Hampton Roads Academy

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Trusted Partner for Independent Education in Newport News, VA

Hampton Roads Academy has been dedicated to academic excellence and character development since its founding in 1959. Our institution combines rigorous college preparatory education with a strong emphasis on moral integrity, creativity, and personal growth. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and 100% college acceptance, we provide personalized attention that nurtures intellectual curiosity and ethical leadership. Our faculty, with an average of 11 years' experience, delivers a comprehensive curriculum spanning Pre-K through Grade 12 while fostering critical thinking and global awareness.

Through 27 AP and honors courses, 44 athletic teams, and over 40 student-led clubs, we cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for higher education and life beyond the classroom. Our commitment to community service - evidenced by 4,000 annual service hours - reinforces our mission to develop compassionate leaders who positively impact society.

Services

College Preparatory Curriculum Visual Arts Programs Performing Arts Athletic Teams Summer Enrichment Camps College Counseling Student Leadership Development

Details

Year established: 1959

Highlights and features

9:1 student/teacher ratio ensures personalized attention
100% college acceptance rate with dedicated counseling
27 AP and honors-level classes available
4,000+ annual community service hours completed
Faculty with average 11 years of teaching experience

Associations and certifications

Virginia Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Independent Schools

What people say

100% college acceptance Dedicated teachers Supportive community Leadership opportunities Well-rounded education

Website

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Services

College Preparatory Curriculum

Our comprehensive college preparatory curriculum spans Pre-K through Grade 12 with 27 AP and honors-level courses. Students receive personalized college counseling and benefit from a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership while maintaining a 100% college acceptance rate.

Visual Arts Programs

Visual arts programs include traditional studio art, darkroom photography, ceramics, and digital media. Students progress from foundational skills in Lower School through advanced AP Studio Art courses. The annual Juried Arts Show and National Art Honor Society provide recognition opportunities while fostering technical skill development and conceptual understanding.

Athletic Teams

Competitive athletics include 44 teams across 18 sports with opportunities from Middle School through Varsity levels. The program develops leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship while maintaining competitive excellence. Approximately 70% of students participate in athletics, with many advancing to collegiate competition.

Performing Arts

Performing arts encompass theatre productions, band, chorus, strings, and technical theatre. Students participate in annual productions including one-act plays and musicals. The program develops stage presence, musical proficiency, and technical skills while emphasizing artistic expression and collaborative performance.

Summer Enrichment Camps

Summer camps serve students aged 3 through Grade 12 with academic enrichment, arts, and athletic programs. Activities include STEM exploration, creative arts, and sports training. The programs maintain educational continuity while providing recreational opportunities in a structured environment during school breaks.

People

James H. Lasley, Jr.

Head of School

James H. Lasley, Jr. leads Hampton Roads Academy with over 25 years of educational leadership experience. He emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, maintaining the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded students. His leadership focuses on innovative teaching methods and community engagement.

Ed Swanson

Director of Admissions

Ed Swanson oversees admissions with a focus on cultivating HRA's inclusive community. He guides families through the application process while maintaining the school's commitment to accessibility and excellence. His approach emphasizes personalized support for prospective students and families.

Questions

Is Hampton Roads Academy accredited?

Yes, HRA is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

How does HRA prepare students for college?

Our college counseling program begins in Grade 9 with personalized guidance through course selection, application processes, and college selection.

What student-teacher ratio does HRA maintain?

HRA maintains a 9:1 student-teacher ratio with average class sizes of 16 students.

Are financial assistance options available?

Yes, HRA offers tuition assistance programs to ensure accessibility for qualified students.

How can I schedule a campus visit?

Campus tours are available by appointment through our admissions office or during weekly Walk-In Wednesdays.

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Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Candice Les Bean

May 25, 2021 Report

Administration is very biased on their punishments for students. Two people were cheating and the one with as got off with nothing while another person got multiple detentions. Before thatcher and Cochran came into power, Mrs decherico was the nicest and most pair principle ever. She tried to help people and resolve conflicts rather than wanting to punish people as much as she could. If thatcher and Cochran left, everything would be much better.

Cari Cooper

May 24, 2021 Report

I love this school i went hear for 3 years everything was fun. My favorite part was the field days. They do make you do a dress code but the clothes are great im in 4th grade now but i still have lots of memories in my head and all the friends are still in my head they teach great i learned a lot of things from over the years and I think you should send you should send your kids here. My favorite grade was 1st grade i learned a lot in that class. The playground is nice and you get to plant stuff and do awesome crafts.

Simplehiccup D.

Feb 05, 2021 Report

The kindergarten, and lower school program in general, is outstanding. We have lived all over the country and our child has attended many fine private and independent schools, but HRA takes the cake as the best we have ever experienced. We feel at ease knowing our child is in very capable hands. Our kiddo loves his teachers, classmates and principal and is excited about school and learning. The kindergarten team is amazing. They have high expectations for the kiddos and are gentle, patient and persistent with them. Our class's lead teacher has been very approachable, and we have appreciated

Naved Jafri

Jan 22, 2019 Report

We moved our 4 children here from a public school system with an excellent reputation. We found HRA to be superior in all aspects and our children have flourished. 2 have graduated and gone on to college and 2 are currently still at HRA. Our children were given the opportunity to participate in sports (soccer, field hockey, basketball), academic and civic service clubs, and the arts. HRA strives to produce well rounded young adults ready for continued success in a diverse and nurturing environment. We couldn't be happier with the choice we made!

Tracy Shackelford

Dec 19, 2018 Report

We are now entering our 7th year as HRA parents and have had great experiences on both the academic and social sides. Our kids have great friends (as do we) who strive to do well in class. The college counseling program is outstanding, as we are now seeing first-hand with our junior. It's well worth the commute from Williamsburg.