Frequently Asked Questions | Hampton Roads Academy
Source: https://hra.org/hra-faqs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Frequently Asked Questions | Hampton Roads Academy
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Frequently Asked Questions about HRA
Hampton Roads Academy
2026-03-03T13:09:23-05:00
Frequently Asked Questions about HRA
Learn More about Hampton Roads Academy
We are so pleased you are considering joining our Navigator family! At Hampton Roads Academy, we aim to make the admissions process as straightforward and easy as possible. Below you will find some frequently asked questions about our school and what to expect in the daily life of an HRA student. You will also find helpful facts about our
streamlined application and admissions process
, including scholarship and financial aid information.
What is the average class size at HRA?
At Hampton Roads Academy, we prioritize intimate class sizes to ensure that every student receives personalized attention and support. With a focus on student-centered learning, our small class sizes of about 14 students allow for meaningful interactions between students and teachers. Through individualized instruction, tailored feedback, and opportunities for active participation, students at HRA benefit from a dynamic learning experience that is catered to their unique needs and promotes their academic success.
Is HRA religiously affiliated?
Hampton Roads Academy is the only co-ed college preparatory day school on the Peninsula that has no religious affiliation of any kind.
Is financial aid available?
Need-based financial aid
is available for Grades 5 – 12 and determined by each family’s demonstrated need for financial support. Once we’ve received your enrollment agreement and deposit, you are eligible to begin the financial aid application on
Blackbaud
. Assistance is granted on an annual basis, and you must submit an aid application each year.
What are the options for tuition payment plans?
Tuition can be paid monthly or can be pre-paid in full. There is no interest charged for
payment plans
, though the tuition refund plan is mandatory for all families electing not to pre-pay in full.
To what grades are new students admitted?
Hampton Roads Academy admits students entering any grade, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 11.
While rare, there are exceptional circumstances in which a new student may be admitted into Grade 12. An application may be submitted at any point throughout the year, and admission assessments begin in November for Grades 3 – 11 and in January for Grades Pre-K – 2.
I've heard a lot about HRA's academic rigor. How will that benefit my child?
At the core of Hampton Roads Academy’s mission to educate our students lies an emphasis on high scholarship and intellectual endeavor. Our
faculty and staff
encourage and prepare students physically, morally, and socially—inside and outside the classroom. Homework, writing, collaborative projects, and critical thinking are emphasized and utilized as part of HRA’s college-preparatory program. Though challenging, HRA provides plenty of
teacher support
for student success!
What is a Shadow Day?
A prospective student can choose to spend a morning or afternoon on campus and “shadow” one of our Student Ambassadors. They will typically attend 3-4 classes, have lunch with our students, and meet with HRA faculty. A student must have already applied for admission to participate in a Shadow Day. This experience can be separate from, or in conjunction with, the Admission Assessment. Learn more about Shadow Days and other
admissions events.
What is the daily schedule at HRA?
Students in Grades 5 – 12 are on a block schedule, meaning they will attend five blocks daily out of a seven-block rotating schedule. Meanwhile, our students in grades Pre-K – 4 have a primary teacher and classrooms where they attend what we call “resource classes.” Depending on the rotation, students will attend two resources per day from the following array of offerings: Spanish, technology, science enrichment, art, music, physical education, and library.
Lower School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 2:35 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:10 pm
Middle School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:15 am – 2:55 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:25 pm
Upper School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:15 am – 2:55 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:25 pm
What is the demographic mix among students?
Our student body reflects a mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and talents, creating a dynamic environment where every individual is celebrated and valued. Through this rich diversity, students learn to appreciate and respect different viewpoints, fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy, and understanding.
Is there a dress code and/or uniform?
In Pre-K – Grade 8, there is a uniform. Once students enter Grade 9, they are asked to wear “business casual” attire.
Is there bus transportation?
There is bus transportation—including a late bus for after-school activities—available for a nominal fee to students living in Smithfield, Suffolk, Gloucester, and Williamsburg. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Students in all other areas participate in the “car line” and rely on carpools, parents, and older students to travel to and from school and school activities.
When are students eligible to participate on athletic teams?
HRA has varsity, junior-varsity, and middle school
athletic teams
. Once students enter Grade 6, they are allowed to participate on middle school athletic teams. Interscholastic competition is available from Grades 6 through 12, with 70 percent of our students competing on one or more of our many sports teams. HRA also has several athletic teams for students in Grade 5, as well as athletic skill-building programs for younger students.
When do fall sports begin?
Varsity athletic teams often hold conditioning during the summer and begin pre-season practices during the second week of August. JV and middle school teams generally start on the first Monday of the school year. For more information, check out the
athletics calendar
.
How does my student select his or her courses?
Your division office will ask for your selections. Students apply for Advanced Placement and Honors-level courses during the previous school year. Once those courses are approved, students work with the registrar to schedule their classes.
Schedule a Tour
At Hampton Roads Academy
"
*
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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.
