Calling Future Educators
Future Educators Academy (FEA) is a college partnership lab school that prepares rising high school juniors aspiring to be elementary and special education teachers through dual enrollment using accelerated, hands-on learning.
After obtaining their two-year associate degree from Laurel Ridge, FEA students can transfer to a partner institution and earn their bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure two years after their high school graduation. The college has articulation agreements in place for transfer with local universities and is working on specific agreements for Future Educator Academy students.
Student Voices – Hear from Our Future Educators
Participating School Divisions
- Clarke County
- Frederick County
- Page County
- Shenandoah County
- Warren County
- Winchester City
Locations
Depending on interest and enrollment, some program locations may be combined to ensure the best possible experience and use of resources.
- For the 2026-27 academic year, FEA will be held at the Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA.
Benefits
No out-of-pocket cost to students
Thanks to generous funding through the College Partnership Laboratory School Fund, students pay nothing out of pocket to obtain an associate degree through FEA , including testing preparation and test fees.
Non-competitive application
- Selection is determined by lottery for qualified applicants.
- Commit to teaching for two years in your home division
- Supporting school divisions are dedicated to offering positions to all successful FEA grads!
Hands-on experience
Practicums, observations, workshops, and other experiential learning prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in education. Additionally, experienced instructional staff can provide coaching for assessments.
Watch the Presentation
Information Sessions
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a rising junior.
- Completed three verified credits by the end of their sophomore year.
- Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Be in good disciplinary standing with their high school
Laurel Ridge will request high school transcripts to confirm that applicants meet, or are on track to meet, all requirements as part of the application process.
Meet with your high school counselor to discuss your eligibility.
Course Credit Chart
Transfer Agreements
Laurel Ridge Community College students benefit from a wide range of transfer opportunities through our existing Transfer VA agreements. In addition, we have established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with several partner colleges and universities to ensure a smooth and direct transfer process specifically for our Future Educators Academy (FEA) students as they work toward earning their teaching degrees. Additional transfer agreements are currently in development to expand these pathways even further.
- Mary Baldwin University
- Mary Washington University
- Lynchburg University
- Old Dominion University
- Shenandoah University
Student Code of Conduct and Notices
FEA Student Code of Conduct
Cell Phone Policy
In compliance with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, cell phones will be silenced and out of sight. This is to ensure students have a focused learning environment. Upon entering the classroom, students must keep cell phones in their backpacks, or out of sight. Parents needing to reach their child may call the Future Educators Academy Coordinator, and they will ensure the parent and student have communication.
Fentanyl Awareness
Pursuant to HB1473 (2024), “D. Each public high school or secondary school that includes grades nine through 12 shall annually distribute such fentanyl education and awareness informational one-sheet to each student in grades nine through 12 within the first two weeks of the school year.” This form is distributed the first week of classes and may be found here: Fentanyl Awareness One Pager
Senate Bill 656: Sexually Explicit Material
The Virginia General Assembly created model policies concerning instructional materials with sexually explicit content. In compliance with Senate Bill 656 (SB 656) and amended Virginia code 22.1-16.8, the Future Educators Academy is required to adhere to the following:
- Ensure advanced parental/guardian notification of the intended use of any instructional materials with sexually explicit content in their child’s education;
- Ensure parents/guardians have the opportunity to inspect and review instructional materials that are identified as including sexually explicit content; and
- Ensure parents/guardians have the opportunity to select for their child the option of alternative instructional materials and related academic activities that do not contain sexually explicit content./yout
Governance
Governing Board Members
- Dr. Kimberly Blosser, President (Laurel Ridge)
- Dr. Anthony Brads, Superintendent (Culpeper)
- Dr. Anna Graham, Superintendent (Madison)- Mr. Donald Dodson, Director of Technology and Secondary Education (Madison)
- Dr. Shashauna Gray, Vice President (Germanna)
- Dr. Tashika Griffith, President (Germanna)
- Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Superintendent (Rappahannock)- Karen Ellis
- Dr. Daniel Hornick, Superintendent (Orange)
- Dr. George Hummer, Superintendent (Frederick)
Schedule of Governing Board Meetings
- July 27, 2026 at 2pm at Daniel Technology Center Culpeper Va
- October 26, 2026 at 2pm at Laurel Ridge Community College Middletown, Va
- January 19, 2027 at 2 pm at Daniel Technology Center Culpeper Va
- April 26, 2027 at 2pm at Laurel Ridge Community College Middletown, Va
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Governing Board Agendas and Meeting Minutes
- April 20, 2026 Meeting Minutes
- March 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes
- October 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes
- July 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes
- May 5, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Advisory Committee Agendas and Meeting Minutes
Governing Board Bylaws and Handbook
Board of Education Laws College Partnership Laboratory Schools
Nondiscrimination Policy
Future Educators Academy Nondiscrimination Policy Future Educators Academy (FEA) promotes and maintains equal employment and educational opportunities, prohibiting discrimination in all of its education programs, recruitment efforts, employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities.
FEA strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of:
- Race, color, ethnicity, or national origin
- Religion or political affiliation
- Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions (including lactation)
- Age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification)
- Marital status; Status as a veteran
- Disability, or any other non-merit factors
Additionally, FEA prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence or harassment.
This policy applies to all institutional practices, including but not limited to: recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, layoff, training programs, accessibility, and job accommodation.
No otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the Academy.
FEA Updates
Future Educators Academy: May 2026 Updates
How to Apply
Use the below link to complete the Future Educators Academy application online. Please note that you, your parent(s)/guardian(s), and your high school counselor or career coach must complete the Future Educators Academy Packet first, as you will need to upload that as part of the application process.
Please also note that students will need to apply to Laurel Ridge Community College to obtain a student ID number. Students cannot be registered for classes without first becoming a student at Laurel Ridge. High school Career Coaches or counselors will be able to assist with this.
Questions?
Contact Future Educators Academy at 540-868-7235 or [email protected].