Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

This school, like any school, is what you make of it. It offers academic programs for the extremely academically gifted students and those who are regular students. My daughter moved to the school in 2nd grade from a Catholic school that had not yet taught her to read. She was behind when she started at NSA. She has been fostered and nurtured by her teachers. She just finished her 9th grade year and is at the very top of her class academically. She loves her teachers and her group of peers. Middle school teaches focus and how to study. High school takes off immediately with the academics. If your kid puts the work in and makes good decisions, the school will help them work towards their dreams. Coming from a public school, I have never seen a more devoted upper school guidance counselor and college counseling group.

It’s no secret that many reviews that paint a negative pictures come from tgose who have bad experiences. But I feel this school does to much to try to cover up what actually goes on there. From the racisim to bullying. The administration and teachers turn blind eyes. It’s also no secret that there is a group out there that believe these negative reviews are nothing more than the ranting of a few disgruntled parents, and thus should be dismissed as such and ignored but they aim to recruit those of color and then allow our children to be mistreated, there safety is of no concern (there was several threats of school schooyings and the child still walks the hall today). When you try to pull your child for safety concerns they still hold ypu to the contract and even when paid they refuse to give your child the items they are obligated to such as yearbook, shirts, etc.

NSA is one of those places that looks good on the outside but is unorganized and chaotic behind closed doors. This school lacks quality administrators, educators, and accountability for their actions. NSA does not truly care about your child…. they only care about upholding a false image at the end of the day.

I was happy that we were fortunate enough to send our kids here after being stationed in Norfolk, however, my middle schooler decided to leave after her first year and go to public school (a first for her) due to the bullying, favoritism, and safety concerns she had seen that had gone unaddressed. From the bigotry to the racism that the kids display that comes off as a joke to them but is red flags for those of the communities that will cause them issues as they go through life. My son elementary stayed for another year but we had to pull him abruptly due to increasing concerns and challenges. I am not sure what the issue is here as we are not natives but it seems that the school only cares about the money, they do what they can to try to make things look good on the outside but the children there are really not getting the social-emotional support they need. Bullying and exclusion are a big issue starting from elementary school on up and they don't take safety seriously. From not taking action on physical contact to only sending an email when a whole active shooter list was found.

I was initially very proud to send my daughter here, however after 5 years of increasing concerns and challenges, I FINALLY decided to listen to what I as feeling and made a change. The primary issues stem from the fact that this is a legacy school where last names and money matter most. Favoritism is rampant and blatant. Bullying and exclusion by these “special” students IS NOT addressed. In short, if you’re not alumni, your child will not matter much at NSA.I’m not able to recommend. The staff is quite professional and does a fine job of putting on a great show. The overall presentation and environment is very polished which allows things to appear better than they are, however there are many issues underneath the surface. In summary, you don’t always get what you pay for, so my if you’re looking for a good private school, education and environment for your children —– keep looking.