Get in Touch
Call Admissions
Text Admissions
Email Admissions
Visit Us
Charting Futures, Shaping Leaders
(757) 884-9100
739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Copyright
Hampton Roads Academy | All Rights Reserved
Hampton Roads Academy | Hampton Roads Private School
739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602
|
(757) 884-9100
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Frequently Asked Questions about HRA
Hampton Roads Academy
2026-03-03T13:09:23-05:00
Frequently Asked Questions about HRA
Learn More about Hampton Roads Academy
We are so pleased you are considering joining our Navigator family! At Hampton Roads Academy, we aim to make the admissions process as straightforward and easy as possible. Below you will find some frequently asked questions about our school and what to expect in the daily life of an HRA student. You will also find helpful facts about our
streamlined application and admissions process
, including scholarship and financial aid information.
What is the average class size at HRA?
At Hampton Roads Academy, we prioritize intimate class sizes to ensure that every student receives personalized attention and support. With a focus on student-centered learning, our small class sizes of about 14 students allow for meaningful interactions between students and teachers. Through individualized instruction, tailored feedback, and opportunities for active participation, students at HRA benefit from a dynamic learning experience that is catered to their unique needs and promotes their academic success.
Is HRA religiously affiliated?
Hampton Roads Academy is the only co-ed college preparatory day school on the Peninsula that has no religious affiliation of any kind.
Is financial aid available?
Need-based financial aid
is available for Grades 5 – 12 and determined by each family’s demonstrated need for financial support. Once we’ve received your enrollment agreement and deposit, you are eligible to begin the financial aid application on
Blackbaud
. Assistance is granted on an annual basis, and you must submit an aid application each year.
What are the options for tuition payment plans?
Tuition can be paid monthly or can be pre-paid in full. There is no interest charged for
payment plans
, though the tuition refund plan is mandatory for all families electing not to pre-pay in full.
To what grades are new students admitted?
Hampton Roads Academy admits students entering any grade, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 11.
While rare, there are exceptional circumstances in which a new student may be admitted into Grade 12. An application may be submitted at any point throughout the year, and admission assessments begin in November for Grades 3 – 11 and in January for Grades Pre-K – 2.
I've heard a lot about HRA's academic rigor. How will that benefit my child?
At the core of Hampton Roads Academy’s mission to educate our students lies an emphasis on high scholarship and intellectual endeavor. Our
faculty and staff
encourage and prepare students physically, morally, and socially—inside and outside the classroom. Homework, writing, collaborative projects, and critical thinking are emphasized and utilized as part of HRA’s college-preparatory program. Though challenging, HRA provides plenty of
teacher support
for student success!
What is a Shadow Day?
A prospective student can choose to spend a morning or afternoon on campus and “shadow” one of our Student Ambassadors. They will typically attend 3-4 classes, have lunch with our students, and meet with HRA faculty. A student must have already applied for admission to participate in a Shadow Day. This experience can be separate from, or in conjunction with, the Admission Assessment. Learn more about Shadow Days and other
admissions events.
What is the daily schedule at HRA?
Students in Grades 5 – 12 are on a block schedule, meaning they will attend five blocks daily out of a seven-block rotating schedule. Meanwhile, our students in grades Pre-K – 4 have a primary teacher and classrooms where they attend what we call “resource classes.” Depending on the rotation, students will attend two resources per day from the following array of offerings: Spanish, technology, science enrichment, art, music, physical education, and library.
Lower School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 2:35 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:10 pm
Middle School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:15 am – 2:55 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:25 pm
Upper School Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:15 am – 2:55 pm
Friday Dismissal: 2:25 pm
What is the demographic mix among students?
Our student body reflects a mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and talents, creating a dynamic environment where every individual is celebrated and valued. Through this rich diversity, students learn to appreciate and respect different viewpoints, fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy, and understanding.
Is there a dress code and/or uniform?
In Pre-K – Grade 8, there is a uniform. Once students enter Grade 9, they are asked to wear “business casual” attire.
Is there bus transportation?
There is bus transportation—including a late bus for after-school activities—available for a nominal fee to students living in Smithfield, Suffolk, Gloucester, and Williamsburg. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Students in all other areas participate in the “car line” and rely on carpools, parents, and older students to travel to and from school and school activities.
When are students eligible to participate on athletic teams?
HRA has varsity, junior-varsity, and middle school
athletic teams
. Once students enter Grade 6, they are allowed to participate on middle school athletic teams. Interscholastic competition is available from Grades 6 through 12, with 70 percent of our students competing on one or more of our many sports teams. HRA also has several athletic teams for students in Grade 5, as well as athletic skill-building programs for younger students.
When do fall sports begin?
Varsity athletic teams often hold conditioning during the summer and begin pre-season practices during the second week of August. JV and middle school teams generally start on the first Monday of the school year. For more information, check out the
athletics calendar
.
How does my student select his or her courses?
Your division office will ask for your selections. Students apply for Advanced Placement and Honors-level courses during the previous school year. Once those courses are approved, students work with the registrar to schedule their classes.
Schedule a Tour
At Hampton Roads Academy
"
*
" indicates required fields
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.
Get in Touch
Call Admissions
Text Admissions
Email Admissions
Visit Us
Charting Futures, Shaping Leaders
(757) 884-9100
739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Copyright
Hampton Roads Academy | All Rights Reserved
Hampton Roads Academy | Hampton Roads Private School
739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602
|
(757) 884-9100
Policies and Accessibility
Page load link
Accessibility Bar
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Disable flashes
title
Mark headings
settings
Background Color
zoom_out
Zoom out
zoom_in
Zoom in
remove_circle_outline
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add_circle_outline
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spellcheck
Readable font
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brightness_low
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