Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.
This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.
As your children reach school age—or perhaps they’ve been in school for some time now—you may find yourself considering whether private school is the right choice for them. It could be that you are currently homeschooling your child but are looking for a bit more day-to-day structure. It could be that they’re currently in public school, or it could even be that the private school they’re attending just isn’t the right fit for them. Or, like many new parents, you’re simply trying to get a jumpstart on school research so you’re prepared to make a decision once your child reaches preschool or kindergarten age. One thing is certain: Choosing when and what private school is an incredibly important decision and it’s one that looks different for every family. As a parent, you’ll know what’s best for your unique child and the way they learn in certain environments.
As you navigate the private school decision, we have a handful of tips to help make the decision easier and to guide you on the questions you should ask during private school visitations.
The Factors to Consider
Whether your child is too young to weigh in on the decision about which private school they’ll attend, or they’re old enough to consider the options, there are a number of factors to consider.
First and foremost, consider the type of environment your child already thrives in. Do they benefit from a highly structured learning environment or does their curiosity call for a more freeform learning experience? One of the benefits of choosing private school over public school is that you can place your child in an environment that is more tailored to their individual needs. Class sizes are smaller, education is more tailored, and course offerings can vary more.
If you are the parent of a very young child and are considering private school just as they reach preschool age, there are certain queues that can help you identify what type of learner your child is. As a general rule, all people are kinesthetic, visual, or auditory learners. Typically, we are a balance of all three but have a tendency to lean toward one specific style. Understanding, even at the most basic level, what type of learner your child is will help you identify which private school may be best for them.
“The five top factors for parents and students to consider when deciding on a private school should be accreditations, course offerings, Biblical foundation, mission, and opportunity,” explained Ashley Saunders, Director of Marketing and Communications for Liberty Christian Academy. “At LCA, we are able to support our students by recognizing each student’s individual needs. We combine small class sizes, our guidance team, and full-time campus pastor to create a team of support for our students.”
Choosing whether or not to enroll your child in a parochial school—or a school that is affiliated with a religious or spiritual organization—is also a factor to consider. Within the Lynchburg, Campbell, and Bedford footprints, there is an incredible diversity among private schools so you can align your child with a curriculum that matches your family’s lifestyle and spiritual beliefs.
Also take into consideration the extracurriculars and athletics available to your child. Each private school offers a different set of opportunities—some of which aren’t often found at our local public schools, like lacrosse. Consider the musical opportunities that may be available to your child as well.
“A parent or student should consider the educational philosophy and curriculum of the school, as well as the school’s culture and values, outcomes, extracurriculars and athletic programs, and classroom size and student-teacher ratio,” said Maryanna Stands, Associate Head of School for Advancement and Director of Admissions for James River Day School.
Common Misconceptions
There are certain misconceptions attached to private schools that should be debunked as you’re navigating the private school decision, as well.
“A common misconception is that parents think there are less opportunities for their students, whether it be extracurricular or academic,” said Saunders.
“People think private schools are only for wealthy students and provide a less diverse student body,” continued Stands. “James River Day School is more diverse, both socioeconomically and culturally, than most people think. Nearly a quarter of our families receive some amount of need-based tuition assistance, and 21-percent of our students come from ethnically diverse backgrounds. We continue to focus some of our strategic efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion as a more diverse school is what’s best for all of our students.”
As you’re visiting the local private schools that you’ve identified as potential options for your child, have a running list of some of the assumptions that you may have about that particular private school, or just private school in general. Ask pointed questions to challenge those assumptions—you may just be pleasantly surprised at the answers.
Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than a just career. It’s a calling.
Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.
This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.
Thank you to Chick-fil-A Wards Road/River Ridge for partnering with us again on this campaign and providing each teacher with a bag of gifts and coupons.
Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than a just career. It’s a calling.
Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.
After reviewing nominations submitted by parents, students, and colleagues, a panel of judges selected 10 deserving teachers to feature on the following pages.
This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.
