By ensuring that every student’s unique academic needs are met, the Student Support Center helps each Navigator achieve success in the classroom and beyond
Hampton Roads Academy strives to do far more than teach its students how to work through Chaucer or solve algebraic equations. Pairing a rigorous curriculum with a culture of resilience, confidence, and care, HRA helps students cultivate the skills and self-assurance they need to excel, not only on our campus, but more importantly in their academic and professional careers after graduation.
This mission informed the creation of HRA’s new Student Support Center (SSC). Opening at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, the SSC will provide students with regular, personalized assistance tailored to their academic needs and guide them to develop strategies for achievement in the classroom and beyond.
“The Student Support Center embodies Hampton Roads Academy’s holistic educational philosophy, integrating student achievement with comprehensive academic support services,” said Head of School Jay Lasley. “This initiative merges independent school best practices in academic enrichment and student success, ensuring that our Navigators receive the support they need throughout their HRA journey, whether they are striving for excellence or overcoming academic challenges.”
With resources carefully developed in collaboration with the Academy’s talented faculty, the SSC reflects HRA’s commitment to making our students and their families feel empowered in their educational experience as they are challenged to exceed expectations.
Services to Meet Every Student’s Needs
Conveniently located on the second floor of the Academy, the SSC offers unique forms of support to help HRA’s diverse students achieve their equally diverse goals. Some may desire additional academic support because they are struggling in their courses. Some may need assistance getting back on track after an extended absence. Some may simply want to take their academic performance to the next level.
In all cases, the SSC can help students transform academic obstacles into opportunities for achievement and growth.
The Center’s wide array of services includes academic assistance, an advisory system, a quiet testing space, resources to connect with mental health counselors, and coaching in such critical skills as goal-setting, organization, time management, and self-advocacy.
At the SSC, students will be able to attend guided study halls, schedule peer tutoring appointments, and gain assistance in coordinating help sessions during their teachers’ before- and after-school office hours.
Though the SSC’s services will initially focus on the needs of students in Grades 9-12, it will evolve to serve HRA’s Middle School as well.
Unmatched Leadership
Director of the Student Support Center Lisa Thatcher greets students
With former Director of Middle School Lisa Thatcher at the helm, the SSC could not be in better hands. Holding a B.A. in psychology and education from Briar Cliff University and an M.S. in counseling and psychological services from Springfield College, Thatcher brings over 25 years of independent school teaching, counseling, and mentoring experience to the new role of Director of the Student Support Center. Her intimate knowledge of HRA’s mission, culture, and student body makes her ideally suited to leading and shaping this important campus resource as it continues to expand.
“My goal is for the Student Support Center to become a hub of academic excellence at HRA,” Thatcher said. “I hope that in this space, every student will feel welcome and find the confidence to ask for help. When our students feel safe and supported, they dare to take the risks that fuel academic and personal growth.”
As Thatcher transitions to a new leadership position at HRA, the Academy is also excited to welcome back Karen L. Gillespie as Interim Director of Middle School. Having joined HRA in 1987 as an Upper School Spanish teacher, Gillespie went on to chair the World Language Department for 17 years and serve as Head of the Upper School and later Dean of Faculty before retiring in 2020. In her time at HRA, she played an instrumental role in establishing the Upper School’s REACH Initiative, providing pre-professional opportunities to set Navigators up for career success. Drawing on their experience with both the Middle and Upper Schools at HRA, Thatcher and Gillespie will be assets in helping guide our students from the transition between Grades 8 and 9 all the way to new adventures in college.
During the Year of Connections, the Student Support Center will stand as a reminder that we are stronger when we work together to ensure that all members of our Navigator community succeed.
