Social Emotional Learning

Meet Ruby, an energetic, intelligent, and sensitive 10-year-old who came to Hampstead Academy in the Fall of 2024, transferring from her local public school. Her mother, Sunny T., explains that in addition to wanting a more challenging academic environment, the family was also seeking a more open and accepting setting for their transgendered child.

“We want to let Ruby be whoever she’s going to be and support her how she needs to be supported,” Sunny explains. “That kind of environment is not easy to find for elementary school students. At Hampstead Academy, the teachers and staff take care of Ruby like she’s one of their own. It’s an amazing dynamic.”

Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child

The family found public school lacking both socially and academically for a student like Ruby. From being lost in the crowd, to a lack of understanding and acceptance, to the limitations of the traditional education system, public school wasn’t serving Ruby’s needs. In fact, it was limiting her ability to learn effectively.

“When you feel unhappy, unsafe, or unsettled in an environment, you can’t learn. Everyone at Hampstead Academy understands this and makes sure that every student is happy and comfortable and can focus on learning. They’re committed to looking after the whole child— socially, emotionally, and academically, with hands-on learning experiences we couldn’t get at public school. I love that they get this and make it a priority.”

Discovering a Safe Place

The family first heard of Hampstead Academy when discussing their disappointment in the public school experience with another parent, a dance teacher whose children attend Hampstead Academy, and she advised that they consider it for Ruby.

“Ruby’s dance teacher suggested we look into Hampstead Academy because her children were so happy there,” adds Sunny. “After our first tour, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew this was a place Ruby could be comfortable and thrive academically.”

“The entire staff at Hampstead Academy has been dialed into Ruby’s needs right from the beginning. The attention and compassion they’ve shown has been greater than many of the special education teachers I’ve encountered over the years,” she continues. “I was simply blown away that they could be that on top of things here. It’s one of the best choices we’ve made as a family.”

Academics Focused on Real-World Success

When asked about the academic program at Hampstead Academy, Sunny didn’t hesitate.

“The academic program here is excellent. Public schools are so focused on ‘teaching to the test’ and don’t place an emphasis on hands-on learning,” she explains. “The fact is, it’s not what you memorize for a test that makes you successful. I attended high-achieving schools, and I know that it’s what you experience for yourself that’s going to help you succeed down the road. Hampstead Academy is just so unique. The environment has been everything Ruby’s needed and every day I’m grateful that she’s here. ”

When asked what her favorite part of Hampstead Academy was, Ruby pondered the question, smiled, and gave us a very simple answer:

“Everything!”

Join Us for our Spring Student Exhibition

Welcome to join our Spring Student Project Exhibition on Wednesday, March 12th from 3-5pm.