Thank you to Chick-fil-A Wards Road/River Ridge for partnering with us again on this campaign and providing each teacher with a bag of gifts and coupons.
Disclaimer: We assembled our Guide to Private Schools listing based on thorough internet searches and calls/emails to local private schools to confirm information. If there are questions about accuracy or omissions, please email feedback@lynchburgmag.com.
Appomattox Christian Academy
Located: 1916 Redfields Road,
Appomattox
Year Founded: 2003
Number of Students: 128
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
Appomattox Christian Academy (ACA), a mission of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, is dedicated to impacting students’ lives through the ministry of education. ACA strives to give families in the Central Virginia region a viable choice to provide quality, affordable, classical Christian education for their children.
www.appomattoxchristianacademy.com | (434) 352-7373
Blue Ridge Montessori School
Located: 1071 Woodberry Square Place,
Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1985
Number of Students: 101
Grade Levels: Infant-9th Grade
More than three decades ago, Tom Taylor opened the doors of Blue Ridge Montessori School in an old building in Forest, believing strongly in the long-term impact of Montessori education on our community and the future. The school later became a registered nonprofit in 1999 with a fully functioning Board of Directors made up of Montessorians, parent volunteers and local business leaders.
www.blueridgemontessori.com | (434) 525-0061
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Located: 169 Police Tower Road,
Appomattox
Year Founded: 2007
Number of Students: 100+
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
Cornerstone Christian Academy is a Christian and Classical school located in Appomattox County. The academy serves over 100 students and their families offering a strong academic program in an encouraging and friendly environment. Cornerstone’s tuition is affordable, class sizes are small, and the teaching staff is well credentialed and experienced.
www.ccaofva.org | (434) 352-2345
Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy
Located: 19 George Street, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1921
Number of Students: 79
Grade Levels: K-10th Grade
After Elder E.A. Manry became the pastor of the Lynchburg Seventh-day Church in 1921, a church school was founded. After a brief closure, the school has been in operation since 1944 and was renamed after Desmond T. Doss, a Lynchburg Seventh-day Church member and World War II Medal of Honor winner. The school offers small class sizes where students’ giftings and struggles are taken into account. They also provide regular opportunities for spiritual and character development.
desmondtdoss.org | (434) 237-1899
Faith Christian Academy
Located: 361 Main Street, Hurt
Year Founded: 1988
Number of Students: 126
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
Faith Christian Academy was founded by parents who wanted alternative options for schooling for their children. They offer high-quality education with small class sizes and faith-based curriculum along with 100 percent accreditation.
www.fcavirginia.com | (434) 324-8276
Fellowship Christian Academy
Located: 131 Old Colony Road,
Madison Heights
Year Founded: 1997
Number of Students: 400
Grade Levels: K-12th Grade
Fellowship Christian Academy started out using Abeka Home School Curriculum and held classes inside Solid Rock Church. Eventually, the school transitioned from the classroom to students doing work right at home through a web-based home school curriculum.
fca.srcministry.org | (434) 230-0752
James River Day School
Located: 5039 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1967
Number of Students: 264
Grade Levels: K-8th Grade
Founded in 1971, James River Day School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-ed day school that serves academically qualified students regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic, social or economic backgrounds. At James River Day School, students learn life-long habits of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship.
www.jrds.school | (434) 384-7385
Liberty Christian Academy
Located: 3701 Candlers Mountain Road,
Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1967
Number of Students: 1,956
Grade Levels: K-12th Grade
Founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell, the school is a fully accredited institution standing as a viable educational choice for parents who desired to have their children taught a Christian worldview from a Bible-based curriculum. Recognized as an accredited institution by the Commonwealth of Virginia, regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and internationally accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, LCA has a recognized history of academic excellence.
lcabulldogs.org | (434) 832-2000
New Covenant Schools
Located: 122 Fleetwood Drive, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1991
Number of Students: More than 400
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
New Covenant Schools’ founders were motivated by a vital interest in classical, Christian education, and by a desire to develop a school that would be thoroughly Christian, academically challenging, and grounded in the liberal arts. The school enjoys stable governance, a fully developed curriculum, and carries out its mission with more than 70 professional faculty, adjunct instructors, and administrative staff.
