We are pleased to introduce our incoming Head of School, Mr. Tommy Blain, who will join us on July 1st at the start of our 2026 summer session.
Mr. Blain comes to AJC with experience as a Kindergarten Teacher, school leader, and educational consultant, with roots in Richmond and a career that has taken him from New Orleans classrooms to leading a KIPP school in Boston and supporting educators nationwide. His passion for AJC’s mission—to love, educate, and uplift students—is already clear in the way he has engaged with our community. Over the past several months, he has met one-on-one with every staff member, connected with families, and spent time with students—listening, answering questions, and learning what matters most to them. As he shared, “Stepping into this role is the honor of my life.”
We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Mike Maruca, whose legacy will continue to shape AJC in countless ways. At the same time, we look forward to Mr. Blain bringing his own energy to this role—grounded in humility and connection—while honoring the culture of warmth, good humor, and belonging Mike has so thoughtfully built. |
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Watch the video below to get to know Mr. Blain a bit more—including whether he’s willing to go the extra mile like Mr. Maruca always has (yes, that includes hopping in the dunk tank at this Saturday’s Spring Bash). As always, our doors are open—please stop by to meet him! |
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Hope Grows Expansion Update
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It’s incredible to see what’s been accomplished since our Lower School groundbreaking last May. Floors are in, painting is nearly complete, and classrooms have taken shape. A playground will be installed next week and we are on track to begin our move in early June, with a ribbon-cutting planned later that month—just in time to welcome students for our summer session. Our new school will allow us to serve even more students, including a second section of 2nd and 3rd grades beginning in July.
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We are approaching the home stretch of our Hope Grows Campaign. The $37 million campaign supports the new lower school building, athletic field, endowment, and multi-year operating funds as we grow to serve over 270 students. Thanks to the generosity of a lead donor, all new gifts are being matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million. With matching funds in place, this is a pivotal moment to help us cross the finish line. |
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Each year, AJC students have the opportunity to attend exceptional summer camps like Camp Dudley, Camp Kiniya, and Camp Alkulana. But before they can step into a cabin or canoe, they need something simple: a physical.
Thanks to Dr. Richard Bennett, that requirement never becomes a barrier. By essentially bringing the doctor’s office to AJC, alongside a team of interns, he ensures students are ready to participate in experiences that expand their world.
Now a member of our Board of Trustees, Dr. Bennett first connected with AJC through a call from Mr. Maruca, who wanted to offer summer camps like those he loved as a child. That annual springtime call continues today—opening doors for AJC students year after year. |
| Guided by the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” Dr. Bennett hopes his visits do more than prepare students for camp. He also aims to inspire young doctors and nurses to give back within their own communities. |
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Beyond The Bell: Make Space |
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Every Thursday after school, middle school girls head to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond for 'Make Space.' With transportation and a hearty snack provided, they show up ready to try something new. Paired with dedicated mentors—relationships that often last beyond the program—they tackle a wide range of art projects from pottery to sewing to woodworking. Beginning timidly as they are introduced to entirely new skills, within hours they often discover what they are capable of—and leave proud of what they’ve created to take home with them.
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| The goals of Make Space are to provide access to meaningful arts experiences, to provide creative outlets that promote self-confidence and a positive future orientation, and to foster mentoring relationships with caring adults. |
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| Ja'Meen Tucker, Class of 2014 |
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As a sixth grader, Ja'Meen told Mr. Maruca he would one day serve on the board—and now he’s doing just that. “I’m 100% a product of AJC’s mission,” he shared. “I want to be an example of what’s possible.”
He's been busy since we last connected with him in November, turning a vision into action. After pitching a trades program for East End adults to an executive committee at Woodfin, he successfully launched and led a five-week pilot with their backing. The program attracted dozens of applicants and combined exposure to careers in welding, HVAC, and plumbing with life skills like financial literacy and resume building. Today, several participants have landed jobs in their chosen trades, with opportunities to continue their training to achieve certifications—and Ja’Meen has stepped into a full-time role with Woodfin as a Work Force Development Specialist.
Pictured here, he recently returned to AJC to speak at Career Day—encouraging students to take advantage of every opportunity in front of them. |
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We’re incredibly proud to count Ja’Meen among our alumni and Board of Trustees and grateful that he continues to support the communities that helped shape him. |
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Each spring for the past decade, the Tuckahoe Garden Club has quietly tended the flowers at the front of our school. It’s a simple act of care, but one that shapes how a place feels for the students and families who pass by each day. These kind gestures don’t go unnoticed. They create a sense of pride and beauty before anyone even walks through the doors.
Many thanks to Kate O’Hagan, Betsy Fauntleroy, Melinda Smith, Kelly Armstrong (pictured here), and other garden club members for the care they’ve shown our school and students over the years—and for helping make AJC a place that feels safe and welcoming. |
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Our annual Career Day was a huge success thanks to the coordination of our Director of Curriculum, Susan Barstow. Students spent the morning rotating through different sessions, learning about a variety of careers. Guests engaged students in thought-provoking conversations and hands-on activities that offered students a glimpse into different fields of work. Thank you to all who joined us! |
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| - Sydnee Lopes, Swim RVA
- Jermelle Dandridge, Collegiate
- Mecca Harris, Art 180
- Sarah Nicholas, Small Business Owner and former FBI agent
- Lamonte Theus, Entrepreneur and Basketball Coach
- My'cheal Jefferson-Reese, Public Defender
- Tish Canady, St. Catherine's School
- Ja'Meen Tucker, Woodfin
- Breianna White, Soccer Coach, owner of Evolve Coaching
- Akeem Anderson, Barber and Owner of Dreamcutz
- Gilbert Wilkerson, Police Chaplain and retired Judge's Assistant
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| Friday, May 1 : Flag Football @ River City Sportsplex, Midlothian Saturday, May 2: Spring Bash 12:00-3:00 @ AJC, rain or shine Friday, May 8: Soccer Game @ Sabot School Saturday, May 23: MS State Invitational Track Meet @ Deep Run HS Monday, May 25: School Closed - Memorial Day Friday, May 29: Last Day for Students/K-7 End of Year Assemblies Monday, June 1: 8th Grade Graduation |
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Our spring athletic season will be winding down soon, but there's still time to come out to cheer on our fighting lions in soccer, flag football, and track. Students love to see you on the sidelines! |
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Contact Ashley Raggi at raggia@ajcschool.org to learn how you can make a difference by volunteering.
Did you know? You can make your volunteer time go even further. Some employers match volunteer hours with financial donations — meaning your time at AJC could turn into funding for our students. Consider checking whether your (or your spouse’s) employer offers a volunteer match. Send classroom supplies through our Amazon Wishlist. Support our Hope Grows Expansion Campaign. |
Thank you for supporting our hard work and big dreams! |
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