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
“HRA’s unique combination of academic power and small class size means that students are not only challenged intellectually; they also learn how to partner with their teachers in the service of their education—a recipe for success not only in high school, but in college and life!”
-Benjamin Rous, Assistant Head of School, Director of Upper School
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:
The Upper School at HRA provides a comprehensive liberal arts education, prioritizing writing and communication skills throughout its curriculum. An HRA Upper School education 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 towards 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
Today’s college-bound students experience unprecedented levels of stress. This led to the creation of the HRA REACH Initiative (Real-world Experience & Academic Choice). 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 teacher or faculty member who will be their advisor in ninth grade through senior year. The advisor supports and encourages students to take ownership of their education through a close student/teacher relationship. The advisor 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. Watch this video to learn more about HRA’s Advisory Program!
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 on. College counseling begins in earnest in ninth grade and continues until graduation. During their junior year, students create an initial list of colleges that they are interested in applying to. From there, students work closely with our knowledgeable college counselors throughout the college application process to graduation. 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 is central to the HRA experience, facilitated by small class sizes and academic rigor, allowing students to develop self-advocacy skills and build connections with their teachers.
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. Explore our Faculty & Staff Directory to learn more about our exceptional team. The dedication of our educators ensures students are well-prepared for academic success and personal growth.
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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