{"id":1831,"date":"2024-07-08T12:56:02","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T16:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c8ace14355.nxcli.io\/?page_id=1831"},"modified":"2026-08-18T11:11:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:11:18","slug":"middle-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hra.org\/middle-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Middle School<\/h1><\/div>

Building Academic Foundations<\/h3><\/div>
APPLY TODAY<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"middle<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The HRA Middle School philosophy holds that a whole-child approach\u2014one that can address all of our students’ talents and capacities, both inside and outside the classroom\u2014is 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<\/a>, in higher education, and in their adult lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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

The Middle School years are a season of becoming. Between the ages of ten and fourteen, students experience extraordinary intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. At Hampton Roads Academy, every decision we make begins with a deep understanding of this stage of development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our faculty are experts in their disciplines and the developmental needs of their students. They know that Middle School students need to be challenged academically while also feeling known, valued, and supported. Small classes create opportunities for meaningful discussion, thoughtful feedback, and strong relationships\u2014in the classroom and beyond\u2014that allow teachers to see each child as both a learner and a person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationships are the foundation of everything we do. They allow us to hold students to high expectations while providing the encouragement and guidance they need to meet them. We believe growth comes through challenge, so we intentionally create opportunities for students to experience productive struggle with the support they need to succeed. As they wrestle with difficult ideas and persevere through setbacks, students discover they are capable of more than they imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as importantly, Middle School is where character is practiced and agency begins to flourish. Honesty, respect, and responsibility are not simply words on a wall. They are lived every day in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, on the stage, and throughout our community. By the time they leave Middle School, students have begun to take ownership of their learning, their decisions, and the kind of people they are becoming. They are prepared for Upper School and for lives of purpose and integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a privilege to partner with families during these transformative years. Together, we help students become confident, capable young people who know themselves, care for others, and are ready for what comes next.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"HRA<\/span><\/div>

Abigail Whorley<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

Director of Middle School<\/em><\/h5><\/div>

757-884-9145<\/a>
\nawhorl@hra.org<\/a><\/p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>

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

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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