At Veritas Collegiate Academy, traditions are more than events—they're meaningful experiences that shape our students’ character, deepen their education, and strengthen our community. From academic milestones to joyful celebrations, each tradition reflects our commitment to classical Christian education.
Yearly retreats bring together students from our Chesapeake and Washington, D.C. campuses for a time of fellowship, spiritual growth, and outdoor adventure. It’s a refreshing break that builds friendships and sets the tone for the year ahead..png?width=480&height=300&name=fall-retreat-rope-course%20(1).png)
Inspired by Olympic runner and missionary Eric Liddell, this annual track meet on the Chesapeake campus is a celebration of perseverance, faith, and joyful competition. During this community event, students and families gather to run, cheer, and reflect on Liddell’s inspiring life. The meet is held on a natural grass track reminiscent of the fields where Eric Liddell’s legendary running career unfolded.
Through our annual OCC Christmas Packing Party, students learn the joy of giving by packing shoeboxes filled with gifts for children around the world. It’s a hands-on lesson in compassion and generosity that our families look forward to every holiday season.
Step back in time at our elegant, historically themed Dickens Dance and Dinner. Students and families dress in historical attire and enjoy traditional ballroom dancing with live music and a professional dance caller. This beloved event combines history, etiquette, and joyful celebration—creating memories that last a lifetime.
Each winter, Veritas welcomes visiting students from South Korea for two weeks of cultural exchange, academic enrichment, and new friendships. This global tradition reflects our heart for hospitality and international learning.
Upper School students journey to sites of historical significance such as Gettysburg, Williamsburg, or Jamestown. These immersive trips bring classroom learning to life and deepen students' understanding of America’s heritage.
Our annual talent show celebrates the diverse gifts of our students—from music and dance to comedy and poetry. It’s an evening of encouragement, creativity, and family fun, where students shine on stage and grow in confidence.
In true classical spirit, our Science Fair encourages curiosity, inquiry, and discovery. Students present experiments and research that reflect their growing mastery of critical thinking, observation, and analysis.
A treasured tradition since 1993 and a cornerstone of our school culture, Chrysalis is a formal evening held at a historic venue, traditionally at the Williamsburg Inn. Students dress in their finest and participate in a night of dining and ballroom dancing dedicated to truth, goodness, and beauty—hallmarks of classical education. This is an evening of sophistication and refinement in manners, and formal in the nature of its fellowship and entertainment. It is also a fun and memorable time together as a student body of eleventh and twelfth graders and their faculty..png?width=360&height=480&name=chrysalis-group%20(1).png)
The name of Chrysalis means a “preparatory or transitional state.” Just as a butterfly goes through a growth and transformation stage called chrysalis, our juniors and seniors are having this experience as part of their transformation into the statesmen of their generation. (Esther 4:12). Chrysalis symbolizes the personal growth our students experience as they equip themselves for future occasions of leadership opportunities.
Our 8th graders bring ancient language to life with a full theatrical performance in Latin. This culminating grammar-school experience showcases their linguistic skills and creativity, and offers a fun, immersive way to celebrate classical learning.
Grammar School students dress in historical costumes and present what they’ve learned during the year—transforming the school into a living museum! From ancient civilizations to early America, History Day is an exciting, hands-on celebration of our students’ academic journey.
A highlight of the Upper School experience, Moot Court challenges students to think deeply, argue persuasively, and speak confidently. In front of peers and judges, students apply logic and rhetoric to real-world legal cases—a striking example of classical education in action..png?width=480&height=300&name=history-day%20(1).png)
Each spring, we honor students for excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The formal induction ceremony is held at historic St. Luke’s Church in Smithfield, reinforcing the significance and dignity of this achievement.
The capstone of our Upper School curriculum, the Senior Thesis is a yearlong research project presented and defended before a panel of college professors, professionals from various fields. Seniors deliver a 15-minute presentation followed by a rigorous 15-minute Q&A. This scholarly rite of passage prepares students for college, careers, and a lifetime of thoughtful engagement with the world.
This trip involves juniors & seniors teaching their thesis. Topics usually include those pertaining to a Biblical perspective of Politics, Economics, Education, or Religious & Social issues. The audiences usually includes IB high school students, professionals, or graduate students from the Eastern Europe. Also, included is ministry opportunities to the gypsies or underprivileged in Eastern Europe, and an educational tour of Eastern & Western Europe.
At Veritas Collegiate Academy, the central aim is to cultivate students who reason and live according to a Biblical worldview. Each subject at Veritas is studied in the light of Scripture, equipping young men and women to serve as leaders and to be salt and light in their generation. This mission extends into real-world experiences. We pick settings that provide an opportunity for the students to be challenged to learn to articulate their thesis in a persuasive manner that is steeped in principle, logic, and reason. It has become the defining moment in the students' lives. For centuries, the Word of God has brought renewal to both individuals and nations, a truth embodied by the Reformers who reshaped the societies of their day. In this spirit, Veritas students are challenged to rise to the call of leadership, striving to serve the purposes of God fully in their own generation, as it was said of David in Acts 13:36.
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