Our Founders:

Nin-Aseeya Ra-El (Deedra Ryals) is the co-founder of Nubian Village Academy, Inc., the first African-centered school in the state of Virginia. She is currently the Executive Director of the school and is the mother of two children. “My eyes are filled daily with a river of love as I watch two worlds become one. The shift that we are all experiencing is one from Believing to Knowing the impossible is Possible.” Aseeya received a B.A. in Political Science with a double minor in Philosophy and Criminal Justice, an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling with a concentration in Community Counseling and is working toward her Doctorate in Metaphysical Science. She has served on many community boards in Richmond, VA, and is currently a city commissioner. Aseeya is also an active member of Sister Cities International and serves as President of Vision III Investments, LLC.

Arvat McClaine, PhD is the Co-Founder of Nubian Village Academy and currently serves on its Board of Directors.  She recently authored a book in conjunction with the Nubian Village Academy community entitled Amazing Faces of Central Virginia.  Dr. McClaine along with Harold Watkins (her husband of 16 years) have operated several successful businesses that have nurtured the minds and spirits of many.  She holds a doctorate in Parapsychic Science and has completed all of the coursework for a doctorate in Urban Education.  Dr. McClaine strongly believes that “we have the internal and eternal powers to bring forth our most passionate dreams. Manifesting our dreams is the easy part. The challenge is having the courage to dream at all.”                                                             

Board of Directors

Classrooms

Nubian Village Academy educates students from 2 years to the 8th grade. Students are grouped in classes as follows: Elementary I (grades K-2), Elementary II (grades 3-5), Middle (grades 6-8).

Each group (grades K-8) has between 8-10 students along with a teacher and a classroom helper. Grade grouping allows older students to solidify their academic skills and to develop leadership skills as they assist the younger students in understanding concepts. Grade grouping also allows younger students to learn the advanced concepts that the older students are learning.

Teachers

Nubian Village Academy teachers and staff are powerful influences in the lives of its students. Teachers are carefully selected based on their ability to teach and on their dedication to providing the highest quality of education and care. Our teachers believe that all children are geniuses and that it is their role to tap into the genius of each and every student. Teachers inspire students to believe in themselves and their abilities. View Our Programs.

Parents

Parents regularly volunteer at Nubian Village Academy because they understand the importance of their participation in their children’s education. Parents provide a variety of services for the students during the school day by doing such things as having lunch with the students, reading stories, assisting with tutoring or with fieldtrips. Other activities where parents offer invaluable assistance include planning special events like birthday parties, inviting special guests, organizing volunteer projects for students, and organizing sport and academic teams. Students’ success skyrockets when the parent is intimately involved in the education of children.

Community

The role that the community plays in helping our students to grow cannot be overstated. Nubian Village Academy actively seeks out community agents to share their knowledge, time, and other resources to enhance the educational opportunities for our students. Also, each student is actively involved in the community by providing volunteer services and being exposed to multitudes of
learning experiences that take place outside of the walls of the
school.