How We Create

 
 

Leadership Skills  

In the Rollingwood classrooms, we strive to model leadership behaviors while teaching children how to see things from another person’s point of view. We encourage problem-solving among their peers with adult involvement when needed. We foster creativity with activities that focus on the journey instead of the outcome. Our students gain confidence through self-awareness, contributions to the classroom and team activities. As teachers, we strive to build confidence through classroom responsibilities and allowing the student to do what they can for themselves.

Playful Learning

At Rollingwood, we encourage the right to play. It’s not only fun but critical to healthy development. We incorporate imaginary play, outside play and expanding on ideas. We encourage our students to express themselves through creative activities. We want them to dream, discover and challenge themselves.

Character Growth

Character development is fundamental during the early childhood years. We strive to develop each student’s individual personality through self-esteem building, a relationship with nature and teamwork skills. We want our students to value themselves and the world around them

 
 

Our goals for each & every student:

  1. Develop autonomy

  2. Take initiative

  3. Learn in a developmentally appropriate environment

  4. Foster the absorbent mind

  5. Develop self-discipline

  6. Process

  7. Learn non-sexist roles

  8. Develop large and small motor skills

 

Our Mission

The mission of Rollingwood Academy is to provide an environment where the process of learning is discoverable by the child through meaningful interactions within the environment.  Our small classroom setting, home-like nurturing atmosphere, enriching curriculum along with our supportive, encouraging teachers foster the young child into becoming an independent, problem solving and creative thinker.

 
 
 

 

Our History

 
 

Rollingwood Academy is set back in the peaceful neighborhood of Rollingwood.  It is easily accessed from Holland Road near Nimmo Parkway, Princess Anne Road and Dam Neck Road.  The refurbished historical site, granted to Lancaster Lovett in the 17th century by Charles II of England, was awarded the Best Historical Renovation from the City of Virginia Beach in 1999.

When you enter the doors of Rollingwood Academy, you immediately feel a sense of home.  The rooms are spacious and colorful, showcasing murals painted by local artists.  In the upstairs galley, an art wall proudly displays artwork from students dating back to 1999.  While our facility remains locked at all times, we have an Open Door Policy welcoming our parents to observe their child at their convenience using our surveillance system.  Cameras are located in each classroom and the exterior of the building as well.  This allows for peace of mind and parent observations to occur without disruption to the classroom.

Rollingwood Academy staff are trained to answer any questions from parents and families visiting our school. With our low turnover rate, visitors quickly realize that the staff are the true gems of this award winning facility. Our teachers are degreed, experienced, nurturing and passionate which resonates in our friendly, homelike environment.  

 
 
 

 

Our Staff

 
 

Our teachers must complete classroom training through our hands-on curriculum and observation of our experienced teachers to provide an environment that adheres to our mission.

Rollingwood Academy teachers are encouraged to collaborate and implement their own creative materials as an added component to the classroom and curriculum.  Our teachers strive to meet the needs of every child through a continuously evolving curriculum.  Teachers have completed undergraduate studies or higher in Early Childhood Education or related studies.  Rollingwood Academy teaching assistants have been trained in the school philosophy and have years of experience working with children.

 
 
 

Directors

Director, Susan Mathias has been at Rollingwood Academy for 20 years with experience in both the classroom and administration. Susan completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management at Commonwealth College in Hampton, Virginia and has completed a multitude of classes in Early Childhood Education through TCC.

Susan resides in Virginia Beach with her husband. Two of her three boys also attended Rollingwood Academy. Together they enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time at the lake.

Director, Melissa Oksman has been a part of Rollingwood Academy for 5 years. Melissa completed her undergraduate degree in Public Health at the University of South Carolina, followed by attaining her Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University. Melissa has 4 years teaching experience working in both the public and private school setting.

Melissa and her husband reside in Virginia Beach and together they enjoy sports, cooking, the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

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Founder

The owner, Jennifer Arnhold Prodan, comes to Rollingwood Academy with over 20 years experience working with children.  Jennifer completed her undergraduate training in Psychology at the University of Colorado in Boulder, followed by research conducted at San Diego State University.  Upon returning to Virginia Beach, she began working with preschool age children while completing her Master of Science degree from Old Dominion University in Early Childhood Education.

Jennifer resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and their three children.  They enjoy traveling, the outdoors, sports and spending time with family and friends.

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