If one phrase were to define RVA's educational philosophy, it would be "Wake up!" Students are often complacent, about their academic performances, about their ability to change (or not change) anything, about their views of America and the world.

RVA will question almost every assumption they come in with, asking them to analyze and justify what they believe. In these interactions, they're allowed to question our beliefs as well in an interchange that expresses mutual respect.

Questioning means active engagement. Questioning beliefs can overthrow long-held prejudices. Once students learn to ASK relevant, appropriate, and substantial questions, then they have learned how to learn.