The Commonwealth Academy in Del Ray expanded over the summer, adding nearly 6,000 square feet to their building, at a cost of approximately $700,000.

This will enable the academy to go from a student body of 100 students to 150 students, and add a biology and physics lab to expand the college-oriented curriculum for this private school. The expansion also included two additional classrooms, locker room facilities, a lounge, a kitchenette, an art room and two offices.

There was a capacity issue, said Susan Johnson, the head of school.

Since the schools opening in 1997, it has grown at a rate of 18 percent a year, except last year when it was near capacity. With the additional space, the school intends on marketing to the surrounding area. This is the year for it, said Johnson.

The Academy has grades six through 12 and teaches college prep classes, focusing on technology and smaller class sizes for more individualized attention. The teacher to student ratio is 10 to one, said Johnson. The school is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and recently received an award from the Academy Recognition of Educator Awards.

The tuition is $26,482 a year and there are students at the school from all over the Washington Metropolitan area. One student comes up from Fredericksburg, said Johnson.

On Sept. 28, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Del Ray academy is marking its tenth anniversary celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition.