In keeping with our mission, Spire is providing parents and students with viable alternatives to higher education. Coming soon, dual enrollment and gap year classes with full accreditation.
Our Vision
Spire Halls addresses a fundamental challenge: higher education has become disconnected from our communities, from changes in the workplace, and whole-person training. Located in Northern Virginia, we serve high school dual-enrolled seniors and students in their 13th and 14th years who want more than just academic credentials.
Founded by David and Robin Fouse and having evolved from Spire Running, our approach recognizes that education is essential but incomplete when applied in isolation. Great value comes in actively using our bodies to live out what we learn and believe.
S P I R E H A L L S
What We Offer
Spire Halls delivers college-accredited courses through our partnership with Southeastern University, using a discussion-based approach that challenges students to engage deeply with ideas rather than passively consume information. Our focus on community keeps students engaged with instructors who have hands-on experience in the subjects they teach and a vested interest in using their knowledge and network to advance each student’s future opportunities.
S P I R E H A L L S
What Makes Us Different:
- Whole-Person Development: Education touches every part of who we are. All students participate in structured physical development alongside academics, each being undergirded with principles of faith.
- Socratic Method: We employ interaction and questions in a dynamic environment that requires students to actively participate in what they learn and believe.
- Real-World Integration: Students don’t just study concepts; they apply them with real-world exercises.
- Calling and Community: We challenge students to understand their unique gifts and purpose and how to use them at home and in their own community.
S P I R E H A L L S
Physical Development Requirement
Because this component of our program is sometimes overlooked, we highlight that at Spire Halls, we believe in developing the whole person through our integrated mind-body-soul approach. Having evolved from Spire Running, our education isn’t for education’s sake—this three-pronged connection is designed to pursue character formation in an interconnected, whole-person way. As such, all students participate in a structured physical development component alongside their academic coursework.
Course Offerings
FALL 2025
BBUS 1003 - Introduction to Business
Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 AM
This 12-week course introduces students to key business functions in the global economy, covering economics, accounting, finance, management, operations, marketing, and business planning. Students also develop professional networking skills using social media.
Our instructor emphasizes real-world applications over purely theoretical knowledge while integrating a Christian perspective on business ethics. The Socratic Oxford style encourages critical thinking and dynamic dialogue as students apply concepts directly to their own business ideas.
Professor: Jim Lindsay
Location: 3110 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, 13th floor
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 3
Cost: $200-$250 per credit hour + $175 tech fee ($50 discount for Spire runners)
ENG 1113 - English Composition
Tuesdays, 12:30-2:00 PM
This 12-week course covers the skills and practices needed for effective written communication at the college level. Students build research and writing skills to engage with critical issues, develop well-grounded arguments, and prepare for future academic success.
This composition course explores the creative dimensions of writing as both craft and calling, grounded in a Christian worldview that celebrates creativity as a reflection of God’s creative nature. Through Socratic Oxford-style instruction, students develop their distinctive voice while experimenting with various creative writing techniques and genres.
Professor: Victoria Kelly
Location: 3110 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, 13th floor
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 3
Cost: $200-$250 per credit hour + $175 tech fee ($50 discount for Spire runners)
SPRING 2026
BBUS 3303 - Essentials of Marketing
This course examines the structures, functions and behaviors of marketing systems. The basic exchange functions of pricing, product development and management, promotion and distribution are studied within the contexts of decision-making, consumer satisfaction, and the environments of business.
ENGL 2113 - Professional Communications
This course emphasizes organization, format, language, and audience for written/oral assignments in real-world settings. Emphasis will be on communicating with integrity, clarity, and purpose in alignment with Christian values.
Our Faculty
An experienced executive, Jim has worked in home health, consulting, and business operations for over 31 years. As Adjunct Professor and Subject Matter Expert (SME) at Georgetown University, Jim teaches marketing, finance, and business development at the Master's Degree level. As a consultant and board member of several organizations, Jim's portfolio of consulting engagements range from start-ups to small/medium established companies across a large swath of industries and sectors.
Jim leads three companies which, together, are executing a national expansion in the home care sector, currently with 8 offices in three states. Jim holds an MBA from Oxford University and has attained the 'Black Belt' certification in Lean Six Sigma from the Defense Department and IBM. He was selected by IE Magazine as one of the "Top 10 Inspiring Leaders" in 2022 and by Industry Tech Outlook (ITO) magazine as one of the "Inspirational Leaders of 2024." Jim was knighted in 2008 into the Sovereign Order of Saint John Hospitalis, serving as the Commander of the Washington, DC Commandery.
Jim has been married to the love of his life, Leslie for over 35 years. Jim has four incredible children and three adorable grandchildren.
Victoria Kelly is the author of three books of fiction and poetry: Homefront, Mrs. Houdini , When the Men Go Off to War. She is the producer of the PBS documentary, Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories of World War II (2025).
Victoria graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard University. She received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and her M.Phil. in Creative Writing from Trinity College Dublin, where she was a U.S. Mitchell Scholar.
Victoria works with companies, nonprofits and thought leaders around the country to develop their content, brand and communications strategy. Before beco
Ready to Learn More?
Contact us to discuss how Spire Halls can prepare your student for a life of meaningful contribution and purposeful leadership.
