New Hope Academy

After homeschooling for years, New Hope was a perfect fit for our kids. Both of our kids are in the upper grades but that is where the similarity ends. Our highly structured academic is pushed to perform. Our less organized, free thinker is pushed to perform. Both are doing great because of the structure and flexibility of the program. The emphasis on writing in nearly every class is a wonderful component we did not see in other schools. I'm glad we got to homeschool as long as we did; I'm glad we chose New Hope when we did.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that the difference with this school more than any other school I have worked at is that children don't fall through the cracks. There are regular student guidance team meetings including parents, staff and sometimes older students, which anyone can request where we all brainstorm together exactly how a child can be helped and motivated. We all work together for the sake of the child. This approach works. I am very impressed with the level of teacher committtment. Before this I worked at diplomatic schools overseas and New Hope is one of the best.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has attended New Hope Academy since Kindergarten and she is now in the third grade. My husband and I love this school and the great academic benefits, unity and diversity that it offers. NHA continues to be a great learning and social environment for her. She continues to be challenged and has shown great improvement academically and socially over the years. The staff is great and it is very evident and apparent that they love our children and have their best interest at heart. It is a great school and I continue to refer it every chance that I can.
--Submitted by a parent

(continued) In addition, my kids participate in soccer, T-ball, basketball, tae qwon do, ballet, hip hop, tap, and drama. All these activities take place during aftercare and doesn't require me to do any running around. I pick the kids up at 6 pm and all that stuff is already done.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at New Hope really seem to love teaching. I am very pleased. My daughter has been there for over 3 years.
--Submitted by a parent

NHA has helped my son improve academically since graduating from Montessori school (3rd grade). His SAT test scores are great but we weren't able to compare his scores on a national level. I believe the selection of the test was made by NHA administration but parents weren't able to view scores from a national standpoint. Something to ponder. The building doesn't have air-conditioning in certain sections which makes it difficult for my son because of seasonal allergies. Through past experiences, I've had to reference NHA's handbook to make sure guidelines were followed. When mistakes are made, sometimes administration won't readily account for their error. A good practice is for both parent and administratioin to engage in ongoing communication for the sake of the child. Often times, the parent has to initiate the first step. In some cases, more collaborative effort should be made on behalf of the school. Improvement can be made in several areas to help support the child's education and their future.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys that have gone to this school since kindergarten. They are now in the 4th and 6th grades. The academic and moral foundation that the school has given them is excellent. Both boys have been accepted to the Johns Hopkins center for talented youth and they both participate in the schools after-school Robotics program. They've worked on researching and developing their own ideas to solve real issues facing today's engineers. They've developed solutions including cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, designing a concept car that included autopilot and ran on bio-fuels, designing a cardiac patch made of polystyrene to grow with the heart. All of which they had to present in competition. Currently they're working with a school in Mexico on researching whether the idea of a polystyrene cardiac patch is actually possible. An exercise I feel is preparing them for working with people all over the world. The school also has an after-school ACE team (a group that promotes climate education). A couple of years ago some of our students (elementary, middle and high school) went to an engineering conference in Baltimore and won all of the laptops they were giving away!!
--Submitted by a parent

New Hope Academy. I have three children that have gone through the Pre School program. Wonderful program, true love and care for each child. Lots of hands on projects. My kids went into Kindergarten reading already. One of my children graduated from their middle school program with a very strong academy foundation. He tested and got into the Roosevelt Science and Tech program with an almost perfect score. My other two children continue at New Hope in the elementary and the middle school. The Saxon math program that the school uses is excellent. My children love the school and I am relaxed as a parent because not only is excellent academically but the school offers a positive environment that encourages the children to make the right choices. This is a very important point for me because in most schools, the goodness of the children is in constant struggle with the negativity of the environment. The positive and family environment of the school creates rounded and beautiful human beings.
--Submitted by a parent

PreK program is excellent. Family oriented school and chilren have a sense of security there. Principal is open to suggestions but how much is really considered is questionable. Also, the school is so busy struggling with enrollment and keeping teachers that they can't focus on whats important...and that is working on a stronger academic program. Something as simple as a music teacher has changed every year in the past 3 years. There are no after school progams/clubs that encourage children to step outside the box to be creative or individual. The school doesn't focus at all on encouraging an analytical approach to learning, rather it simply forces students to memorize and regurgitate facts. In a society where it is crucial that our children become critical thinkers, very capable writers, and articulate communicators the middle and upper school doesn't prepare students for this task. Love the fact that it has incorporated an International program but even that is lacking and needs some improvement. For a 20 year school it still has some growing pains. It's an OK school if your just looking to "pay" for an OK education. Much more out there to choose from
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in NHA's high school. He loves it. I love the small, close-knit environment. The teachers are hard-working and dedicated. They have an actual relationship with every student. No one is just a face in the crowd at NHA.
--Submitted by a parent