Frequently Asked Questions About HRA

Learn More About Hampton Roads Academy

We are so pleased you are considering joining our Navigator family! At Hampton Roads Academy, we aim to make the application and admissions process as straightforward and easy as possible. Below you will find some frequently asked questions about our school and what to expect in the daily life of an HRA student. You will also find helpful facts about our application and admissions process, including scholarship and financial information.

What is the average class size at HRA?

At Hampton Roads Academy, we prioritize intimate class sizes to ensure that every student receives personalized attention and support. With a focus on student-centered learning, our small class sizes of about 12-16 students allow for meaningful interactions between students and teachers. Through individualized instruction, tailored feedback, and opportunities for active participation, students at HRA benefit from a dynamic learning experience that caters to their unique needs and promotes their academic success.

Hampton Roads Academy is the only co-ed college preparatory day school on the peninsula that has no religious affiliation of any kind.

Need-based financial aid is available for grades 5 – 12 and determined by each family’s demonstrated need for financial support. Once we’ve received your enrollment agreement and deposit, you are eligible to begin the financial aid application on Blackbaud. Assistance is granted on an annual basis and you must submit an aid application each year.

Tuition can be paid monthly or can be pre-paid in full. There is no interest charged for payment plans, though the tuition refund plan is mandatory for all families electing not to pre-pay in full.

Hampton Roads Academy admits students entering any grade, PreKindergarten through 11. While rare, there are exceptional circumstances in which a new student may be admitted into Grade 12. An application may be submitted at any point throughout the year, and admission assessments begin in November for grades 3 – 11 and in January for Grades PreK – 2.

At the core of Hampton Roads Academy’s mission to educate our students lies an emphasis on high scholarship and intellectual endeavor. Our faculty and staff encourage and prepare students physically, morally and socially inside and outside the classroom. Homework, writing, collaborative projects and critical thinking are emphasized and utilized as part of HRA’s college-preparatory program. Though challenging, HRA provides plenty of teacher support for student success!

A prospective student can choose to spend a morning or afternoon on campus and “shadow” one of our Student Ambassadors. They will typically attend 3-4 classes, have lunch with our students and meet with HRA faculty. A student must have already applied to participate in a Shadow Day. This experience can be separate from, or in conjunction with the Admission Assessment. Learn more about Shadow Days and other admissions events.

Students in grades 5-12 are on a block schedule. Meaning, they will attend daily four blocks out of a seven block rotating schedule. Meanwhile, our students in grades Pre-K – 4 have a primary teacher and classroom where they attend what we call “resource classes.” Depending on the rotation, students will attend 2 resources per day from the following array of offerings: Spanish, Technology, Science Enrichment, Art, Music, Physical Education and Library.

  • Lower School Hours
    • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.- 2:35 p.m.
    • Friday Dismissal: 2:10 p.m.
  • Middle School Hours
    • Monday – Thursday: 8:15 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
    • Friday Dismissal: 2:25 p.m.
  • Upper School Hours
    • Monday – Thursday: 8:15 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
    • Friday Dismissal: 2:25 p.m.

Our student body reflects a mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and talents, creating a dynamic environment where every individual is celebrated and valued. Through this rich diversity, students learn to appreciate and respect different viewpoints, fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy and understanding.

In grades Pre-K-8 there is a uniform. Once students enter the 9th grade they are asked to wear “business casual.” 

There is bus transportation available for a nominal fee to students living in Smithfield, Suffolk, Gloucester and Williamsburg. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Students in all other areas participate in the “car line” and rely on carpools, parents, and older students to travel to and from school and school activities.

HRA has Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Middle School athletic teams. Once students enter the 6th grade they are allowed to participate on middle school athletic teams. Interscholastic competition is available from grades 6-12, with 70 percent of our students competing on one or more of our many sports teams. HRA also has several athletic teams for 5th grade students, and athletic skill-building programs for younger students.

Varsity athletic teams often hold conditioning during the summer and begin pre-season practices during the second week of August. JV and Middle School teams generally start on the first Monday of school. For more information, check out the athletics calendar. 

Your division office will ask for your selections. Students apply for Advanced Placement and Honors Level courses during the previous school year. Once those courses are approved, students work with the registrar to schedule their classes.

Schedule A Tour

At Hampton Roads Academy

"*" indicates required fields

Parent Name*
Student Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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.

Get In Touch

Call Admissions

Text Admissions

Email Admissions

HRA seal logo white

Charting Futures, Shaping Leaders

(757) 884-9100

739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602

Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm