After earning her Master’s in Teaching at VCU in 2021, Scout Boynton was eager to bring her passion for history and language to the classroom.She spent four years teaching history at Petersburg High School before joining AJC as our 6th-grade English and History teacher.  “Ms. Boynton is a good teacher because she always makes sure we’ve got it before she moves on,” shared sixth grader Jaceon, summing up the care and energy she brings to each lesson.  Below, Ms. Boynton shares what inspired her to become a teacher, what drew her to AJC, and a little about her teaching style. What inspired you to become a teacher? The reason I became a teacher is a combination of two things. First, I had a few really awesome teachers myself who made a big impact on me, so I was inspired by them. And second, I took a few classes in college that really opened

Last Friday we hosted our most well-attended Fish Fry yet — bringing together hundreds of students, graduates, families, and neighbors. Guests enjoyed good food, fun music, and gathered around our cheerleaders as they showed their team spirit. Adding a little friendly competition to the mix, Mr. Maruca challenged a couple students to a pull-up contest (we’ll let you guess who won). We were grateful to be joined by several community partners, including SCAN, Family Lifeline, Virginia Credit Union, Richmond Health Department, and Youth Corporation, Inc., all of whom helped connect families with valuable resources. The Fish Fry continues to grow alongside our school, and this year’s event was a beautiful reflection of our mission to be a place where people find and experience joy. 

There’s been a buzz of activity at the site of our new Lower School—gym walls are going up, and interior selections are underway. It’s exciting to imagine the spaces where future AJC students will learn, play, and grow — and to see that vision coming to life. August 1st marked the end of our four-week mandatory summer session, a favorite time of year for many students. It helps keep routines steady and lays the foundation for a strong school year ahead. This summer, we’ve welcomed lots of new faces, including the addition of a second section of 1st grade as part of our ongoing Lower School expansion. Between new kindergartners, 6th graders, and first graders, nearly fifty new Lions joined the pride. As we reflect on the past year and look toward the year ahead, we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this important work — and for the

Over thirty students ventured out to sleepaway camps this summer, including Camp Dudley in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Camp Kiniya on Lake Champlain in Vermont, Camp Alkulana in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, and Woodberry Forest Sports Camp, just north of Charlottesville. Each offered something special—from team sports and leadership development to outdoor adventure and exploration. These experiences are provided through a combination of camp partnerships and generous donations. They continue to be a powerful extension of our mission, providing opportunities to build confidence and friendships in new environments. Rising 8th grader, Zyan, was in his element at Woodberry Forest Sports Camp. (Photo credit: Woodberry Forest) Rising 4th graders, Kennedy and Zari, were all smiles on their spelunking adventure at Camp Akulana.