Alexandria Academy Programs Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2020 

Alexandria. VA – The City of Alexandria invites the public to participate in its Academy programs to learn how local government, partner agencies and the community work together to create a well-managed place in which to live, work and visit.

These free programs are designed to inform, educate, engage and encourage participants to become more actively involved in fostering a thriving Alexandria. Learn how City departments work together to provide a safe, secure and sustainable community. Applications for all academies will be accepted through the date indicated on each application.

ALEXANDRIA CITY ACADEMY

Held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., for nine weeks beginning March 12. This course provides participants with the opportunity to learn about City government through first-hand experience in a wide range of government functions, services, activities and issues. Details and application

ALEXANDRIA COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY COMMUNITY ACADEMY

This one-day academy will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The class is held at the Alexandria Courthouse and includes information about the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, the law surrounding police-citizen encounters, and an in-depth look at how criminal offenses are prosecuted. Details and application

ALEXANDRIA SENIOR ACADEMY

Held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, for four weeks beginning April 1. This course is designed to educate, inform and engage Alexandria’s seniors (60+) about government functions, programs and organizations that provide services available to seniors. Details and application

NEW! ALEXANDRIA ECO-CITY ACADEMY

Held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six weeks, beginning April 1. This course is an opportunity to become an Eco-City Ambassador, take actions to make our City more sustainable, learn about environmental challenges, and contribute to daily sustainable practices to reach the adopted 2019 goals of the City. Special tours may be included. Details and application

ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY FIRE ACADEMY

Held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., for 10 weeks beginning March 3. This course will educate participants about fire safety and emergency medical response; department history, administration and operations; and the apparatus of an urban public safety agency. Participants will also participate in hands-on training to experience a “day in the life” of a firefighter and  paramedic. Details and application

ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY

Held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m., for 10 weeks beginning March 11. This course combines presentations and interactive activities on topics including patrol operations, K9 Unit, gang, crime prevention, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations and the Special Operations team. The curriculum covers the core elements that are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of police operations. Details and application

ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY SHERIFF’S ACADEMY

Held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for four weeks beginning March 7. This course will explore the role of the Sheriff’s Office in Alexandria’s criminal justice system. Tour the jail; go behind the scenes at the courthouse; meet with deputies responsible for the care and custody of nearly 400 inmates every day; and discover how the Sheriff’s Office enhances public safety through a variety of specialized services and outreach programs. Details and application

All programs are open to those who live or work in the City of Alexandria; some have age restrictions. Please check details for specifics. A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of each course. Applications for all academies will be accepted through the date indicated on each application .

Class sizes are limited. For more information, including deadlines and application forms, visit alexandriava.gov/Academies.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at [email protected] or 703.746.3959.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact [email protected] or call 703.746.4317 or Virginia Relay 711.

Half-Day Police Academy for Alexandria Residents(Opens in a new browser tab)