your typical Christian Private school with bible classes and chapel. But once you hit the middle school/ high school years things go downhill very rapidly. They do not at all accommodate those with disabilities and if an issue is brought up, its quickly dismissed and you have no choice but to drop the class. I remember being talked to quite a few times about converting my non Christian mother which has nothing to do with my education. For a Christian school, many students and teachers do not act they way the Christian school is advertised (loving, caring, or accepting). The social environment is sub par and there is very little done to improve it. This school also does very very little to set you up well for university. Also they didnt ever teach geography or Econ and Finance (Im not sure if thats changed since Ive attended). I ended up leaving my the school when my favorite teacher also left. He actually was able to get students excited and invested in the subject unlike all the other teachers. And he was caring. So once he left I was out. This school always had talked down on public school education so my whole life, I was terrified of going to public school. But after leaving this school and attending a public one, I was able to better prep for university as well as have so many more options in what classes to take. In general I just dont recommend this school if you want your children to adapt well to the world as they grow. They have very limited subjects, they dont accommodate disabilities or mental health and the teachers are quite unhelpful.
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: August 7, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 4, 2023
Ad Fontes School is truly a remarkable educational institution that deserves the highest praise. The school's commitment to nurturing academic success is evident in every aspect of its curriculum and environment. The dedicated teachers and staff at Ad Fontes go above and beyond to provide an enriching and rigorous academic experience for their students.
One of the most impressive aspects of Ad Fontes is its emphasis on building a strong foundation of faith. The school recognizes the importance of spiritual development and seamlessly integrates it into the daily life of students. This approach not only instills values and moral principles but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among the students.
The academic programs at Ad Fontes are exceptional, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. The school's commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives individual attention and personalized instruction. This approach allows students to excel academically, helping them reach their full potential.
Having thoroughly researched schools in the area, I can confidently say that Ad Fontes School stands out as the best. Its dedication to academic excellence, coupled with its focus on faith-based education, sets it apart from other institutions. Students who attend Ad Fontes School are fortunate to receive an education that not only prepares them for future success but also helps them develop into well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of purpose.
Posted: June 4, 2023
Posted: June 15, 2021
Our family has been part of Ad Fontes Academy for over a decade. The school, the teachers, administration and staff have all made a lasting impact on my children, who have become life-long learners who relish new ideas, and thrive in environments where so many other young adults flounder. They are confident speakers, writers, and communicators who can talk easily and articulate effectively with people of all ages without reservation.
During their years at AFA, teachers spent countless hours invested in their success, whether that meant giving up lunch to work on Geometry proofs or senior thesis, or counseling and praying with them through difficult personal situations. The heartbeat of the school is truly Christ-centered, and the model from the Head of School down to the littlest kindergarten student is that of servant leadership. When we first came to Ad Fontes, we were searching for a Christian school with great academics. What we found, and what will last forever, were teachers, staff and families who will be forever friends to us all.
School, and the thousands of hours spent there, impact the lives of children more than any other factor other than family. In the end, the academic impact of this classical Christian school helped form my children into creative thinkers who ask great questions and know how to tackle learning something new. More importantly, I am eternally grateful to teachers and peers who loved my kids during those formative years, as they figured out their place in the world. Their influence will last for a lifetime!
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: June 15, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
We have been at the school for nine years.
Our family remains very happy with the Lower School: the principal and staff are phenomenal and we truly appreciate the Christ-like care and love for our children and the excellent Classical curriculum taught. We firmly believe the Lower School deserves five stars.
We are giving the Upper School, in it's current state, one star. We have found that the Upper School is a very different school than the lower school. In our opinion, they are two completely different schools from an experience perspective. There is no common bridge between the two, other than in name. In the Upper School, curriculum is not consistent -- the school removed Bible class this year for the 8th grade students and did not inform the parents. There is no longer chapel in the Upper School but a general assembly meeting. Not all teachers are on the same page theologically -- which would not be a problem as we have experienced and appreciate a beautiful convergence of ecumenical backgrounds ... Except when it means that Bible and chapel are no longer even taught. There seems to be a general lack of consistency in communication throughout the Upper School. We were also saddened a few years ago when the Upper School missions trip was no longer offered. There is very little done as a school in terms of giving to the community, other than an annual food drive.
We are praying that with a new Head of School coming to AFA in the Fall of 2021, that these issues will be ameliorated. It has always been our hope that Ad Fontes will flourish for the kingdom of Christ - training up children it the way they should go, not only academically, but spiritually as well.
