FAQ

1. What grades are included in Hampstead Academy's program?
2. How many students attend the school?
3. Is Hampstead Academy an accredited school?
4. Are Hampstead Academy teachers certified?
5. Why do parents choose Hampstead Academy?
6. What is the procedure for admissions?
7. If I enroll my child in the kindergarten program, is acceptance into the elementary program assured?
8. Are there entrance exams or placement tests?
9. From which communities does Hampstead Academy draw its enrollment?
10. What will you teach my child if he/she is very bright?
11. What does my child need to know in order to be successful in school and in their future?
12. How are the needs of gifted and talented students met?
13. What do the students learn about Computers and Technology?
14. What is the procedure for reporting?
15. How is discipline handled?
16. Does the school have a sports program?
17. How do Hampstead Academy students fare in academic competition?
18. How do Hampstead Academy students rank nationally?
19. Is there a discount for families with more than one child attending?
20. Does Hampstead Academy allow parent participation?
21. Does the school provide daycare?
22. Does the school provide transportation?
23. Is there a scholarship fund?
24. Does the school offer a summer program?
25. Where is the school located?

Hampstead Academy offers programs for Preschool through Grade 8, students ages 3 - 15.

In 2009 - 2010 the school will operate with approximately 225 students, 180 attending Grades 1-8 and 45 attending the Early Childhood Center.

In addition to being approved by the New Hampshire State Department of Education and Health and Human Services, Hampstead Academy is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges(NEASC). The school has active memberships in many professional organizations including The New England League of Middle Schools and The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to name a few. Hampstead Academy was granted re-accreditation by NEASC in 2003.

Classroom teachers are degreed and certified. Most are working toward, or have already attained Masters' Degrees or higher. Additionally, most of our assistant teachers hold undergraduate or graduate degrees. Subject area teachers are highly qualified in their fields with undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees. As we seek to provide state-of-the-art programming for all of our students, the continuing education of our entire staff is an on-going essential component of Hampstead Academy's program.

• Low student/teacher ratio
• Development of strong character
• High academic standards
• Individualized programming
• Close parent/teacher/student partnerships
• Cooperative spirit focusing on quality education
• Strong behavioral, ethical and moral values
• Highly qualified, knowledgeable, creative, caring staff
• Dedication to the "whole" child's present and future needs

Hampstead Academy's curriculum is designed to best serve the average to above average to gifted learner. Priority placement is granted to those already enrolled in the school. For potential candidates, a preliminary visit by parents and students is required. If the possibility for future placement exists, the process will continue with a careful review of previous school records, followed by an extended visit by the student. Depending on the grade level, students will be evaluated in their reading and math abilities. When a mutually beneficial "match" between the candidate and our program seems feasible, the applicant will be accepted into the program as space allows.

Generally, yes, but please be aware that we cannot always guarantee placement. Priority is given to those already enrolled and their siblings and "on time" registration is a must. Your child will be accepted if it is determined that the program is able to meet his/her needs and space is available.

Students entering into our Early Childhood Programs are not required to take a placement test as part of our admission criteria. All students seeking admittance into our grade one program are given a Brigance Developmental Screening as part of our admission process. Students seeking admittance into grades two through five of our Lower School are given a placement evaluation during a visitation to the school as part of our admission process. Students seeking admittance into our Upper School (grades six through eight) are asked to submit recent standardized test results from their current school. In the event that standardized tests have not been administered, applicants are given a placement evaluation during a school visitation as part of our admission process. Other admission criteria include previous school experience, educator recommendations, and informal parent and student interviews.

The majority of our students reside within a radius of approximately 25 miles of the school, including more than 20 communities. However, as our reputation continues to grow, so also do inquiries and registrations from all across the United States via our website - www.hampsteadacademy.org.

The "whole" child comes to school, not simply the intellect. We view each child as an individual with varying degrees of intelligence in numerous areas - linguistic, logical, musical, spatial and interpersonal to name a few. Our focus is the maximization of each child's potential, while concurrently building an awareness of social responsibility and values. As well as addressing academic needs, we seek to foster physical, emotional and social growth, along with strength of character, as each child progresses along the developmental continuum.

Briefly, students need to be skilled in the basics of oral/written/visual communication, reading and mathematics, science and technology. Future workers must be able to think critically, logically and analytically. They must be skilled in technical reading and writing and know how to use information systems. They need to appreciate and enjoy art, music and drama, as well as be knowledgeable in history, geography and current events. They need to know how to take care of their own physical and mental well being while developing concern for others. Additionally, they must acquire the training necessary to communicate in a second language. Hampstead Academy's curriculum and staff address these needs with expertise and competence, in a nurturing environment of caring and concern.

Because we know that children are gifted/talented in numerous ways, to varying degrees, and that they possess multiple intelligences, their needs and abilities are addressed and evaluated on a regular basis. Individualized programming provides exposure and training for diversity. Student’s progress at their own pace and an assortment of enrichment experiences is offered as part of our curriculum.

Hampstead Academy uses the "National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S)" developed by The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as the foundational principles for developing the core technical competencies and informational literacy levels that students should demonstrate at various grades. Please visit the Curriculum section and/or the Technology section for further information regarding technology education at Hampstead Academy.

Students are formally evaluated on a trimester basis, including three parent conferences. Mid-term progress reports are also issued. Additional conferences may be arranged at any time throughout the year at the discretion of parent, teacher or student. Continuous communication among staff, parents, students and administration is strongly encouraged through the use of e-mail, telephone and newsletters.

