{"id":1829,"date":"2024-07-08T12:55:18","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T16:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c8ace14355.nxcli.io\/?page_id=1829"},"modified":"2026-07-08T10:11:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:11:59","slug":"lower-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hra.org\/lower-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lower School<\/h1><\/div>

Creating Lifelong Learners<\/h3><\/div>
APPLY TODAY<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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At Hampton Roads Academy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

A Message from the Director of Lower School<\/h3><\/div>

At HRA’s Lower School, we establish a robust academic foundation across various disciplines, fostering a passion for lifelong learning.<\/p>\n

The goal of the Hampton Roads Academy Lower School (Pre-Kindergarten for 3-year-olds through fourth grade) is to develop students intellectually, artistically, physically, and morally.<\/p>\n

Faculty and staff incorporate a comprehensive instructional approach supporting HRA\u2019s core values of honesty, respect, and responsibility. Students understand and internalize the qualities that help them grow into caring, successful, and productive citizens.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Admission to the Lower School is selective. Consideration is based on the applicant\u2019s past academic performance, test scores, a 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\u2019s first teacher, we look forward to joining our parents on their child\u2019s educational journey.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Susanne Swain ’78<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

Director of Lower School<\/em><\/p><\/h5><\/div>

757-884-9109<\/a>
\nsswain@hra.org<\/a><\/p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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HRA\u2019s Lower School Goals<\/p><\/h2><\/span>

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Our Lower School encompasses Pre-K through Grade 4 and lays a strong foundation for children’s future learning and development. The Lower School curriculum provides fundamental skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and science to build a strong academic base and teach critical thinking. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving. We also understand how important physical activity is, especially for our youngest students, and HRA promotes health and motor skills through exercise and other activities. Additionally, we emphasize helping children develop social skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Lower School Program Includes:<\/h3><\/div>