New Hope Academy

I have had four children go to New Hope Academy. My eldest two were able to be accepted into the highly competitive Eleanor Roosevelt Science and Technology High School Program. I now have one 8th grader and one 6th grader at New Hope. The advantages of New Hope are that it is a small close-knit school. Children feel safe and comfortable there and will not fall through the cracks. If your child is having any problems you will know immediately and be able to take appropriate action. It is very easy at New Hope to meet with teachers and discuss any issues. My children have all done well academically and I think New Hope offers a great academic foundation. The down-side is that New-Hope is tuition funded and so has limited resources. There are not as many extra-curricular activities as you might find in public tax-funded schools. Overall, a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Love the Teachers and Staff. They really take care of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I recently withdrew my son from NHA. Although it is a great school, I really didn't see a significant difference compared to the public school he attended 3 years ago. We all want to think we are giving our children the best education, but just because it cost a few thousand dollars a year doesn't make this school better. I don't want to go into details about this school, but parents do your homework and check our your neighborhood school. These schools are really just as good. Save your money for your child's higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with the academic and social guidance my son has been receiving at New Hope. The older students have been good role models for my son. I will enroll my 3-year old in the fall. I particularly like that the principal is open to discussing any topic. She seems to know the children and parents individually. One of the best things about New Hope is that there is a spirt of community and if parents come up with new ideas they are discussed at PTA meetings and very often implemented. Examples inlcude the PTA subcommitties for academic development and website design. The school administration has been very receptive to the ideas that have come from parents. The school nurse is a great health teacher and organizer of school events. She is really an asset to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends New Hope Academy and I have noticed over the years that the school has gone down hill. The playground is in great need of repair. I think the whole school can use a face lift. The school is talking of raising tuition cost due to the economy, but honestly I don't see where the money is going.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son s third year at NHA and I must say that the end of last year and beginning of this year has been completely horrible. What is happening to our schools in PG County! This use to be a great school, but many of the teachers that started this school are retiring. The teachers don t return your telephone calls and the majority of them don t use email. I have to literally go to the school to have contact with my son s teacher. The school is a Wreck! The bathroom facilities are disgusting and doesn t work most of the time. The playground is in desperate need of repairing. The school nickel and dime us for any and every thing. The school speaks of diversity but that is just a ploy to get you in. Parents don t waste your money. I have wasted enough for us all.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children have graduated from New Hope Academy. They are well educated and very well rounded. What I am really impressed with is the result of the individual efforts that the teachers put into the students to make them grow as active and responsible citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

My four kids came up through New Hope Academy. My youngest, an 11th grader who is graduating a year early, has already received college acceptances and scholarship offers. Two of my kids (along with many others from this school) went from New Hope Academy to the competitive Science and Tech program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. I think New Hope offers a great program for kids who are willing to work.
—Submitted by a parent

New Hope is a great school and if you want a small school that really cares then you will love it. The PTA is active, students are kind and smart and never like to leave at the end of the day.
—Submitted by a parent

The rules are harsh, and teachers are way over-protective. If students even hug, detentions will be given, which will be on your permanent.
—Submitted by a parent

If you want a challenging education for your child, New Hope Academy is not the place for you. If your child has learning difficulties, the nurturing evironment will help your child succeed. You are led to believe that your child is learning well above grade level, when they are not. The academic standards do not meet my expectations. Academically, the students do not transfer well to other private schools and some public schools. If you want your child to be prepared for middle school, high school, or college, and you have a choice, choose another school.
—Submitted by a parent

the school is diverse and i think that important for children to interact with children of all different races. new hope has alot of good trips that are educational, but fun. for example the 7 and 8th grade went to a court house and learned the consequnces you get when you do illegal substances. overall NHA is a good school.
—Submitted by a student

My son has attended New Hope Academy since Pre K-3. We've seen his social skills blossom. He read his first book independently at age 4 (still in Pre -K). Now that he is Kindergarten, it seems that his academic progression has slowed significantly and there less verbal communication from teacher to parent. We are considering changing schools so that he will not become bored from not being challenged. He is at the head of his class and because the teacher has to be sure to keep pace with all of the children, we fear that this will hold him back. Overall, we are happy with the school. The main reason our child is still there is because he loves it and feels safe. My advice is to set your priorities and go for it!
—Submitted by a parent

the parents are very involved. i mean a lot of thie kids car pool and on my last yr at new hope we got a basketball team and a cheerleading squad. I was on the cheerleading squad. There is no tryouts as long as you cme and fill out forms you can be on the team. We even one first place in our division at the cheerleading competition at six flags last year. I also took drama and i think it was very good. We performed Peter & The Wolf at the public playhouse. It is extremely safe at New Hope because none of the students are bad kids. But wjat does need some work are the teachers. I feel they pick bad teachers and they need a better selection. But overall, I love the school!
—Submitted by Airial Smith, a former student

I have a son who attended New Hope for PK 3/4 class. I found that the curriculum is different, but successful. My son in very busy and needs an environment where he will be given the opportunity to develop social skills as well as the academic knowledge. He attended Jericho the previous year and because of the rigid structure his self esteem dropped extremely low. Since coming to New Hope, he has really blossomed. I have been working with him at home, and through the schools efforts along with my reiteration, he is reading 3-4 letter words. He is 4 years old. Granted, he is academically ahead of the class, but that is because of the community effort to develop his mind, spirit, and social skills. This is a good school, and very nurturing environment and I recommend it highly. You will receive what you put into your child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the preschool and our experience was very disappointing. All I can say is make sure the curriculum meets the needs of your child. NH staff is very nurturing and the environment is welcoming but the preschool is lax when it comes to curriculum strength. Learning through play is emphasized all the time. So if you are looking for strong academic development, and less play for your preschooler, this is not the school for you. The leadership at NH is mainly concerned with achieving motor skills and social communications. The teachers may be highly qualified, but they have limited contributions to how the school is run as the Principal sets the curriculum. The extent of parental involvement is multiple fundraising. If you're going to spend the money for private school by all means get what your paying for. I would not recommend this school for preschool.
—Submitted by a parent

Best little kept secret in PG county! Ms. Karen is a hardworking dedicated teacher, my daughter was there in KG last year and is going into first grade. Great community-highly involved parents, worth the money!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to kindergarten here. Her primary teacher, Mrs. Karen, was exceptional. She always went the extra mile to make sure the children were well rounded/educated. The children had a lot of field trips, they could read by the time Christmas came around, and they were well trained (disciple). The teacher found ways to teach the children how to talk about and work out their problems. I didn't hear the teachers yelling at the children all day (as I do now in a public school) because they'd found other ways to get the kids' attention. I am absolutely unsatisfied with every aspect of my child going to a public school. My daughter would still be at New Hope Academy if the expense wasn't so great. Definitely recommended.
—Submitted by a parent