{"id":1833,"date":"2024-07-08T12:56:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T16:56:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c8ace14355.nxcli.io\/?page_id=1833"},"modified":"2026-10-06T08:51:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T12:51:05","slug":"upper-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hra.org\/upper-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Upper School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Upper School<\/h1><\/div>

Preparing Students for College & Beyond<\/h3><\/div>
APPLY TODAY<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Welcome to HRA\u2019s Upper School, where our diverse curriculum is designed to prepare students not only for college, but for the world beyond the classroom. Our comprehensive educational program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, ensuring that each student is well-equipped for future success. A dedicated college counseling team<\/a> provides personalized guidance to help students navigate the college admissions process and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. At HRA, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that nurtures academic excellence and prepares students for a dynamic and evolving world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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

Upper School (Grades 9 \u2013 12) is a time of significant student growth, during which students continue to develop independence, self-management, and responsibility. They explore areas of interest, they try new things (sometimes with success, sometimes with failure\u2014both have their place!), all while evolving the personal and academic skills they need to navigate college and life with confidence. Our students are surrounded by caring adults who keep students at the center of the experience, whether it be in the classroom, in the art studio, in the theater, or on the athletic field.<\/p>\n

This practice fosters and supports a high degree of student independence and intellectual rigor through high expectations, real-world experiences, leadership opportunities, academic achievement, personal responsibility, a dedication to the whole child, and strong, authentic relationships between and among students and faculty.<\/p>\n

Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves, to participate actively in discovering and creating their own solutions to problems, to think critically, and to write analytically. By respectfully interacting and learning with others, students develop empathy and an understanding of the value of civility while exchanging ideas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Benjamin Rous<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

Assistant Head of School<\/em>
\nDirector of Upper School<\/em><\/p><\/h5><\/div>

757-884-9389<\/a>
\nbrous@hra.org<\/a><\/p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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

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The HRA Upper School program aims to cultivate well-rounded, independent learners who are prepared for the rigors of college and beyond. Our Upper School offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, emphasizing writing and communication skills throughout the curriculum. With over 70 courses and a variety of electives, including 27 Honors and AP courses, students are well-prepared for higher education. The program includes opportunities for independent research, mentorships, internships, and community outreach. Students benefit from real-world experiences, such as summer travel and personalized one-on-one college counseling. \u00a0By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility, we ensure that students are equipped to navigate both academic and real-world challenges with confidence and competence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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