History of Our School

Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy (LCTA), built in 1958, was named in honor of Mr. Rozier Lyles and Mrs. Carrie Crouch, former teachers. Lyles-Crouch, one of Alexandria's smallest schools, serves students in kindergarten through grade five from the Old Town neighborhood of the city. We believe that because school plays such an important part in the lives of children, it is our responsibility to provide every opportunity for the total development of our students' potential, so they may become valuable contributors to our changing society.

LCTA is considered a Focus School because our educational philosophy and curriculum are unique within the Alexandria City Public Schools. Our school has been certified as a Core Knowledge School, one of only five official Core Knowledge Schools in Virginia.

The Core Knowledge teaching model builds upon core learning concepts (reading and math) through an integrated and creative learning approach. Students study the arts, science and social studies thematically and learn specific knowledge in each subject area that increases in complexity year by year. Our multi-cultural curriculum incorporates both world and American history, and then further reinforces learning and understanding through corresponding art and music instruction. Some of the Core Knowledge Sequence topics include Native American Cultures (kindergarten), Early Civilizations (Mayan, Incan, Aztec - second grade), and The Middle Ages (Europe, China and Africa - fourth grade).

Parents and community volunteers play a key role in the education of the children at LCTA. Volunteers tutor students, arrange special events, chaperone field trips, and lend their expertise to class projects. Currently, our parent volunteers manage more than 25 individual educational and enrichment programs throughout the year.

LCTA is a unique and vibrant community of teachers, students and parents. Our mission is to foster a love of learning and to provide each of our students with the skills necessary to successfully meet the challenges of a changing society.