Middle School

Building Academic Foundations

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Our Middle School education provides a solid foundation in core subjects to prepare students for high school and beyond. The curriculum at Hampton Roads Academy’s Middle School offers a thorough academic and behavioral foundation, equipping students for future academic challenges. Through small class sizes and attentive teachers, our environment from Grades 5-8 is one in which every student feels supported and every educational journey is personalized.

A Message From The Director of Middle School

The Hampton Roads Academy Middle School curriculum addresses the whole child by encouraging special talents and accommodating each student’s learning style.

HRA Middle School teachers are nurturing and patient as they challenge the intellectual abilities of each student. The school has a highly successful learning environment enhanced by talented and energetic teachers. Class sizes in the Middle School average 16 students and allow for a significant amount of teacher-student interaction.

In addition to a superb academic curriculum, the Middle School meets the needs of all students by providing an innovative digital learning program, complete athletic and extracurricular program led by an excellent team of coaches and club sponsors. Students are also recognized, celebrated and encouraged throughout the year.

lisa thatcher hra faculty

Lisa Thatcher

Director of Middle School

HRA’s Middle School Goals

Our Middle School includes Grades Five through Eight and prepares students for the academic and social challenges of Upper School and higher education. Our curriculum provides essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and science to build a solid academic base while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning. Understanding the importance of physical activity, HRA promotes health and motor skills through exercise and activities. Additionally, we focus on helping students develop social skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

The Middle School curriculum includes:

Our Middle School curriculum prepares students for the academic and social challenges of Upper School and higher education while forming critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning.

  • A technology program promoting digital learning
  • An athletics program that emphasizes working as a team
  • A variety of extracurricular clubs for every interest
  • Access to a science lab, art classrooms and music rooms
  • Annual Memorial Awards recognitions

Required Middle School Courses

Prerequisites and courses required to complete before graduating to Upper School levels include:

  • English & Reading (Grades 5 & 6)
  • English (Grades 7 & 8)
  • Middle School Math
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Algebraic Theory
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Ecology (Grade 5)
  • General Science (Grade 6)
  • Life Science (Grade 7)
  • Physical Science (Grade 8)
  • Social Studies (5th Grade)
  • Ancient Civilizations (Grade 6)
  • Civics (Grade 7)
  • America Since 1945 (Grade 8)
  • Introduction to World Language (Grade 7)
  • The following courses are open to any student in Grade 8 as long as they have completed all prerequisites. Permission from the World Languages Department is required for participation in any AP course.
    • French I, French II (Prerequisite: French I), French III (Prerequisite: French II), Honors French IV (Prerequisite: French III), AP French (Prerequisite: Honors French IV)
    • Latin I, Latin II (Prerequisite: Latin II), Latin III (Prerequisite: Latin II), Honors Latin IV (Prerequisite: Latin III), AP Latin (Prerequisite: Honors Latin IV)
    • Spanish I, Spanish II (Prerequisite: Spanish I), Spanish III (Prerequisite: Spanish II), Honors Spanish IV (Prerequisite: Spanish III), AP Spanish (Prerequisite: Honors Spanish IV)
  • Exploring American Art (Grade 5)
  • World Art (Grade 6)
  • Art Process to Project (Grade 7)
  • Intro to Design Principles (Grade 8)
  • Exploring Music (Grade 5)
  • Band, Finding Your Voice or Strings (Grade 6)
  • Band, Music In Our World, Strings or On The Stage (Grade 7)
  • Band, Chorus, Strings, Stage Experience or Stage Tech (Grade 8)
  • Physical Education (Grades 5 & 6)
  • Health and Physical Education (Grades 7 & 8)
  • Technology (Grade 6)
  • Make Space for STEM and My Notebook (Grade 8)
  • Grade 5: Exploring American Art, Exploring Music, Counting On Number Sense, In F.O.C.U.S. (quarter long)
  • Grade 6: Grade 6: Band, Strings (year long or semester long), Problem Solvers, Finding Your Voice, World Art, Technology (quarter long)
  • Grade 7: Band, Strings (year long or semester long), 7th Grade Art Process to Project, On the Stage, Music in Our World, World Cultures and Communities (quarter long)
  • Grade 8: Grade 8: Band, Chorus, Strings (year long or semester long), Intro to Design Principles, Stage Tech, Theatre Production Tech, Stage Experience, Make Space for STEM

Apply To Our Middle School

Join our Navigator family, where academic excellence meets inclusion, service and compassion. Your student will experience a nurturing environment dedicated to preparing students for success in higher education and life. Apply today to pursue a rigorous, comprehensive and diverse education tailored to their future.

Meet The HRA Middle School Team

Our Middle School teachers are passionate about their work and dedicate each day to fostering a future for your child that is rich in knowledge, growth, and creativity. We provide individualized learning to support your child’s development and advance our HRA mission. Explore our Faculty & Staff Directory to discover more!

Take A Tour Of Our Middle School

Discover the Middle School campus at Hampton Roads Academy from your computer or phone. The tour guides you through our campus, showcasing the many facilities and resources available to our students. Prefer to visit the Hampton Roads Academy campus in person? 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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Charting Futures, Shaping Leaders

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