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: May 3, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
We did not expect to be going to a Private School, but we have been thrilled with our experience. Our three girls come home every day excited about what they are learning, and the fun they have had. The students are genuinely kind and inclusive, and the teachers are caring, supportive, and challenging. This is the way school was meant to be! We love it!!!
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: January 5, 2021
Posted: April 2, 2020
Ad Fontes Academy has been an absolute blessing for our family. Our daughters love the school and we are thrilled with the quality of the Christ-centered education. We are a military family and moved to Virginia with high school and middle school aged children. Moving at their ages is difficult, but Ad Fontes helped make the transition as easy as we have ever experienced. The teachers and administrators truly love the children. The students have been exceptionally welcoming. The upper school retreat at the beginning of the year was a blessing and allowed our daughter to meet and be welcomed by a new group of friends before classes even started. Our kids have loved the house system. The exceptionally dedicated team of teachers challenge our children to develop habits of mind and communicate very well with parents. To be quite honest, my wife and I dont particularly like living in the DC area, but we love Ad Fontes so much that we are trying to stay here as long as we can!
Posted: April 2, 2020
Posted: April 2, 2020
Posted: April 2, 2020
Posted: April 2, 2020
Posted: October 23, 2019
This small school is ill equipped to provide a strong learning program or flexibility. It is geared toward a singular focus of wrote memorization and absolute discipline. The communication lines were poor, and in spite of proclaiming a christian approach towards loving these children, our experience was anything but this.
Posted: October 23, 2019
Posted: October 23, 2019
Posted: October 23, 2019
Posted: October 23, 2019
Very little in the way of confidence from the upper school principal, and the lower school principal cannot listen
Posted: October 23, 2019
There was no flexibility in their approach, and once identified they simply dismissed it.
Posted: October 23, 2019
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Excellent school! AFA is a wonderful school, with a superb Christ-centered environment and classical education approach. The staff and teachers are approachable, loving and dedicated far beyond expectation. I have found comfort sending my children to a place where they are surrounded by people who love the Lord, blessed with terrific teachers and role models and challenged academically. AFA provides all of this and more, as they are a close-knit family, bonded in love and biblical unity.
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Everyone at AFA shows a sincere love and bond. I feel my children will be ready for college academically and confidently.
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Our son has attending AFA since Kindergarten. He is now 14 and ready to enter AFA HS. Our choice to go with AFA years ago was premised on the worldview we wanted our son to understand--that God is central to all things, and that the purpose is to not just know who God is, but to have a relationship with Him. AFA does a fantastic job of hiring godly teachers that truly love and pray for the students, and model that relationship with God.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding education, great community, approachable staff, and great kids. My son has learned to think critically, to take on hard tasks, and has had an education well advanced for his grade.
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
Posted: March 21, 2018
We have had an incredible experience at AFA, our daughter is in her 3rd year and our son in his 1st, and he keeps asking why we didn't transfer him over earlier, he loves it that much! The caring environment coupled with the strong academic curriculum and small class sizes make it the perfect learning environment and definitely prepares students for future success.
Posted: December 24, 2015
Posted: December 24, 2015
Posted: December 24, 2015
Posted: December 24, 2015
My children have thrived at AFA. We were previously in public school in PWC with major overcrowding in their classrooms. My kids were sliding on through the system with little attention or challenge. We find the opposite to be true at AFA. They are challenged each and everyday with rigorous coursework. There is a focus on excellence in reading and mathematics and a understanding of how God works in and through it all. It is highly structured to help them learn in a distraction free environment. The teachers and administration are approachable, kind and creative. We couldn't be happier with the education they are receiving.
Posted: January 26, 2015
This is an amazing school that nurtures your child's faith while maintaining standards of excellence in education. Also, the teachers encourage a love of learning beyond just getting "good grades".
Posted: January 18, 2015
Ad Fontes provides students with an excellent, rigorous classical education in a loving supportive Christian community. The teachers go above and beyond, dedicating their time and talents to the students even outside of the classroom and after school hours, to ensure the students' success. My daughter graduated equipped not just to succeed in college, but to thrive in her faith. I am also thrilled to see the difference it is making in my two other children. They don t just love going to school; they love to learn!
Posted: January 13, 2015
Best school in NOVA!!! Two of our children have graduated from AFA, and we are deeply grateful!!! Great teachers, excellent education, and an amazing staff. To God be the glory for AFA!
