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:
Develop autonomy
Take initiative
Learn in a developmentally appropriate environment
Foster the absorbent mind
Develop self-discipline
Process
Learn non-sexist roles
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
At Rollingwood Academy, our teachers undergo comprehensive training through our hands-on curriculum and observation of experienced educators to ensure they create an environment that aligns with our mission. This process equips them with the tools and knowledge needed to foster an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere.
We encourage our teachers to collaborate and bring their own creative materials into the classroom, enriching the curriculum and enhancing the learning experience. Committed to meeting the needs of every child, our teachers implement a continually evolving curriculum that reflects the latest in early childhood education practices. Each teacher holds an undergraduate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Our teaching assistants are well-versed in the school’s philosophy and bring years of valuable experience working with children, ensuring a high level of care and expertise in every classroom.
Directors
Director Susan Mathias has dedicated over 25 years to Rollingwood Academy, where she has gained extensive experience both as a classroom educator and in various administrative roles. Her deep commitment to early childhood education is complemented by her academic background in Business Management, which she earned from Commonwealth College in Hampton, Virginia. In addition to her degree, Susan has pursued a variety of Early Childhood Education courses through Tidewater Community College, further broadening her knowledge and skills in the field.
Living in Virginia Beach with her husband, Susan enjoys a strong connection to the Rollingwood Academy community. Two of her three sons attended the academy, creating a special bond between her family and the school. Outside of her professional life, Susan and her family share a love for the outdoors, often spending time hiking, camping, and enjoying days by the lake. Her leadership at Rollingwood reflects both her dedication to fostering a nurturing learning environment and her passion for building strong family connections within the community.
Director, Evelyn Paddack is an accomplished early childhood educator with over 14 years of experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and has spent her career creating engaging, play-based learning environments that foster the holistic development of young children. Her passion for nurturing children’s natural curiosity and guiding their growth has made her a dedicated advocate for high-quality early childhood education. Evelyn’s approach emphasizes both academic and social-emotional development, ensuring each child builds a strong foundation for future success.
Residing in Virginia Beach with her husband and their four boys, all of whom attended Rollingwood Academy, Evelyn enjoys a vibrant family life. The Paddack family shares a love for outdoor adventures, including camping trips and family vacations, as well as spending quality time with friends and extended family. Evelyn’s commitment to her own family and her professional role as an educator reflects her belief in the importance of creating supportive, nurturing environments both at home and in the classroom.
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.