ACADEMIC &
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
LOWER & MIDDLE SCHOOL
Our Vision
cultivating compassionate leaders
Academic Growth with Character at the Core
We are dedicated to fostering the growth of compassionate leaders through a curriculum that combines academic excellence with character development. Our approach is built on creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can be seen and known to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Character Education & Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
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We are dedicated to fostering the growth of compassionate leaders through a curriculum that combines academic excellence with character development. Our approach is built on creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can be seen and known to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Every Child Matters ​
Each child is a unique individual with distinct talents, perspectives, and dreams. That’s why we focus on creating a personalized, inclusive learning environment where students feel:
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Valued
Every voice is heard, and every accomplishment is celebrated.
Empowered
Students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and grow.
Connected
Our tight-knit community ensures every child feels supported, both academically and socially.
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We believe that by nurturing both the heart and mind, we can help children develop the confidence to overcome challenges, the compassion to support others, and the curiosity to become lifelong learners.
Why Families Choose HHA
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Holistic Development
Our program nurtures the academic, emotional, and social needs of each child.
Individual Attention
Small class sizes and personalized instruction ensure that every child’s unique needs are met.
Focus on Character
Our L-E-A-D-E-R-S values system instills a strong moral foundation.
Community Centered Learning
Students thrive in a welcoming and inclusive environment where they know they belong.​
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We don’t just educate—we inspire.​
Key Components
for SEL at HHA
Social Emotion
Learning
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Develop healthy identities
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Manage emotions
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Achieve personal and collective goals
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Feel and show empathy for others
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Establish and maintain supportive relationships
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Make responsible and caring decisions
Character Based Education
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HHA L-E-A-D-E-R-S Values System
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Listeners
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Empathetic
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Accepting
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Disciplined
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Ethical
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Respectful
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Selfless
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SEL & Character
Education Connections
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SEL provides the how, and character education provides the what with regard to curriculum and student learning. Together, these elements empower students to grow into their best selves—both academically and personally.
Curriculum Highlights
Standards-Based, Developmentally Aligned Curriculum
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Our nationally accredited curriculum provides engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of our students.​ By focusing on academic standards and developmental milestones, we ensure that every child grows at their own pace while feeling encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zone
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
with RULER
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Our partnership with the RULER approach, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, allows us to create a school environment where children feel emotionally safe and supported. RULER helps students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring they are equipped to handle challenges with resilience and confidence.
Character Education through HHA
L-E-A-D-E-R-S Values
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Our LEADERS values system is central to everything we do. By emphasizing qualities like Empathy, Respect, and Selflessness, we help students understand their inherent value and their role within the larger community. These daily practices guide students toward becoming kind, ethical, and proactive members of society.
Assessment & Progress Reporting
Evaluation of Learning
We believe every child’s progress deserves to be celebrated and supported. Our assessments include formative evaluations, observations, self-reflection, and standards-based grading to provide a comprehensive understanding of student growth.
Personalized Learning Through iReady Diagnostics
We use iReady diagnostics three times per academic year to deliver personalized, real-time data about each student’s progress in math and literacy. This helps educators tailor instruction to every child's needs, ensuring each student feels supported and challenged.
Standards-Based Grading (SBG)
Rather than focusing on traditional letter grades, SBG provides clear, specific feedback on what a student knows and can do, emphasizing growth and mastery of specific skills. This developmental approach fosters deeper understanding, encourages confidence, and ensures that every child’s achievements are celebrated.
Honoring Each Child’s Journey
At HHA, progress reporting is an opportunity to build strong partnerships with families and recognize the unique growth of each student:
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Two family/teacher conferences (fall and spring) provide time to discuss individual strengths and areas for growth.
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Two report cards (winter and summer) highlight student progress in both academics and character development.
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