"Respect others, including yourself. Respect property, including your own - at all times"

Behavioral expectations and reasonable rules are clearly defined and enforced. With a low student-teacher ratio and relationships built on mutual respect and trust, experience has shown that incidences of inappropriate behavior are minimal. When they do occur, consequences proceed as follows:

• Discussion/investigation of behavior and reminder of rules without condemnation
• Implementation of logical consequences/time out with emphasis on personal responsibility for one's own actions
• Detention - either during a break time or after school
• Consultation with parents to brainstorm and develop possible solutions
• Suspension with recommendation for counseling
• Expulsion

Hampstead Academy offers a variety of in-school and after-school sports activities each year to build upon the numerous skills that are learned in physical education classes. Fencing, golf, tennis, archery, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball and swimming are just some of the programs that have been offered during intramurals. Intramurals are offered one day a week after school for students in grades 1-8. Students in grades 1-2 have intramurals on Wednesdays, grades 3-5 on Mondays, and 6-8 on Tuesdays.

Off campus programming such as tennis, golf, swimming, and downhill skiing are offered on Wednesdays. Students are bussed to the program facilities and parent pick-up is required at the end of each session.

In addition to the intramural programming students in grades 6-8 can join the upper school sports teams each season. Upper School Sports Teams this year will include Cross Country in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and Baseball and Softball in the spring. Upper School Sports Teams practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Intramural and Upper School Sports Team Information is posted each trimester under Parents and Students - PE information.

We are very involved in "Destination Imagination", an international competition that promotes creative/cooperative problem solving skills. Each year, we have between 5 and 8 teams competing. Our students have consistently won Regional and State championships to proceed to World Finals eleven times in the past years. Of particular pride (on eight occasions) our teams received the "DaVinci" award given for outstanding creativity, as well as five "Renaissance" awards for outstanding skill in engineering, design and performance. Many of our Upper school students were invited this year to participate in the John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) program based on exceptional mathematical and/or verbal reasoning abilities as measured by national achievement test scores of 95% and above. Additionally, our students consistently achieve high awards in Lego League, National Geographic competitions, NH Arts Council, NH MathCounts, Stock Market competition (placing first in NH in 2008 and 2009), Math League, Spelling Bees and the NH Young Inventors Convention. Four times, our students have received awards in the Robert Frost Poetry Contest for Rockingham County, twice placing best in the state. In 2008, one of our 7th grade students was one of the top four students in N. H. Math Counts and was invited to participate in the national Math Counts finals in Denver, Colorado.

National achievement test score results consistently prove that standards of academic excellence, individualized programming, low student/teacher ratios and emphasis on personal responsibility and strong character result in outstanding Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) scores. Our latest (Total Reading/Total Mathematics) percentiles are as follows: Grade 3, (90%/ 90%); Grade 4, (87%/89%); Grade 5, (89%/88%); Grade 6, (87%/90%); Grade 7 (86%/87%); Grade 8, (92%/91%) Gates MacGinite Reading Testing was given to students in Grades 1 & 2. Gates MacGinite scores are as follows: Grade 1 (80%) and Grade 2 (88%). Please note that we test and include all students. View more test results here. Matriculating students are accepted into prestigious private high schools such as Phillip's Exeter and Andover, St. Mark’s, New Hampton, St. Thomas, Bishop Brady, St. John's Prep, Derryfield, Brewster, Kimball Union, Tilton, Holderness, Concord Academy, Procter, Gould, Suffield, Governor’s, Brooks, Pingree, Central Catholic, Trinity, Westover, Bishop Guertin and Berwick, Lawrence Academy, as well as advanced classes in public high schools.

A 5% discount is allowed for families with two or more children in the school. This deduction is applied for each additional student from within the same family. Your selected tuition payment plan allows for an additional discount.

Parent participation is encouraged via daily interaction, field trips and special events. Parents are invited to sign-up to volunteer during Orientation Day, which is held prior to the first day of school in the fall. The school has a very active Parent Teachers Association and Advisory Board.
For current families, see our pages on volunteer information and PTA minutes.

Daycare is available for Hampstead Academy elementary students only. Hours: 7:30-8:00 AM & 2:45-5:15 PM. Parents sign up for daycare during Orientation Day. Daycare is for those students who require routine care and is contracted for the year. Daycare information can be found on the website under "Parents and Students" - click "Forms".

Our Hampstead Academy bus transports students on a daily basis from points in Windham, Londonderry and Salem. This bus is also used for field trips and sporting events. Safeway Transportation of Kingston, transports students from the Exeter, Statham, Hampton and Kingston areas. Safeway also operates a bus route from the Andover, North Andover, Methuen areas. Bus transportation is contracted and billed by the trimester. Resident Hampstead students have access to public school bussing. Many of our students are transported by private vehicle. We strongly recommend the formation of car pools to minimize traffic and maximize time. Carpool lists are available at Orientation in the foyer of the main building. Bus information is available to members here.

Yes, presently there is an in-house scholarship fund available to worthy students who have attended Hampstead Academy for at least one year and who may be experiencing financial difficulties. Funds are awarded based on overall academic excellence and good character.

We have a full summer program for students of all ages. Information for the summer program can be found in the spring on the website under "Parents and Students".

Hampstead Academy is located on 320 East Road, Hampstead.

For more information or questions please feel free to contact us.