Why Families Choose Us
Jan 16th, 2024 • 5 MIN READ
A Community That Honors the Individual
The students and families that make up the Hampstead Academy community come here for many different reasons, each as unique as the students themselves. Our flexible and highly personalized approach to education and student wellbeing allows us to create a learning environment that enables each student to thrive. When you step into one of our classrooms, you’ll see and feel the difference that attracts families from all over Northern New England.
We’ll share some of their stories with you in the next few weeks, but for now, here are some of the overarching reasons families choose Hampstead Academy:
Accepting and inclusive. At Hampstead Academy, we honor the individual. Regardless of one’s culture, religion, beliefs, or identity, everyone is equal, valued and accepted. We strive to meet students where they are, encouraging them to learn at their own pace in multi-age classrooms based on natural and individual social, emotional and academic growth. We foster an environment that results in better academic outcomes as well as students who are more confident, happier and ready to take on whatever challenges our complex world throws at them.
Student-directed learning. Our learning model is inquiry-based, action-oriented, and recognizes and honors the passions and talents of the individual student. Unique to elementary education in New England, our educational philosophy is geared toward nurturing the critical, creative thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.
Small, active classes. Our classrooms don’t showcase rows of desks or students sitting quietly listening to lectures. Instead they are filled with action–students collaborating on projects, conducting research and hands-on experiments, or presenting to their peers. We believe strongly that students learn best by doing. Our teachers simultaneously work as instructors and coaches, offering as many opportunities as possible for hands-on, experiential learning, in and outside the classroom.
Enrollment process. As a small school with a specific environment and culture, we have to be selective. We want to make sure the student and family will both be happy here and that our teachers and staff have a full understanding of how to help your student reach their fullest potential. That is why our application process is more than just a formality, we take every effort to ensure that Hampstead Academy is the right fit for your student. From a mandatory tour and meet-and-greet, to our very popular “Shadow Day” where prospective students get to spend a day at our school immersed in the environment, it’s our priority to ensure that your student will thrive here.
Learn More About Our Growing Community
These are just some of the many reasons why families choose Hampstead Academy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share some of the personal stories of our students and their families. We also invite you to see the difference for yourself by joining us for our Spring Student Exhibition on Wednesday, March 12th from 3-5pm. This is a great time to see some of the work our students have done as well as speak to some of our current families and faculty.