Posted: November 15, 2014
We started off homeschooling our son using a classical education program. We were at a stressful time in our lives and homeschooling was not a good fit for us. We felt a lot of guilt because we wanted the absolute best for our children, but we did not feel that was what we were providing. Our choices seemed limited. We did not want to send our son to the local public school. Even if it was the best public education available, which it was not, there are many philosophies in both education and beliefs that we would be at odds with. We also looked at other private schools. Our ideal was a Christian school that holds to a high view of God and scripture, a classical education method, a school large enough that it could have programs and activities, and a loving, caring, and nurturing environment. Ad Fontes was able to meet our criteria and has been an answer to many prayers for our family. Our son has excelled educationally, socially, and spiritually. Partnering with Ad Fontes for my sons education has been a wonderful experience for my family.
Posted: September 12, 2012
Dissatisfied with our daughter's experience in public school, we settled on Ad Fontes and are grateful for the education and environment it offers. The classical approach means that the kids end up learning stores of information that they will later be able to build upon using logic and rhetoric. I am most impressed by the English grammar my child has already mastered and the fact that the school eases them into comfort with public speaking from a young age. The systematic phonics education made it possible for my child s reading to take off. The teachers are energetic and communicative, and parents receive regular feed-back via daily sheets on behavior. For my very active child, this is a good environment; the consistent discipline helps her to stay in line, but the methods of education, often involving things like standing and chanting with hand motions, get her moving a bit during the day so it s not so much sitting at a desk. I love that in music class she isn t just banging around on random instruments but actually learning musical terminology. While discipline is consistent, there is emphasis on grace and guiding a child s heart and much love at this school.
Posted: August 12, 2012
Ad Fontes is simply the best school in the area. They use the classical method of teaching students that emphasizes teaching the basics in elementary school at an accelerated pace and teaching students to really think and clearly articulate their opinions in high school. It is academically challenging but not overwhelming and the homework load is consistent and moderate. The teachers are outstanding and the class sizes are small enough that the teachers can really get to know and care for the students and provide individual attention. In high school, the students get a program that could never be offered in public schools, including logic, 2 years of rhetoric, 2 years of literature, and advanced science and math. Virtually 100% of graduates go to college and are extremely well prepared. My daughter, who has now graduated from AFA, was getting lost and not working up to her full potential before we transferred her in. However, with the strong academic program, close attention by teachers, and emphasis on character building that the school provides, she really flourished. I highly recommend Ad Fontes.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Rocky Run | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clifton | VA | 3.3 mi | |
| 2 | Lewis Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 5.1 mi | |
| 3 | Franklin Glen | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 5.2 mi | |
| 4 | The Townes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Manassas Park | VA | 5.4 mi | |
| 5 | South Riding | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chantilly | VA | 6.3 mi | |
| 6 | Fox Mill Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Herndon | VA | 7.5 mi | |
| 7 | Middleridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 8.5 mi | |
| 8 | Somerset Crossing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Gainesville | VA | 8.9 mi | |
| 9 | Kings Park West | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 9 mi | |
| 10 | Burke Conservancy | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 10.3 mi | |
| 11 | Villages of Piedmont | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Haymarket | VA | 10.7 mi | |
| 12 | Stonehurst | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 11.2 mi | |
| 13 | The Elms | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 11.2 mi | |
| 14 | Long Branch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 11.5 mi | |
| 15 | Willow Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 11.9 mi | |
| 16 | Barkley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 12 mi | |
| 17 | Burke Station Square | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 12 mi | |
| 18 | Orange Hunt Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Springfield | VA | 12.2 mi | |
| 19 | Cardinal Forest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | West Springfield | VA | 13.3 mi | |
| 20 | West Springfield | Neighborhood/Subdivision | West Springfield | VA | 13.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chantilly | Chantilly | VA | 4.3 mi | |
| 2 | Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow | Gainesville | VA | 8.3 mi | |
| 3 | Burke Centre | Burke | VA | 10.4 mi | |
| 4 | Burke | Burke | VA | 11 mi | |
| 5 | Vienna | Vienna | VA | 11.8 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| NRO Chantilly | 3.1 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 14.1 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 19 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 19.5 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 20.9 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 21.2 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 21.4 mi. |
| Pentagon | 22.4 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 23.1 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 23.5 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 24.3 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 24.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 24.6 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 25.5 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 25.7 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 31.4 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 41.4 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 41.7 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 43.1 mi. |
| Shepherd Field | 47.8 mi. |