newcovenantschools.org | (434) 847-8313
New Vistas School
Located: 520 Eldon Street, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1986
Number of Students: 40
Grade Levels: 3rd-12th Grade
New Vistas School was founded by five Lynchburg-area women as a private, nonprofit day school dedicated to serving the needs of children and adolescents experiencing learning and attention difficulties. Their mission is to foster academic and personal growth by providing students with learning, attention, and emotional challenges so they can reach their full potential.
newvistasschol.org | (434) 846-0301
ONE Forest School
Located: Deerhead Nature Preserve, 4808 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston
Year Founded: 2019
Number of Students: 15
Grade Levels: Pre-K-8th
ONE Forest School offers a primary grade school program, homeschool program and virtual learner program. Based in an outdoor setting, the school utilizes a traditional forest school philosophy, which focuses on emotional intelligence, as well as a project-based STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum.
oneforestschool.org | (540) 682-6320
Onward Christian Academy
Located: 337 Lakeview Drive,
Madison Heights
Year Founded: 2016
Number of Students: 250
Grade Levels: K-12th Grade
Onward Christian Academy is a hybrid-model school that combines the best parts of homeschooling and private schooling. Students attend instruction at the Onward campus two days a week and homeschool with their parents the other days. More affordable than a traditional private school tuition, parents also feel supported in their homeschooling efforts through the guidance of professional educators.
www.onwardchristian.org | (434) 515-1495
Rivermont School
Lynchburg North & South
Located: 3024 Forest Hills Circle, Lynchburg
1011 Creekside Lane, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1997
Number of Students: 71
Grade Levels: 1st-12th Grade
Rivermont School provides a therapeutic educational program for students, ages 5-22, with special needs, including students with autism who have difficulty learning in a traditional school setting. Rivermont’s mission is to help students learn to manage their behaviors so they can return to their home schools, graduate and become productive citizens. Classes are small, usually eight to 10 students, and are taught by special education instructors and counselors.
www.newstoryschools.com | (434) 947-4697
Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy
Located: 1449 Hendricks Store Road,
Moneta
Year Founded: 2008
Number of Students: 420
Grade Levels: K-12th Grade
Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy was formed as an independent Christian academy through the vision, prayer, and tireless efforts of a dedicated group of men and women. Their original vision and mission was to develop the heart, soul, mind, and strength of each student for the glory of God. SMLCA is providing state-of-the-art facilities, accredited and excellent academic learning opportunities, and continually expanding athletic and performing arts programs.
www.smlca.org | (540) 296-3292
Temple Christian School
Located: 4465 S Amherst Highway,
Madison Heights
Year Founded: 1973
Number of Students: 300
Grade Levels: K3-12th Grade
Temple Christian School began as a ministry of Temple Baptist Church and the funds for the school were donated by Archie and Lorine Kidd. While the Kidds had no school-age children, they had a tremendous passion for Christian education. The school offers a disciplined yet loving environment in which every child receives personal attention. They see each student as a unique person created by God to live the fullest and most significant life possible.
www.mytemplechristianschool.com | (434) 846-0024
Timberlake Christian Schools
Located: 202 Horizon Drive, Forest
Year Founded: 1966
Number of Students: 389
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
Timberlake Christian Schools, founded in 1966, is one of the first private schools to exist in the Lynchburg area. The vision of Timberlake Christian Schools is to be a discipleship and educational institution for young people in order to develop in them a passion for glorifying God and train them for a life consistent with a biblical world-and-life view.
www.timberlakechristianschool.org | (434) 237-5943
Tree of Life Academy
Located: 2812 Greenview Drive, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 2004
Number of Students: 150
Grade Levels: Infant-3rd Grade
The mission of Tree of Life Academy is to provide an education based on God’s principles in a Christ-centered academic atmosphere, which enables students to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well as develop a respect for authority and be spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically prepared to meet each challenge life brings.
