By Christina Leslie | Correspondent

Another academic year is underway at Villa Victoria Academy, which last year changed its focus to educating solely girls from grades six through high school. The Ewing private school had originally included a Lower School for students from kindergarten through the eighth grade.

The decision to cease enrollment of the younger students was not made lightly, noted Colleen White, director of admissions. A Board of Directors subcommittee had analyzed the status of the Lower School, weighed various options, and concluded that it was no longer feasible to remain open.

“The committee looked at enrollment, demographics, the birth rate and the marketplace,” White said, “and realized … the kindergarten through fifth grade was not seeing enrollment. As the students get older, and parents begin to think about college, the market changes.

“To remain financially sustainable, and to strengthen the academy overall, we right-sized the school for the times we are living in right now,” White said.

The new Middle School is designed for girls in grades six through eight; the Upper School remains intact for ninth- through 12th grade students.

In a news release, Chuck Machion, chairman of the Villa Victoria Academy, said, “Since formally christened as a private academy in 1933, the mission of Villa Victoria Academy, consistent with the vision of the Religious Teachers Filippini, is to educate students to a global view, to uphold the dignity of each individual and to empower students to influence the world in a truly Christian manner.”

President of the academy, Filippini Sister Lillian Harrington, added, “We hold true to our tradition of excellences in education, believing that every Villa girl has the ability to learn and reach her potential.”