Students flourish in an environment of discipleship and fellowship.
Ad Fontes is one of the best private schools in northern Virginia because we treasure the special relationship between teacher and student.
Our teachers combine a heart for Christ and their students with high expectations and a nurturing spirit. We build passion for academic subjects shared within a culture of dialogue and debate, not simply lecture.
The Ad Fontes academic program develops well-rounded, thoughtful, and well-spoken Christian men and women with the character, skills, and vision they need to succeed at university and in life.
Cultivating Pillars of Christian Faithfulness
in Wisdom and Virtue
An Ad Fontes Academy graduate is a wise and virtuous individual who:
- Cherishes Wisdom
- Nurtured in the rich soil of the classical Christian tradition, they possess a deep-rooted commitment to the historic Christian faith. Inspired by our academic and spiritual guidance, they actively integrate Christ’s teaching into their daily existence, understanding that living out of the Great Commandment is the pinnacle of human flourishing.
- Passionately Pursues Knowledge
- Our graduates are not just learners, but joyful seekers of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Through the lens of the Liberal Arts Tradition, they embrace lifelong learning with enthusiasm and purpose, forever drawn to the depths of wisdom and understanding.
- Embodies Virtue
- Our graduates stand as testaments to the synergy of reasoned thought and virtuous action. Shaped by our Christ-centered classical education, they are adept at attentive listening, discerning thinking, and eloquent communication. In every endeavor, they radiate wisdom and uphold justice.
- Leads with Humility
- Our graduates, infused with the spirit of servant leadership, place the needs of others above their own. Drawing inspiration from Christ’s embodiment of selfless and compassionate guidance, they step forward to lead with both humility and grace, making a difference in their communities.
- Cultivates a Flourishing Culture
- Our graduates, having been deeply rooted in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, actively manifest these ideals in their daily lives. Through their actions and preferences, they glorify God, and their presence becomes a catalyst, inspiring and cultivating a culture that thrives on these foundational principles wherever they tread.
An Ad Fontes Academy Faculty Member is a wise and virtuous individual who:
- Embodies the Portrait of a Graduate
- AFA faculty members model the virtues we instill in our students, embodying our mission.
- Pursues Deep Understanding
- Dedicated to deepening their understanding, AFA faculty delve into the riches of the Christian tradition, the wonders of the natural world, and the intricacies of their teaching discipline. Their commitment to personal growth in wisdom and virtue becomes a luminous path, inspiring and directing our students toward these lofty aspirations.
- Embodies Humble Dedication
- An AFA faculty member wholeheartedly embraces the academy’s mission, exemplifying humility through submission to authority and a genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of our students. They not only adhere to the standards and guidelines detailed in the Ad Fontes handbooks but also strive to comprehend and embody the deeper philosophy behind our policies and practices.
- Nurtures Authentic Connections
- AFA faculty members are dedicated to weaving strong, healthy bonds with students, parents, and fellow educators. They communicate with grace, navigate conflicts with understanding and respect, and uphold the tenet of avoiding gossip. In doing so, they shine as exemplars of our steadfast commitment to fostering genuine, uplifting relationships within our community.
- Exemplifies Teaching Mastery
- AFA faculty members stand at the forefront of pedagogical excellence, ensuring our students receive an enriching and captivating educational experience. They demonstrate prowess in both course content and teaching techniques, craft an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating, and thoughtfully design classroom experiences to promote deep, restful learning.
- Guides with Benevolent Authority
- AFA faculty members blend courage with wisdom in their leadership, embodying virtuous authority. They approach student behavior with discernment, eschewing raw displays of power or manipulative tactics. Their leadership is characterized by kindness and goodwill, ensuring their authority is both respected and fruitful for all involved.
A Master Faculty Member at Ad Fontes Academy is a wise and virtuous individual who:
- Embodies the Portrait of a Faculty Member
- Radiates Christian Maturity
- AFA master faculty members are living testimonies of Christ’s teachings, seamlessly integrating them into both their personal and professional lives. They not only uphold but shine forth the ethos and values of Ad Fontes, serving as luminous exemplars for our students, parents, the Northern Virginia community, and beyond.
- Champions Teacher Development
- AFA master faculty members take the helm in mentoring and training educators, exemplifying the essence of the Portrait of a Faculty Member both within our walls and beyond. Their guiding presence ignites a passion for lifelong learning and an unwavering quest for truth, goodness, and beauty in every facet of life.
- Cultivates the Whole Student
- AFA master faculty members dedicate themselves to the holistic development of students, kindling their passion for academic excellence, altruistic service, and refine tastes. Recognizing the unique needs of each student, they guide them towards embracing virtue and championing the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. Through their exemplary conduct and instruction, these faculty members sow seeds of admiration, inspiring students to cherish life’s most noble pursuits. Their influence is so profound that students naturally aspire to emulate them.
- Wholeheartedly Upholds AFA’s Mission
- AFA master faculty members are unwavering pillars of our mission, recognizing and valuing the distinct contributions of their colleagues. They resolutely foster a community that not only seeks knowledge and truth but also reveres each member and their invaluable contributions. Their dedication ensures that the ethos of Ad Fontes Academy thrives and resonates in every corner of our institution.
- Embarks on Continuous Professional Advancement
- AFA master faculty underscore the significance of perpetual learning and career progression. They stand not merely as experts in their domains but also as practitioners, engaging in writing, research, and oration. Representing the pinnacle of excellence and virtue, they weave these values into their teaching, scholarly endeavors, and dedicated service to our students.
- Crafts Outstanding Curriculum
- AFA master faculty members meticulously construct curriculum that resonates with our mission: to nurture students to wisdom and virtue an immersive Christ-centered classical education. They are at the vanguard of reviving and refining the classical Christian education paradigm, tailoring it impeccably to our unique educational milieu.
“Every subject is woven together to create a firm foundation and worldview that will benefit my children for the rest of their lives. I don’t know where we would be if God hadn’t started my children on this track at their youngest and most impressionable ages.”
Kelly Towsey
Mom
Meet the Faculty & Staff
Head of School
Administrative Staff | Lower School Faculty | Upper School Faculty
Mrs. Karen Dougherty is the proud mom of a 2019 Ad Fontes Academy graduate. She loves the school so much, she spent 3 years serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and is honored now to serve as the Head of School. She is a graduate of [...]
Principal
Administrative Staff | Lower School Faculty | Upper School Faculty
Mr. Michael J. Muñiz is an experienced educator in his 19th year of service. Born and raised in Miami, FL, he recently moved from Dallas after serving for 5 years as an educator and administrator at a classical charter school. Mr. Muñiz is currently nearing the end of his [...]
Bible and History
Administrative Staff
Mr. Dave Mathwin has taught at Ad Fontes since 1998. He lives in Midland with his wife Linda and their three children, John, AJ, and Keris. In past years he taught a variety of subjects but now concentrates on teaching History at the Upper School. Mr. Mathwin's website, A [...]
Director of Athletics, College Support, and Student Activities
Administrative Staff | Upper School Faculty
Mr. Paul Cameron spent his formative years abroad in Europe as a military kid and missionary. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Business Marketing and an M.B.A. in Public Relations. As the Director of Athletics, College Support, and Student Activities, Mr. Cameron strives to use his [...]