tolacademy.com | (434) 455-0294
Virginia Episcopal School
Located: 400 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg
Year Founded: 1916
Number of Students: 260
Grade Levels: 9th-12th Grade
Virginia Episcopal School is an inclusive, welcoming community of boarding and day students who are curious, smart, funny, kind and innovative—the next generation of creators and producers with the power to change the world. The school is an intentionally small, globally diverse educational community dedicated to excellence in student engagement, innovative learning and faculty support and growth.
www.ves.org | (434) 385-3600
World Community Education Center
Located: 1329 Prosperity Drive, Bedford
Year Founded: 1971
Number of Students: 35
Grade Levels: PreK-12th Grade
World Community Education Center (WCEC) is an independent, nonprofit Montessori school located in Bedford, serving families in the Lynchburg/Roanoke/Bedford areas. WCEC offers a prepared environment for learning focused on academic excellence and universal spiritual values. Individual attention is key to helping each student find his or her genius.
worldcommunityedu.org | (540) 297-1662
Choosing the best private school for your child involves a great deal of decision-making, and it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, many answers you seek stem from an understanding of a school’s overarching philosophy. To aid in your research of these guiding principles and how they can help children succeed, we asked five local private schools to share and expound their philosophies.
James River Day School
Fostering a lifelong love of learning is the cornerstone of James River Day School’s educational philosophy. The school serves qualified children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
“We cherish [students] as individuals, challenge them as scholars, and help them develop as leaders,” says Peter H. York, Head of School. “Character education is not only built into our curriculum but is also deeply embedded in our everyday routines and practices.”
James River’s curriculum emphasizes both educational and life skills, with York adding that students develop strong skills in the areas of reading, writing, problem-solving, calculating, creating, critical thinking, and reflecting.
“Essential life skills such as organization, time management, and self-regulation are also woven into their educational journey,” York explains. “Our curriculum is carefully developed and constantly reviewed by our educational experts to make sure our students are well prepared for high school and beyond.”
Arts, athletics, and citizenship also play important roles in James River’s philosophy. Beginning in kindergarten, students are exposed to visual and fine arts, world languages, physical education, and community service opportunities.
“With this intentional focus during these developmentally formative years [K-8], we are able to give each student an opportunity to create a strong foundation to tackle any challenge that may come their way,” says Maryanna Stands, Associate Head of School for Advancement and Director of Admissions.
Liberty Christian Academy
Liberty Christian Academy’s philosophy focuses on building strong relationships among students, families, and teachers.
“Our educational philosophy begins with a partnership,” says Amy Love, Director of Curriculum. “Our role is to come alongside parents as they raise and educate their children. We also believe that every student has God-given potential and we provide opportunities for students to realize that potential.”
A wide variety of academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities are available to LCA students.
“We provide a wide variety of opportunities for students because we know our students have different gifts and areas of interest,” Love notes. “By offering so many different opportunities for students, we can better meet their individual needs.”
LCA’s curriculum emphasizes active and engaging instruction and meeting students where they are academically.
“We offer AP, Dual Enrollment, and Honors classes for students who want a higher level of academic rigor,” says Love. “We also offer a Resource program to provide additional support for students with specific learning needs.”
The school’s extensive selection of electives, fine/applied arts programs and clubs can also help students realize their potential.
“We want students to get involved and to try different activities, so we offer a variety of clubs, National Honor Society, Beta Club, an award-winning theater program, and a strong athletic program,” says Love.
New Covenant Schools
New Covenant Schools was founded in the classical, Christian tradition, and its educational philosophy is built upon the three tenets of the Trivium: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
According to Headmaster John Heaton, classical education does not adhere to a specific curriculum, but is considered an approach or a way of looking at the world.
