Poplar Springs Academy

Some students need more help than a traditional school can offer due to emotional and/or learning disabilities. Poplar Springs Academy offers those with academic, development and social difficulties the chance to receive a quality education in an environment specifically structured to meet their needs. Students not only receive academic instruction — they also learn the coping skills necessary to make the transition back to a standard classroom.

Licensed Programs

Poplar Springs Academy fully meets licensure standards established by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, and is licensed as a private special education institution.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The subject matter covered at each grade level covers the standards of learning for Virginia and includes grade-appropriate mathematics, English, language arts, science, social studies, and physical education.

Small Classes

An extraordinarily low student-teacher ratio allows ample opportunity for one-on-one interaction between the instructors and students. Classes either have one teacher for every eight students, or two teachers in one classroom with a maximum of 15 students.

Social and Behavioral Skills

Students will learn that respect — for themselves and others — is a vital part of the Poplar Springs Academy curriculum. Students learn to:

  • Appreciate and value learning and education
  • Develop a positive attitude toward teachers, school staff and other adults
  • Recognize their worth as individuals
  • Acknowledge the rights of others including peers and family members
  • Resolve problems in acceptable ways

Individualized Approach

Each student works closely with the Poplar Springs Academy team, parents and local school district representatives to create and meet personal and academic goals. Strong emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills, including:

  • Managing anger
  • Solving problems
  • Making decisions
  • Coping with peer pressure
  • Organizing and setting priorities

Experienced Staff

Reflecting the dual behavioral and educational emphasis at Poplar Springs Academy, the staff includes the Director of Education, Certified Special Education Teachers, Licensed Therapists, an Education Coordinator, and other related support personnel based on individual student needs.

Ms. Dowl

Dr Dowl From the time I was a child I had the desire to be a teacher. That dream became a reality and with the encouragement of a wise father, who told me to specialize in my major of education. I recalled the time I taught a girl that I'd play with from time to time how to skate. To the casual reader this may not be a big deal, but we were about 10 and this little girl lived at the local "state institution". I was given a lot of rules about what she could not do. My friend wanted to learn how to skate and she did learn. From that early teaching experience I learned that with encouragement, patience, and compassion, children can learn. Both my Bachelor and Masters' degrees were earned at Virginia State University in the area of Special Education. I also attended Boston College, where I completed course work in special education. My teaching experiences include service in the Dinwiddie County, VA public schools, Los Angeles, CA ( Switzer Center for Educational Therapy) and as an adjunct professor of Special Education at Virginia State University. Prior to joining the PSH Learning Center staff I served as a Licensure Specialist for the Virginia Dept of Education.

How Do I Enroll My Adolescent?

Since Poplar Springs Academy runs year round, you can enroll at any time. Families, physicians, therapists or local school officials may refer a child to the Poplar Springs Academy. To get started, please call our Director of Education at (804) 733-0129.