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HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently asked
questions
What is Spire Halls?
Spire Halls is an innovative educational program located in Northern Virginia that addresses the disconnect between higher education and real-world application. We serve high school dual-enrolled seniors and students in their 13th and 14th years who want more than just academic credentials. Founded by David and Robin Fouse and evolved from Spire Running, we believe that education is essential but incomplete when applied in isolation.
Who is Spire Halls for?
Spire Halls is designed for:
- Students who want an education that connects the three parts of their creative design (mind, body, and soul)
- Students seeking alternatives to traditional college and narrow job training
- Students who want to take ownership of their learning and growth
- Runners who want to train and compete as they pursue an accredited degree
- Families who understand that character formation and intellectual growth go together
- Families who understand the importance of high-quality elder-led learning
- Families who recognize the value of community
What makes Spire Halls different from traditional education?
Our approach focuses on four key differentiators:
Whole-Person Development: Education touches every part of who we are. All students participate in structured physical development alongside academics, with both undergirded by principles of faith.
Socratic Method: We employ interaction and questions in a dynamic environment that requires students to actively participate in what they learn and believe.
Real-World Integration: Students don’t just study concepts; they apply them through real-world exercises.
Calling and Community: We challenge students to understand their unique gifts and purpose and how to use them at home and in their own community.
Are your courses accredited?
Yes, Spire Halls delivers college-accredited courses through our partnership with Southeastern University.
What is the physical development requirement?
All students must participate in a structured physical development component alongside their academic coursework. We believe in developing the whole person through our integrated mind-body-soul approach. While we strongly encourage participation in Spire Running (which fully integrates with our philosophy), students may fulfill this requirement through other approved athletic activities that demonstrate spiritual, intellectual, and physical connectedness. Students engaging in other programs will submit an essay explaining how this element of our program is fulfilled.
What courses are offered?
Fall 2025:
- BBUS 1003 – Introduction to Business (Tuesdays, 12:30-2:00 PM)
- ENG 1113 – English Composition (Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 AM)
Spring 2026:
- BBUS 3303 – Essentials of Marketing
- ENGL 2113 – Professional Communications
- Additional courses to be announced
What is the teaching method like?
We use a discussion-based approach with the Socratic Oxford style that challenges students to engage deeply with ideas rather than passively consume information. This method encourages critical thinking and dynamic dialogue as students apply concepts directly to real-world situations.
What are the costs?
- Tuition: $200-$250 per credit hour
- Technology Fee: $175
- Discount: $50 discount for Spire runners
Where are classes held?
Classes are held at 3110 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, on the 13th floor.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors have hands-on experience in the subjects they teach and a vested interest in using their knowledge and network to advance each student’s future opportunities.
Jim Lindsay teaches Introduction to Business. He’s an experienced executive with over 31 years in business, holds an MBA from Oxford University, and currently teaches at Georgetown University’s Master’s level.
Victoria Kelly teaches English Composition. She’s an accomplished author of three books, Harvard graduate, and holds an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and M.Phil. from Trinity College Dublin.
What are the prerequisites for courses?
The Fall 2025 courses (Introduction to Business and English Composition) have no prerequisites, making them accessible to qualifying students.
How long are the courses?
Our courses are 12-week programs that provide comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
What is the class schedule like?
Classes meet once per week for 90 minutes, designed to fit into students’ schedules while providing substantial learning time.
Do you have to be a member of Spire Running to be a student?
No, you do not have to be a member of Spire Running to be a student at Spire Halls. While we strongly encourage participation in Spire Running (as it fully integrates with our educational philosophy), students can fulfill the physical development requirement through other approved athletic activities. Students who choose alternative physical programs will need to submit an essay explaining how their chosen activity fulfills our mind-body-soul integration requirement.
Are any of the classes held via Zoom?
Based on our current course offerings, all classes are held in-person at our Falls Church location (3110 Fairview Park Dr., 13th floor). Our discussion-based, Socratic method approach is designed for dynamic, face-to-face interaction that builds community and encourages deep engagement with ideas.
How do I register?
Contact us directly to begin the registration process. We’ll discuss your educational goals, determine if Spire Halls is the right fit, and guide you through the enrollment steps for our college-accredited courses through Southeastern University.
How do I ensure that the classes will be transferable to another university?
Since our courses are college-accredited through Southeastern University, they should transfer like any other accredited college credits. However, transfer policies vary by institution. We recommend:
- Checking with your intended transfer university about their specific transfer credit policies
- Requesting official transcripts from Southeastern University when applying to transfer
- Speaking with academic advisors at both institutions to ensure proper credit transfer
We’re happy to provide course syllabi and detailed information about our curriculum to help facilitate the transfer process.
How do I learn more or apply?
Contact us to discuss how Spire Halls can prepare your student for a life of meaningful contribution and purposeful leadership. We’re happy to answer any additional questions about our program and determine if it’s the right fit for your educational goals.
Why did you choose Southeastern University (SEU) as your partner?
Southeastern University aligns with our educational philosophy and commitment to integrating faith with learning. As an accredited institution, SEU provides the academic credibility and transferability that students need while supporting our approach to whole-person education. This partnership allows us to offer legitimate college credit while maintaining our unique pedagogical approach and community-focused learning environment.
