Meeting Students Where They Thrive

Luca is now in his second year at Hampstead Academy and he’s flourishing. Bright, curious, and full of energy, he struggled in public kindergarten, where his enthusiasm for learning was met with discouragement instead of support.

“Luca is incredibly smart, but in public school, they told him he raised his hand too much,” recalls his mother, Sabrina B. “Instead of encouraging his curiosity, they stifled it. He started feeling like he shouldn’t be smart. Worse, he was bullied for being academically ahead, and the school did little to stop it. We knew we had to make a change.”

Determined to find a place where Luca’s intellect and energy would be nurtured, Sabrina searched for private elementary schools. The family toured several, but the final decision belonged to Luca. At just five years old, he knew exactly what he wanted—an environment that felt welcoming, engaging, and free. When he saw that Hampstead Academy classrooms prioritized movement and flexibility, he knew he’d found his place.

Sabrina conducted an Internet search for private elementary schools and the family toured and shadowed students at several, ultimately leaving the final decision up to Luca. Then 5-year-old Luca was drawn to the warm, welcoming, and flexible environment at Hampstead Academy, in particular the fact the class spent most of their time sitting on the floor rather than at desks.

A School That Moves with Its Students

Now a thriving second grader, Luca loves the hands-on learning and active approach at Hampstead Academy.

“He loves that he’s not stuck at a desk all day and that learning is an adventure,” Sabrina shares. “Every day is filled with movement, exploration, and creativity.”

Beyond the innovative curriculum, the family appreciates the mixed-age interactions, which allow Otavia to learn from and engage with older students.

For both children, Hampstead Academy has been more than just a school—it’s been a place where they are truly seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

A Fit for the Whole Family

“Ottavia is always telling me stories about her interactions with students from other classrooms,” says Sabrina. “I find it really helps bring kids out of their shells. For example, last year when Luca first got here he didn’t know how to interact with his peers, especially being so academically advanced. But when he was able to freely engage with some of the older students, he found his group of people that he was comfortable with, that he could talk to, without having to make a socially uncomfortable transition to another grade. And with Ottavia, her speech is improving quickly because she’s around older kids so much.”

Luca is thriving academically at Hampstead Academy, consistently testing at least an entire grade level above his age in all subjects. In a traditional school, some administrators might suggest moving him up a grade, a controversial decision for any family.

“Luca is small for his age. Moving him up a grade would never be good for him emotionally and here I never have to worry about that. He’s being met right where he’s at academically without any negative social aspects.”

Sabrina has also found her spot in the Hampstead Academy community as well as a volunteer videographer and photographer for the school. All in all, the school has served the needs of not just a single member but the entire family.

Join Us for our Spring Student Exhibition on Wednesday, March 12th from 3-5 pm.