Lower School

Creating Lifelong Learners

lower school

At Hampton Roads Academy’s Lower School, we inspire a passion for learning by offering a challenging and academically demanding curriculum. Our Lower School students (Pre-K through Grade 4) thrive in a nurturing environment, supported by caring and knowledgeable teachers dedicated to their growth and success. Here, we lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and achievement.

A Message From The Director of Lower School

At HRA’s Lower School, we establish a robust academic foundation across various disciplines, fostering a passion for lifelong learning.

The goal of the Hampton Roads Academy Lower School (PreKindergarten for 3-year-olds through fourth grade), is to develop students intellectually, artistically, physically and morally.

Faculty and staff incorporate a comprehensive, instructional approach supporting HRA’s core values of Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Students understand and internalize the qualities that help them grow into caring, successful and productive citizens.

The extensive curriculum is enhanced by an innovative digital learning program and a wealth of cultural and enrichment opportunities available throughout the Hampton Roads area. Students are also offered the opportunity to become involved in community service, clubs and extracurricular activities sponsored by teachers.

Admission to the Lower School is selective. Consideration is based on the applicant’s past academic performance, test scores, teacher recommendation and a personal interview with the parent and applicant. While expectations for academic achievement are high, nurturing the individual potential of each child remains the focus of the Lower School. Believing that parents are the child’s first teacher, we look forward to joining our parents on their child’s educational journey.

suzanne swain hra faculty

Susanne Swain ’78

Director of Lower School

HRA’s Lower School Goals

Our Lower School includes Grades Pre-K through Four and lays a strong foundation for children’s future learning and development. Our Lower School education provides fundamental skills in reading, writing, mathematics and science to build a strong academic base and teach critical thinking. We encourage curiosity, creativity and the ability to think critically and solve problems. We also understand how important physical activity is, especially for our youngest students, and HRA promotes health and motor skills through exercise and activities. Additionally, we emphasize helping children develop social skills, emotional regulation, empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

The Lower School curriculum includes:

  • A strong foundation in language arts, math, science and history
  • A 1:1 technology program: every student has their own iPad to support learning
  • Performing and visual arts courses
  • Access to the science lab, music room, art room, and Spanish room

  • Spanish, beginning in Pre-K
  • Co‐curricular activities including Battle of the Books, Friendship Club, Navigator Savings Bank and more!
  • Leadership opportunities such as Safety Patrol and Student Council Association (SCA)

Required Lower School Courses

The following courses are required to be completed in each grade level in order for a student to move on to HRA’s Middle School:

  • PK Language Arts
  • PK Math
  • PK Science
  • PK Social Studies
  • PK Spanish
  • PK Art
  • PK Music
  • PK Physical Education
  • PK Technology
  • Junior Kindergarten Language Arts
  • Junior Kindergarten Math
  • Junior Kindergarten Science
  • Junior Kindergarten Social Studies
  • Junior Kindergarten Spanish
  • Junior Kindergarten Art
  • Junior Kindergarten Music
  • Junior Kindergarten Physical Education
  • Junior Kindergarten Technology
  • Kindergarten Language Arts
  • Kindergarten Math
  • Kindergarten Science
  • Kindergarten Social Studies
  • Kindergarten Spanish
  • Kindergarten Art
  • Kindergarten Music
  • Kindergarten Physical Education
  • Kindergarten Technology
  • First Grade Language Arts
  • First Grade Math
  • First Grade Science
  • First Grade Social Studies
  • First Grade Spanish
  • First Grade Art
  • First Grade Music
  • First Grade Physical Education
  • First Grade Technology
  • Second Grade Language Arts
  • Second Grade Math
  • Second Grade Science
  • Second Grade Social Studies
  • Second Grade Spanish
  • Second Grade Art
  • Second Grade Music
  • Second Grade Physical Education
  • Second Grade Technology
  • Third Grade Language Arts
  • Third Grade Math
  • Third Grade Science
  • Third Grade Social Studies
  • Third Grade Spanish
  • Third Grade Art
  • Third Grade Music
  • Third Grade Physical Education
  • Third Grade Technology
  • Fourth Grade Language Arts
  • Fourth Grade Math
  • Fourth Grade Science
  • Fourth Grade Social Studies
  • Fourth Grade Spanish
  • Fourth Grade Art
  • Fourth Grade Music
  • Fourth Grade Physical Education
  • Fourth Grade Technology
  • Chorus
  • ECE Chess
  • ECE Dance
  • ECE Piano
  • Friendship Club
  • Gardening Club
  • Maker Space Club
  • Bayport Savings Bank
  • Zumba
  • Watercolor Club
  • Nature Club
  • Fine Motor Club
  • Various After-School Clubs (offered each semester)

Apply To Be A Navigator

Ready to embark on an enriching educational journey for your child? Jumpstart their future today by applying to our Lower School! Our nurturing environment is tailored to ignite curiosity, foster growth and create a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Join us in shaping their tomorrow—apply now!

Meet The HRA Lower School Team

Our Lower School teachers love what they do and work every day to create a future for your child filled with knowledge, growth and creativity. Through small class sizes, they deliver personalized learning to support your child’s development and fulfill our HRA mission. Browse our Faculty & Staff Directory to learn more about our talented team.

Take A Tour Of Our Lower School

Explore the Lower School campus at Hampton Roads Academy from your computer or phone. The tour takes you through our many facilities, including our classrooms, science lab, music room and more! Interested in visiting the Hampton Roads Academy campus in person instead? Schedule a tour with us today!

Schedule A Tour

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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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