Welcome to HRA’s Upper School, where our diverse curriculum is designed to prepare students not only for college, but for the world beyond the classroom. Our comprehensive educational program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, ensuring that each student is well-equipped for future success. A dedicated college counseling team provides personalized guidance to help students navigate the college admissions process and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. At HRA, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that nurtures academic excellence and prepares students for a dynamic and evolving world.
A Message from the Director of Upper School
Upper School (Grades 9 – 12) is a time of significant student growth, during which students continue to develop independence, self-management, and responsibility. They explore areas of interest, they try new things (sometimes with success, sometimes with failure—both have their place!), all while evolving the personal and academic skills they need to navigate college and life with confidence. Our students are surrounded by caring adults who keep students at the center of the experience, whether it be in the classroom, in the art studio, in the theater, or on the athletic field.
This practice fosters and supports a high degree of student independence and intellectual rigor through high expectations, real-world experiences, leadership opportunities, academic achievement, personal responsibility, a dedication to the whole child, and strong, authentic relationships between and among students and faculty.
Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves, to participate actively in discovering and creating their own solutions to problems, to think critically, and to write analytically. By respectfully interacting and learning with others, students develop empathy and an understanding of the value of civility while exchanging ideas.
HRA’s Upper School Goals
The HRA Upper School program aims to cultivate well-rounded, independent learners who are prepared for the rigors of college and beyond. Our Upper School offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, emphasizing writing and communication skills throughout the curriculum. With over 90 courses and a variety of electives, including 25 Honors and AP courses, students are well-prepared for higher education. The program includes opportunities for independent research, mentorships, internships, and community outreach. Students benefit from real-world experiences, such as summer travel and personalized one-on-one college counseling. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility, we ensure that students are equipped to navigate both academic and real-world challenges with confidence and competence.
The Upper School Curriculum Includes:
Upper School Course Requirements
Students in Grades 9 – 12 are required to earn at least 21.5 academic credits to graduate. The graduation requirements ensure a well-rounded education, encompassing essential academic areas. Additionally, credits for algebra, world language, PE, and the arts completed in Middle School are recognized and count toward these requirements.
Please note that students must have completed all prerequisites to participate in any upper-level class. Permission from the associated department is required for participation in any Honors or AP course.
The REACH Initiative
Laying a foundation for one’s educational and professional path after graduation is a daunting task for today’s college-bound students. To assist its Upper School students with this challenge, HRA created the innovative HRA REACH (Real-world Experience & Academic Choice) Initiative. We believe that academic learning should be closely linked to real-world experiences whenever possible. The 21st-century economy demands creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication—skills that start in the classroom but are further developed and made more meaningful through experiences beyond school. The REACH Initiative supports real-world professional learning and can include summer internships, mentorships, part-time jobs, leadership roles, and more. Contact us to learn more about this program.
HRA’s Advisory Program
The HRA Advisory Program is designed to connect students, teachers, and parents to become partners in education. In small groups, students are assigned an HRA faculty member who will be their advisor from ninth grade through senior year. The advisor supports and encourages students to take ownership of their education through a close student/teacher relationship. This faculty member guides students throughout their Upper School education by getting to know them, listening to their needs and goals, and providing them with the tools to help them succeed. Each spring, advisors also help students with course registration.
Upper School College Counseling at Hampton Roads Academy
College preparation is highly integrated into both our curriculum and student life, from the start of a student’s HRA education in the Lower and Middle Schools onward. College counseling begins in earnest in ninth grade and continues until graduation. During their junior year, students create an initial list of colleges to which they are interested in applying. From there, students work closely with our knowledgeable college counselors throughout the college application process and their transition to higher education. Learn more about college counseling and application prep at our school!
Upper School Research
College prep at HRA means more than mastering college-level work. It involves engaging deeply with the material, utilizing available resources, and effectively interacting with teachers for intellectual growth. This student-teacher interaction, facilitated by small class sizes and academic rigor, is central to the HRA experience, allowing students to develop self-advocacy skills and build meaningful connections with their instructors.
Our graduates excel in college, forming close relationships with professors that lead to academic success and research opportunities. HRA provides college-level research experiences even before students enter college through partnerships with universities, enabling them to work alongside college professors and students in various STEM fields and the arts and humanities.
Meet The HRA Upper School Team
Our Upper School teachers are passionate about their work and dedicate each day to fostering a future for your child filled with knowledge, growth, and creativity. With small class sizes, they provide personalized learning to support your child’s development and advance our HRA mission. The dedication of our educators ensures students are well-prepared for academic success and personal growth in college and beyond. Explore our faculty & staff directory to learn more about our exceptional team.
Take A Tour Of Our Upper School
Discover the Upper School campus at Hampton Roads Academy from your computer or phone. The tour guides you through our various facilities, showcasing the resources and environments available to our students. Our engaging virtual tour highlights the vibrant learning spaces and opportunities that define the HRA experience. Prefer to visit the Hampton Roads Academy campus in person? Schedule a tour with us today!
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Learn More About HRA
Ready to experience the Hampton Roads Academy difference? If you have a question that you do not see answered, contact our Office of Admissions. A member of our team will contact you shortly.
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