“In its broadest objectives it is concerned with promulgating the best of that which has been thought and said by great minds of the past,” says Heaton. “It is helpful to think of it as a conversation into which we lead our students as participants. We introduce them to the primary languages of that conversation—Latin and Greek—and we introduce them to the great questions that have been the subject of this long discussion.”
That being said, New Covenant’s curriculum is comprehensive and dynamic. They begin younger students with reading, writing and basic arithmetic, but along the way students begin to learn the “languages of music, math, and persuasion,” Heaton explains.
“They are required to study art, which is yet another means of human expression. Broadly speaking, classical, Christian education will include as much as it can of all that is good, all that is true, and all that is beautiful. With these guiding principles, the classical, Christian educator creates a curriculum that stands apart from contemporary educational fads,” says Heaton.
New Vistas School
New Vistas School’s philosophy centers around the belief that students with learning, attention, and social/emotional challenges learn best from a variety of educational approaches.
“New Vistas provides a safe, nurturing environment that fosters the development of personal characteristics, including responsibility, self-discipline, and respect for others—all necessary for productive citizenship,” says Sally James, Development Director.
The school’s approach to academics helps students adapt and succeed, by using the most recent research in Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.
“Multisensory education involves the use of visual, auditory, and tactile pathways used simultaneously to enhance memory and learning, as well as daily homework and regular quizzes, tests, and progress reviews to determine learning and continued learning needs,” says James.
Community service and enrichment programs also play integral roles in the school’s curriculum.
“All young people benefit from adult guidance regarding social skills, civic responsibilities, and service to the wider community,” says James.
New Vistas also offers an overarching system of support and encouragement.
“Faculty and staff realize learning has not always had a pleasant outcome for some of our students,” says Lori Eaglin, Ed. S., Head of School. “We teach in a way where students can build on their own strengths while being supported in areas of weaknesses.”
ONE Forest School
ONE Forest School utilizes a traditional forest school philosophy, which focuses on emotional intelligence—a child’s EQ or Emotional Quotient.
“This can be holistically accomplished by connecting children with nature,” says Catherine Eubank, Director.
She adds that a forest school philosophy also promotes an active teaching approach where children are asked to engage in their own learning, leading to benefits such as improved critical thinking skills and increased retention and transfer of new information.
A project-based STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum reinforces this philosophy.
“Our STREAM focus is on American history, which helps foster a sense of community and belonging, as well as a feeling of patriotism for our country,” says Eubank.
“We utilize a place-based education for our learning so we center our focus on Virginia history as much as possible.”
The school’s outdoor setting allows students to engage in activities such as shelter and campfire building, whittling, and forest exploration.
“Using the forest as our classroom, with no desks or textbooks, has many benefits,” says Eubank. “They include improved energy levels, physical and emotional resilience, conflict resolution, higher self-esteem, and bolstered leadership skills. A mindful nature connection can also provide opportunities for positive social interactions and help give one a sense of meaning and purpose in life.”
Lots of people are finding themselves with more time on their hands than ever before. (That’s not a bad thing, right?) Even those working from home during the day have free evenings and weekends as the governor’s stay-at-home order continues.
Now is the time to get lost in a good book (or two… or 50). We asked the Lynchburg Public Library to recommend some good titles for all ages—and all are available online through the library’s hoopla or Overdrive collections. If you aren’t sure how that works, we’ve included some background information as well—just keep scrolling.
Adults
Titles compiled by Leann Underwood, adult services supervisor at the Lynchburg Public Library
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel—Hilary Mantel provides a compelling twist on Henry the VIII, telling the Tudor saga from Thomas Cromwell’s point of view. Mantel does not paint Cromwell as a do-gooder, but rather shows us his greed and ambition as part of a complex character. The eaudiobook is available on Overdrive. The video is available through hoopla.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman—We could all use a reminder to have faith in humanity. This humorous, poignant novel follows a year in the life of Ove, a man who has lost his wife and is determined to end his—but events and neighbors assure that Ove remains. The ebook and eaudiobook are available on Overdrive.
