Our School

Brickell Academy (formerly known as Kemps Landing/Old Donation School) is a centralized, full-time, gifted school serving identified students in grades two through eight. Admission is application-based and requires that students meet the criteria for gifted identification in VBCPS.

The curriculum includes all school district learning objectives, the Virginia Standards of Learning and expands and extends the curriculum specifically to meet the needs of the gifted learner. Specialized lessons and units include research and independent study as major components within each subject area.

Extra-curricular activities include options such as Future Problem Solving, yearbook, SCA, and other clubs in which students have special interest.

The current school was created in 2014 by the merger of Kemps Landing Magnet School and Old Donation Center.

Kemps Landing Background Information

Kemps Landing Magnet School opened its doors in September 1995 for academically gifted sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in Virginia Beach. As one of the options in Virginia Beach's gifted program, KLMS is an alternative program to which students may choose to apply. Academic rigor and challenge characterize the offerings at KLMS. Not only do students pursue topics at an accelerated pace, but they also explore course topics in greater depth and detail. The school has been created to provide a choice for gifted middle school students and their parents who seek greater academic challenges.

Old Donation Center Background Information

On March 17, 1998, the Virginia Beach School Board approved a redesigned gifted elementary school plan. This vote paved the way for 400 academically gifted students to attend a single-site gifted elementary school at the Old Donation Center. In addition, this new model includes resource teachers to work in each elementary school to provide differentiated gifted services.

The elementary gifted school increased enrollment to 500 students in the 1999-2000 school year. The gifted school for the arts, which includes the art and dance programs for students in grades 3 through 8, continues to be housed at Old Donation Center.