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Sarah Smythe named Director of Admissions
Sarah Smythe

Mrs. Sarah Smythe, who has served in Norfolk Academy's Admissions Office since 2005, has been named our school's Director of Admissions.  

Mrs. Smythe has taken on a multitude of roles in the Admissions Office, including associate director, and, this past year interim Director of Admissions. She has given hundreds of campus tours, interviewed prospective Bulldogs and parents, planned Open Houses, and administered testing. She also played a key role in the development and implementation of new programming such as MATA (Mornings at the Academy), student and parent ambassador programs, and neighborhood gatherings.  

As Interim Director of Admissions, she guided the admissions team in personalized outreach to prospective families, even amid a worldwide pandemic that closed our campus and schools throughout Virginia. She also helped showcase our school's Philosophy and Objectives and how they align with our programming and dedicated faculty. 

Norfolk Academy conducted a thorough and extensive national search in hiring for this position. 

“Sarah’s appointment is a testament to the value of loyal, dedicated service and to a determined path of constant improvement and professional growth and attainment," Headmaster Dennis Manning said in a letter to faculty and staff.   

Mrs. Smythe held a wealth of experience in admissions work before joining the NA family. A graduate of Washington and Lee University, she served as associate director of admissions at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC and as an admissions associate at Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. She is a member of the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals and the Enrollment Management Association.

In addition to her admissions service, Mrs. Smythe has coached field hockey and been our Special Olympics advisor. She also volunteers in the community with Outreach Africa, which assists refugees, particularly those displaced as a result of civil war in Sudan, who have relocated to the Tidewater area.

“Two key considerations secured the final appointment for Sarah," Mr. Manning wrote. "First, she has the clear confidence and support of our administrative leaders — our division directors, in particular — and she has garnered the respect and admiration of her admissions colleagues here in her role as Interim Admissions Director."

Please learn more about our admissions process, including how to apply, financial aid, frequently asked questions, and information for accepted students. 

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