Sweethaven Christian Academy

Portsmouth, VA 23703

Phone: (757) 484-4082

NR

GreatSchools Rating

private • Grades PK-12 • 154 students

Portsmouth's Sweethaven Christian Academy is a private school. It serves 272 students in grades PK-12 and is coed.

Sweethaven Christian Academy is a private school located in Portsmouth, VA. 154 students attend Sweethaven Christian Academy.

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

We have had the privilege of having several children attend this school over the years. It’s clear that the children truly enjoy their time here and form meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. The pre-K program is exceptional; my own kids have thrived in it, often progressing far ahead of public school standards. Sometimes, that progress has prompted us to choose to bring the children back to this school when considering public options. The school is blessed with a compassionate Pastor who genuinely cares about the children’s well-being and is constantly working to improve the facility, incorporating more modern principles.

Their carefully structured curriculum is thoughtfully implemented, and many of the teachers treat each child with deep care and respect, often connecting with them as if they were their own. My children haven’t faced any major issues here, aside from everyday childhood experiences. Of course, personality differences and opinions can arise anywhere, but overall, I believe this school is truly excellent. I wholeheartedly recommend it. The tuition is reasonable, especially for families with multiple children, as they offer discounts per child with a cap to prevent overpayment. The support staff is attentive and devoted, which is exactly what you want when entrusting your precious children to someone else. I prefer caregivers who are detail-oriented and committed to protocol over those who are laissez-faire. The school has made many improvements over the years and remains dedicated to its mission of continuous growth and improvement.

Well, we’ve not had the pleasure of going too far. I can say without equivocation that their pre-K program up through second grade is exceptional. They really stress education and push the kids to do and be their best. Just like anywhere, you have to get accustomed to traditions, but faith is a big part of this. My children bring home many of those principles that we are still at home and that they learn at school.

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

My child will be going into their 3rd year this fall. This is a great Christian school that helps build an amazing foundation and they learn so much. I would def recommend.

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

We love Sweethaven. My child has been a student there for four years. The school is racially diverse, and that was one of the things I was looking for when I enrolled my child there. The education is top-notch and the community of the school can’t be beat. We have been blessed to have a fantastic teacher each of the four years we have been there. I wholeheartedly recommend Sweethaven Christian Academy for any student and family.

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: May 26, 2026

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2024

This school is amazing. Our child just finished his first year at Sweethaven Christian Academy- 3rd grade- and he has learned so much. We have 3 other children who went through the public school system and this school beats public school hands down. Teachers and staff are so caring and make sure that everyone feels welcomed. They also make sure that the children are learning and will help any way they can to ensure the learning process. The curriculum is above the public school curriculum and the students are held to a higher standard, both academically and socially. We cannot wait for the next school year to start. Our child enjoys going to school now. We are so glad that we chose Sweethaven Christian Academy!!!

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

My son goes to SCA and I love it. They take interest in their kids. And care for them as if they were there’s too. Everyone is so nice & welcoming!

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Yes, I am a teacher at SCA. I have been there long enough to see the sincere love the staff have for each student.
I would not be teaching there if I didn't see God working in and through the lives of everyone who walks those halls.

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: January 13, 2024

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

This is a wonderful school with amazing teachers an excellent sense of community, and strong Chistian education.

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

It’s a very nice school!
The staff are friendly and the uniforms are kind of cute not going to lie.
There are also lockers for all ages and classes and if you are in the 5th and 6th and higher, you can decorate your locker!
One I thing I also like about the school is that they serve chick-fil-a every Tuesday, and every Friday is pizza day. The meal comes with Random types of chips (that are not expired), Juice, fruit cup and tissue. The school also provides cleanliness and disciplines the students to become better people. The staff are very helpful with information, and also keep note that the school teaches students some cleaning skills as well. I recommend you come to this school!
(If you are on a budget, some uniforms can also be purchased from old navy and childrens place. Skirts must be over the knees as well.) overall the school is great, and I can’t wait to see more from them.

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: July 16, 2020

This school has not changed me since the time I came here eight years ago. What a waste of eight years.

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: July 16, 2020

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 13, 2017

My children have attended Sweethaven for six years. I love that I can feel confident dropping them off knowing that they will be loved, protected, and educated. The Staff truly cares for the kids and wants the best for them. The education is excellent. In national standardized testing, my kids rank very high. The schools average scores are very high. Most of all I love that it is a safe place filled with good kids and staff.