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler—A delightfully bewitching and beautifully written novel of one woman’s transformative journey through self-discovery. Willa Drake spends the novel surrounded by eccentric neighbors who treat each other like family. Available on Overdrive.
The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson—Eric Larson makes non-fiction read like fiction. It is the height of WWII and Europe is looking for a leader. Larson captures the sacrifice of Winston Churchill himself, and his family, in the fight against Germany. Available on Overdrive.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett—“The Dutch House” is very accurately described as a “richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go.” The Dutch House almost becomes a character itself, allowing the reader to look through the windows into the lives of those who have lived there. Available on Overdrive.
Young Adult Top 10 List
Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library
All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• The Lord of the Rings audiobooks (entire trilogy)
• The Hobbit audiobook
• Spider-Man: Miles Morales Volumes 1 & 2 comics
• Loki: Agent of Asgard Volume 1: Trust Me comic
• Magic: The Gathering: Rise of the Gatewatch eBook
• The Gamer’s Bucket List eBook
• Star Wars Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes comic
• Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume 1 comic
• Rebel Belle audiobook
• The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens eBook
Children’s Top 10 List
Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library
All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• Captain Underpants audiobooks (select titles in series only)
• Lumberjanes Volume 1 comic
• Boxcar Children eBooks and audiobooks (select titles in series only)
• Classic Starts audiobooks: Peter Pan, Oliver Twist, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Secret Garden, Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland, and Anne of Green Gables
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid eBooks (select titles in series only)
• Big Nate comics (select titles in series only)
• The 39 Clues audiobooks (select titles in series only)
• Wings of Fire audiobooks (select titles in series only)
• Avatar: The Last Airbender: North and South Part 1 comic
• I Survived audiobooks (select titles in series only)
Understanding hoopla and Overdrive
The hoopla and Overdrive collections are available to anyone with a Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County library card. The Lynchburg Public Library allows for three checkouts per month per library card. (However, checkouts of the hoopla Bonus Borrows Collection are unlimited.)
Anyone who has a library card issued from a library branch in Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County can create a free digital account with each collection. Go to hoopladigital.com or vppl.overdrive.com and sign up for an account using your library card number and PIN. (Your PIN should be the last 4 digits of the phone number you gave when signing up for your library card.)
People who don’t have a library card can still get one online at lynchburgpubliclibrary.org/get-a-card. Allow 24 hours for your card to become active.
If you have a question or are having trouble, reach out to the Lynchburg Public Library on Facebook or by calling (434) 455-6300 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY WILL EXPAND IN LYNCHBURG THIS YEAR
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, an international initiative that sends free books to children from birth to age five, is extending its reach to additional Lynchburg-area zip codes this year. Local education-focused nonprofit The Aspire Foundation began partnering with DPIL last fall and has since signed up many families who reside in the 24501 and 24504 zip codes.
“When we started the program last September, we didn’t know how fundraising was going to go,” says Aspire Foundation co-founder Mary Omotoye. “We decided to start the program in 24501 and 24504 because according to the U.S. Census Bureau, those are the most socioeconomically challenged areas in Lynchburg. We are happy to announce that we now have enough funding to open the program up to 24502 and 24503 as well in 2020!” Grants from the Schewel Family Foundation, Centra Foundation, Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, and Mustaches 4 Kids increased DPIL funding significantly.
Omotoye first learned about DPIL when she and her family lived in Cleveland, Ohio. She and her husband, Samuel, enrolled their two young sons in the program and received free books for about half a year. When the family moved to Lynchburg, however, they discovered that DPIL was not available. For the Omotoyes, this absence proved to be an exciting opportunity rather than a disappointment.
“I checked the Imagination Library website and found out that in order to be an affiliate of the program, you have to be a nonprofit organization,” Omotoye notes. “I talked to my husband about it and we thought, ‘Why don’t we start a nonprofit?’ We always had it in mind that we eventually wanted to do nonprofit work in the education sphere, so we thought this initiative was a great place to start.” The couple founded the Aspire Foundation in 2018.
