Principal John Brewer strives to create small learning communities at Dominion High School in Sterling.

Ever since the school opened in 2003, the student body, which now counts 1,200 students, has been divided into small schools of 100 students each. A team of teachers takes each group under its wing for the entire school year -- an approach that fits with recent research showing students learn best in smaller learning settings.

“Big schools can become a very anonymous place,” Brewer said.

Close bonds between students and teachers really kick in by mid-year, Brewer said, which helps prevent students from falling through the cracks.

“Not every student is successful, but we have an idea and can help them,” Brewer said. “We never have a situation where we say ‘oh man, how did that happen.’”

Although creating smaller learning communities is popular in high schools throughout the country, Brewer said Dominion’s approach is unique.

Dominion has taken a cutting-edge approach to technology, Brewer said. The school participated in a pilot program that allowed students to use 100 wireless laptops in the classroom. Brewer said the program was “wildly successful” and has been expanded to other schools in Loudoun.

Brewer also pointed to Dominion’s increasing extracurricular offerings in sports, academic clubs and community service.

All of the improvements in the curriculum and facilities have paid off in what Brewer called dramatic improvement in student achievement and attendance. Having just ushered through Dominion’s third graduating class, Brewer said he is most proud of how well his students have done in college.

“Dominion prepares students not only to get into college, but to succeed,” Brewer said.