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 13, 2017

Posted: October 29, 2015

I would highly recommend Sweethaven for elementary school (the upper grades are small, and I can't speak to the experience there). The teachers are receptive and talented, and you can rest assured that your child will get grounded in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic. They will also get character education. I view this as a positive. However, I must point out that the school's discipline code is quite strict. (Children get "tallies" for various forms of misbehavior, and although I recognize the obvious importance of following the rules and respecting authority, at times I have questioned whether things are TOO strict, and whether the children are going to become too subservient and mousy. Some families have pulled their children out of Sweethaven because they were concerned that the tallies their child was receiving was hurting their self-esteem and personality and causing excessive anxiety.) Students wear uniforms, which has honestly been very nice. The principal and staff are all thoughtful and concerned, and you can be confident that your child is in a SAFE and loving environment. (For parents choosing between public school in Portsmouth and Sweethaven, this is an enormous plus for the latter.) So long as your child can thrive with the discipline system, I would highly recommend Sweethaven.

Posted: October 29, 2015

Posted: October 29, 2015

Posted: October 29, 2015

Posted: February 1, 2015

My husband and I were worried about where to send our son to school when he started Kindergarten. Sweethaven wasn't originally our first choice, but I could not be happier with the way that things happened, and that we landed at this school. The progress he made educationally in the first half of the year alone was enough for others outside of our family to notice the difference. I will be honest and tell you that they are a very strict, conservative private school - your child will obey their rules, respect others, and truly grow in their relationship with God. All teachers and staff treat one another and all children as though they are family, and they truly enjoy being around one another. My son has absolutely thrived since beginning at this school and my husband and I are committed to ensuring he remains at this school for as long as possible.

Posted: July 1, 2014

A private baptist based education. My daughter attended another private school in the area. My child has issues eating and always has, I love the fact that her teacher at Sweethaven knows her eating habits and has encouraged her to eat new things. The staff are attentive, the children are happy, and the physical setting and Central Location are added pluses. When I toured the school of all the schools I looked at, I was impressed with the Cafeteria and choices to pack lunches, purchase from the cafeteria, etc--the interview itself was an assessment of my child--not just them trying to sell a slot, but actual interest in my child's current abilities and meeting their requirements for her grade level. It was slightly more money than some other options, but the structure and overall interaction as well as food and activity options make me very pleased with the choice to have my only child attend the school. So far our entire family is thrilled with my preschooler's current educational outlook. And the added bonus is being able to avoid our personal and religious objections to newer sexual education requirements at developmentally inappropriate levels in public schools.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 First Watch at River Pointe Condominium/Townhouse Portsmouth VA 1.3 mi
2 Long Point Neighborhood/Subdivision Portsmouth VA 1.7 mi
3 Burbage Grant Neighborhood/Subdivision Suffolk VA 2.2 mi
4 Residences at Hampton Roads Crossing Neighborhood/Subdivision Suffolk VA 2.3 mi
5 Wellington Neighborhood/Subdivision Chesapeake VA 3.1 mi
6 Merrimac Landing Neighborhood/Subdivision Chesapeake VA 3.3 mi
7 Riverfront at Harbour View Neighborhood/Subdivision Suffolk VA 4 mi
8 West Ghent Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4 mi
9 Park View Neighborhood/Subdivision Portsmouth VA 4.1 mi
10 Ghent Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4.1 mi
11 Ghent Area of Town Norfolk VA 4.4 mi
12 Larchmont Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4.6 mi
13 Lochhaven Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4.6 mi
14 Jamestown Crescent Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4.8 mi
15 Park Place Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 4.8 mi
16 Western Branch Neighborhood/Subdivision Chesapeake VA 5.1 mi
17 Colonial Place Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 5.2 mi
18 Steeplechase Neighborhood/Subdivision Suffolk VA 5.2 mi
19 Riverpoint Neighborhood/Subdivision Norfolk VA 5.4 mi
20 Dock Landing Neighborhood/Subdivision Chesapeake VA 5.6 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Harbour View Area Suffolk VA 4 mi
2 Colley Avenue and 21st Norfolk VA 4.4 mi
3 Ghent Square Norfolk VA 4.7 mi
4 Park Place Norfolk VA 4.8 mi
5 Colonial Place Norfolk VA 4.9 mi
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