Rox Cruz, a local mom and Freedom Schools Site Coordinator for The Listening, Inc., was one of the many parents who was excited about DPIL coming to Lynchburg.
“I am a major Dolly Parton fan, so I’ve known about this program for over 10 years,” Cruz says. “Once I had my first son, I wanted to sign him up for the program right away. We were living in Florida at the time, but unfortunately our zip code was not eligible for the program. I was so stoked to find out we were eligible in Lynchburg!”
Beloved country music artist Dolly Parton founded DPIL in 1995, and the program has since expanded beyond Dolly’s home state of Tennessee to all 50 states and to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. Childhood literacy is a passion of Parton’s largely due to her own upbringing.
“Dolly Parton’s father was illiterate, and she grew up very poor. Her mission is to provide books for all children, no matter their family’s income,” said Omotoye, who also experienced a humble childhood. “My husband and I are immigrants and didn’t have a lot growing up, but good educations and a love of books and learning helped us find success—I’m a pharmacist and my husband is a physician.”
By 2003, DPIL had mailed one million books, and now the program sends out over one million books per month. DPIL earned the Library of Congress Best Practices Award in 2014, and the initiative’s 100 millionth book was dedicated to the Library of Congress in 2018.
Enrolled children between ages birth and five receive one free, high-quality book each month until they turn six. The books are selected by an expert panel and come from reputable publisher Penguin Random House. Titles are age-appropriate, at least two bilingual titles are sent to each child each year, and DPIL’s partnership with the Braille Institute of America ensures that blind and visually impaired children receive Braille books.
Cruz, whose sons are one-and-a-half and four, is especially grateful for the addition of bilingual books to their home library.
“My husband is Puerto Rican, so it is really meaningful to us that this program occasionally sends out bilingual books,” she says. “I was so excited when my four-year-old received A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats in English and Spanish last month.”
Although DPIL is beneficial for all children in the targeted age range, it is ideal to enroll a child at birth.
“What’s special about this program is that it really starts from birth,” says Omotoye. “We’re really trying to target that age group before kindergarten because there are tons of studies that show that just having books in the home early on in a child’s life—before the child is even talking—is incredibly impactful on brain development and reading readiness.”
Of course, reading to your child is even more beneficial than simply having books in your home. “For parents, the DPIL books are a reminder to be more intentional about sitting down and reading with your children,” Cruz says.
Omotoye adds that DPIL has a “large impact with a relatively low financial input.” It costs $25 per child per year, which comes out to $2.10 per book including shipping costs.
With the upcoming inclusion of additional Lynchburg zip codes, the Aspire Foundation will be focusing on registering new families for DPIL in 2020. Existing partnerships with Miriam’s House, Johnson Health Center, Richeson Drive Pediatrics, the Jubilee Community Center, and Lynchburg City Schools (specifically the Pre-K Headstart program) will continue to raise awareness of and participation in the program, and Omotoye hopes to work with even more community partners this year.
“To register as many children as possible, we want to partner with places that provide services and programs for children,” she says. “We have many wonderful community partners already and are hoping to partner with One Community, One Voice and other organizations in the near future.”
Cruz highly recommends enrolling in the program as a supplement to taking your children to the library.
“We love taking our kids to the library, but this program brings free books to us when we’re too busy to go out or it’s flu season and we don’t want to risk our kids getting sick,” she notes.
Although the long-term benefits of DPIL, libraries, and reading books in general may be lost on little ones, the joy of receiving a free and personalized gift in the mail applies to folks of all ages.
“For kids, it’s simply a gift that they get in the mail,” Cruz says. “There’s a kind of magic in receiving snail mail, especially when you’re receiving something wrapped up with your name on it. My four-year-old thinks Grandma Dolly sends him the books personally!”
To check your family’s eligibility for DPIL, visit aspirefound.org. Although it is possible to register online, Omotoye recommends doing a written registration form at this time. To learn more about DPIL, visit imaginationlibrary.com.