HRA Middle School | Empowering Students for Success Skip to content Middle School Hampton Roads Academy 2025-08-12T10:34:20-04:00 Middle School Building Academic Foundations APPLY TODAY The HRA Middle School philosophy holds that a whole-child approach—one that can address all of our students’ talents and capacities, both inside and outside the classroom—is the best way to guide them through these formative years. While deepening students’ knowledge across core subjects, offering them opportunities in other areas of interest, and exposing them to increasing levels of challenge, we aim to prepare them for the years ahead in Upper School, in higher education, and in their adult lives. A Message from the Director of Middle School Students in Grades 5-8 are moving through an incredible time of growth and change, so the support they receive in Middle School must reflect this period of maturation. As is the case throughout HRA, our small class sizes (average of 16) allow the Middle School staff the chance to set a high standard of achievement while also supporting their students’ individual needs and personal growth. As students learn to write more effectively, to read more sophisticated offerings, and to become more independent in their own learning journeys, it is the student-teacher-parent interaction and communication that are fundamental to the success students achieve over these four pivotal years. Students in Middle School, for the first time, work with a team of core instructors as well as elective teachers, as opposed to one grade-level teacher. They also have access to aspects of school life, such as athletic teams and theatre productions, not available to them in younger grades. With these new opportunities and challenges comes a period in their school day, TEAM, where an advisory teacher helps guide their study skills, homework progress, and concerns over grades. All of the individual attention students receive, and the progress they make, is possible because our Middle School faculty members have dedicated themselves not only to academic instruction, but also to coaching teams, directing theatrical or musical productions, sponsoring a club, being a faculty advisor, or a combination of all these. Karen L. Gillespie Interim Director of Middle School 757-884-9145 kgille@hra.org HRA’s Middle School Goals The HRA Middle School (Grades 5 through 8) strives to prepare students for the academic and social challenges of Upper School and beyond. Our curriculum provides essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and world languages to build a solid academic base while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and taking responsibility for one’s own learning. Understanding the importance of physical activity, HRA promotes health and motor skills through physical education classes, team sports, and other activities. Additionally, we focus on helping students develop social skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. The Middle School Program Includes: A seven-period rotation of classes, with five or six core classes each year (plus P.E. and electives) A technology program that promotes digital learning and online safety An athletics and physical education program that emphasizes skill-building and working as a team A music and theatre program that gives students the opportunity to be on stage both at school and in the community A variety of extracurricular clubs and leadership opportunities Access to a science lab, art classrooms, music rooms, a stage and auditorium, athletic fields, and two gymnasiums Annual grade-level and division-wide awards and recognitions for outstanding performance, leadership, and citizenship Middle School Course Requirements Prerequisites and courses required to complete before graduating to the Upper School include the following: Curriculum Guide 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 learners for success in Upper School, higher education, and life. Apply today to pursue a rigorous, comprehensive, and diverse education tailored to your student’s needs and goals. 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. MEET OUR TEAM 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 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. 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