About Us
For the past 9 years, Ascendereth Academy has provided free, educational courses on subjects that do not receive enough attention in traditional education. The program was initiated by Chancellor Ryan Lyle Addair and his desire to spread his unique passion for teaching with the community at a young age. From there, the Academy grew to over 200 members graduating and participating in community events in central Virginia. Now Ascendereth Academy continues to offer free courses for people of all ages to help them reach their goals and enjoy learning.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Basics
Learn the inner workings of AI and how to use it effectively
This course focuses on how AI evolved and how it impacts the world today. Also, you'll learn how to use it responsibly to improve efficiency and simplify difficult tasks.
Prehistoric Life
Explore the world of the dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals with a detailed course for all ages
This class covers a variety of dinosaurs from each time period in the Mesozoic Era and discusses themes like geologic time and the changing environment through fun visual presentations.
History of Tea
Learn the history of tea from its origins in China to its modern uses while exploring various facets of culture and history around the globe
The History of Tea includes presentations and notes that take the major events from world history and view the from a new lens--tea! You will learn how it spread around the world and gain a more informed perspective of culture and the modern role of tea in society.
Dragon Academy
Dive into a fantasy adventure and learn about a whole new world of mythical creatures and stories
In this course, you will follow the adventures of a fictional empire as they struggle with intergalactic politics and fantasy dragons. Presentations and documents guide you through this thrilling adventure and describe the many new creatures you'll encounter.
Porkene History
Take on a new adventure through a fantasy course that explores the evolution of an intergalactic society with fantasy elements
Follow the journey of the mighty Porkene Empire as they conquer galaxies and explore a new political landscape. With sorcerer battles and massive space invasions, you'll enjoy a fun new adventure through slideshow lectures, notes, and activities.
Abstract Mathematics
Delve into the world of mathematics from a whole new angle with concepts like game theory and chaos--no prior knowledge needed
This course view math from a new perspective. Instead of rigorous calculations and logic, you will see the underlying concepts and theories that define our world and shape modern physics and mathematics while learning about current mathematical discoveries applicable to daily life.
LATEST NEWSLETTER
Ascendereth Academy January Newsletter: Greetings, Academy participants and supporters! Once again, I am thrilled to share the monthly newsletter. This newsletter contains the instructions and link to the new website. I encourage everyone to check it out and provide any feedback you have. More changes and future course additions will be announced in next month’s letter. New Academy Website: The new website is live! I have added a couple of new courses and features to the old system. You can use the menu button at the top to navigate after reading the information on the homepage. The latest newsletter is also posted at the end of the main page. I look forward to seeing everyone explore this new website and contact me with any questions. New Artificial Intelligence Course: With the recent rise of AI in education, work, and around the world, I have decided to create a course that walks through the basics of AI and how to use it efficiently and responsibly in all environments. Additionally, this class will explore the environmental impacts of AI and growing data centers and how to address these concerns in an ethical, effective way. The first lesson in this course is published on the new website! Abstract Mathematics: As promised, I have released the first presentation in the abstract mathematics course to the new Academy website. I am looking forward to expanding it and adding new courses throughout the year. Let me know if you have any feedback on this material so I can improve future lessons. Life Ready 2026: This year, Henrico County has invited Ascendereth Academy to present at its annual life ready presentation event in March. The event is a time for students and teachers from around Henrico to come together and present important achievements to the community. I will have the date for the event in the February newsletter. Old Website Link for use as necessary while transitioning to the new website: https://sites.google.com/henricostudents.org/academywebsite/home Science Fiction Novel: I have completed the first novel in the science fiction trilogy titled, Realms of Reality. I am continuing to work on the next novel in the series and target a release later in 2026 for the first book. Thank you to everyone who has helped and shown continued interest in this work! Community Events: In 2026, I will announce the community events planned for the first part of the year in the February newsletter to draw attention to what we are doing here at the Academy and in our community. Watch the newsletter for updates! Academy Participant Ideas: If you have any of your own ideas for community events or new classes, feel free to share them with me in an email so I can work with you to make it happen. Thank you very much! New Participants: I am currently looking for new participants from around the community who would be interested in partaking in this program or at least trying it out. If you know anyone who might, feel free to share this message with them or have them contact me for more information. Thank you for reading this newsletter and look out for the next edition in February. You can email hcps-addairrl@henricostudents.org with any questions. Have a great week. Thanks, Ryan L. Addair, Academy Chancellor