The Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) class of 2024 had the privilege of hearing from Mike Fisher as their commencement speaker. Fisher, HRA Class of ’86, is the CEO of MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food-tracking mobile app. He previously served as the Chief Technology Officer of Etsy, the co-founder of AKF Partners, the Chief Technology Officer at Quigo and the Head of Engineering & Architecture at PayPal, Inc.
Fisher earned a PhD and MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, an MS in Information Systems from Hawaii Pacific University, and a BS in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He spent over a decade in the military as a pilot in the US Army and the Ohio National Guard.
Fisher holds seven patents across various fields, including advertisement optimization and video content association. He has taught Design & Innovation courses at the collegiate level and co-written three books, which collectively have sold over 25,000 copies and been translated into five languages. As a Fulbright Specialist, he values the opportunity to share his expertise globally.
We are grateful to Fisher for sharing his words of wisdom to our graduates as they go off into the world to explore their greater passions and contribute to society just as he has.
Supporting Every Student
Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News, VA, values the uniqueness of each student and is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that addresses individual needs. By prioritizing personalized attention, HRA ensures that every student receives the academic guidance, emotional support, and extracurricular opportunities essential for success. At the core of this approach is a culture of kindness that informs every interaction.
HRA is committed to making its high-quality education accessible to all families. Through tailored tuition assistance programs, the school works to eliminate financial barriers to education. HRA proudly offers a variety of resources and support to meet the diverse needs of its community with compassion.
A Commitment to Excellence
At Hampton Roads Academy, education extends beyond the classroom. We focus on nurturing the whole student through a rigorous academic program. This year’s theme, “Year of Kindness,” emphasizes the importance of kindness in all aspects of school life. Our curriculum highlights honor, integrity, and personal growth, celebrating each student’s unique strengths within a supportive community.
With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, HRA provides personalized support to help every student thrive. Our healthy and encouraging environment fosters physical, emotional, and academic success, empowering students to explore a wide range of activities—from sports to the arts—while embracing kindness as a fundamental value.
Why Choose Hampton Roads Academy?
As the Peninsula’s only independent school serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, HRA offers a distinctive educational experience. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, we meet the highest standards of academic excellence.
Beyond academics, HRA enhances student development through diverse opportunities. Our athletic programs promote teamwork and sportsmanship, while our robust arts program fosters creativity in visual and performing arts. The REACH (Real-world Experience and Academic Choices) Initiative connects academic learning to real-world applications, cultivating personal growth and community service values.
Schedule Your Tour of HRA Today!
At Hampton Roads Academy, students receive an exceptional education with a strong emphasis on character development, preparing them for future success. We nurture critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery to shape innovative, empathetic leaders. Serving families in Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, HRA invites you to schedule a campus tour and see how our nurturing environment can inspire your child to reach their full potential.
