Jay Lasley, Head of School
As we continue our work to build a foundation for the next chapter of Hampton Roads Academy, I am proud to announce the launch of the school’s new strategic plan, Our Way Ahead. The product of months of research, consultation with our school community, and in-depth discussions among school leadership about our values and the ways we would like to grow, this plan outlines a vision for HRA for the coming five years. While the Academy will continue to evolve, our mission remains unchanged: to cultivate an inclusive community of service and compassion that prepares every student to excel intellectually, artistically, physically, and morally in higher education and in life.
At the heart of our plan is a simple but powerful theme: opportunity. Since its founding nearly seven decades ago, HRA has unlocked opportunities for its students to learn, lead, and contribute—in college, in their careers, and as thoughtful, active members of their community. Through challenging college-preparatory academics, competitive athletics, unparalleled experiences in the arts, and applied learning and civic engagement extending far beyond our campus, we have shaped generations of confident, resilient graduates who exemplify excellence in scholarship, character, and citizenship. In the next five years, we will expand upon this proud tradition, collaborating with universities, regional businesses, nonprofits, and other community partners to create new, unique opportunities for our Navigators to distinguish themselves, pursue their passions, solve real-world problems, and launch successful futures.
Committed to shaping the purpose-driven leaders of tomorrow, we aim to be not just an exceptional school on the Virginia Peninsula, but rather the school for the Peninsula.
The path to our bold strategic plan began last fall, as we engaged with the nationally recognized independent school consulting firm Crane + Peters to chart the Academy’s future and modernize our branding to align with our ambitious, forward-thinking goals. The final plan would not be possible without the contributions of everyone who took the time to participate in interviews, focus groups, and surveys in the past year, sharing their stories, their feedback, and their creative ideas. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering investment in building a rigorous, nurturing, and transformative learning experience for our students.
Our vision rests on four pillars:
- Expansive academics, including enhanced, innovative learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom, expanded student support services, and amplified faculty expertise
- Distinguishing signature programming by introducing leadership opportunities, external partnerships, pre-professional internships, and a robust focus on AI literacy that no other school can match
- Energizing engagement through compelling service opportunities at HRA and in the wider community, elevated arts and athletics programs, and new outlets for school spirit and family involvement
- Sustainable growth, as reflected in the continued evolution of our cutting-edge campus facilities and a thriving culture of philanthropy
I encourage you to explore the full strategic plan here. This roadmap for innovation will be permanently accessible on the HRA website.
Phase One of the plan is already underway, as faculty committees work on formulating concrete, action-driven strategies for implementing each of the four pillars above. In the coming months, HRA will debut a reimagined website that reflects both our time-honored community spirit and our aspirational, future-oriented vision.
HRA is, and will continue to be, a place where opportunities abound. We strive to be a beacon, an indispensable institution for our students, our families, and our neighbors. Here, students grow into lifelong Navigators—explorers and problem solvers, thinkers and doers, friends and teammates, learners and leaders. With Our Way Ahead as our guide, I invite every member of our community to join me in supporting our students as they find, create, and make the most of the opportunities all around them, not just for themselves, but for others as well.
