Hampstead Hill Academy

Posted: July 5, 2020

Posted: July 5, 2020

Posted: July 5, 2020

Posted: July 5, 2020

Posted: July 5, 2020

Posted: July 5, 2020

HHA uses restorative practices and circle discussions to resolve conflicts.

Posted: July 5, 2020

5 stars! HHA is a gem of a school. Outstanding community that cares about its kids.

Posted: June 7, 2020

This is a school that cares about its people-- students, teachers, staff, and parents. The leaders are approachable. It’s a sunny neighborhood school where kids are really eager to come to class and make friends. The award-winning principal is a long-time leader. It’s small enough that you know many by name and large enough to have many after-school activities, including theater and clubs (sports are not the focus). Curriculum is direct-instruction, make use online platforms to supplement in-class learning, and keeps up with standards. Class sizes are often 30+. The teachers are very motivated. The school earns high marks from Maryland State Dept of Ed and serves a diverse community. A large park’s green space is a great resource and used by classes. During the pandemic, the school made efforts to keep everyone engaged. HHA is part of city schools and has some flexibility in its budgeting, as its operator is non-profit Baltimore Curriculum Project, and the PTO is active! My child loved the elementary years and is in the honors middle school program.

Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: June 7, 2020

Posted: November 23, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

My grandson has flourished in his first year at this school. I appreciate the varied resource classes and the structured curriculum in the academic area. The staff is supportive and friendly, and the students appear engaged. There is strong outreach into the community as well.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Excellent school all 3 of my kids have attended this school the oldest 2 graduated to get scholarships to High school and one of the oldest have gone to college on a full 4 year ride. I found Hampstead Hill back in the early 2000's and sending my kids to this school was the best decision i made. Today i have 1 kid left attending Hampstead Hill following his brother n sister foot steps. Hampstead Hill is safe, clean, and the staff and teacher's are grear. Mr.Hornbeck has been the principal of this school over 15 years and he is in charge on keeping this school great.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

We moved here in September, and my daughter adjusted exceeding well for being the new kid on campus. She's maintained a 4.0 throughout the year, and felt encouraged both at school and at home. We adore her teachers, specifically Ms. Locke. I will encourage parents to be involved; join the PTO, volunteer your time, get to know the staff, and maintain an open line of communication.

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

The Principal, Mr Hornbeck, is a dedicated principal and provides excellent leadership to a group of talented school employees and teachers.
I would also not only positively rate the employees but also the families who are very involved in the school programs and activities.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Our daughter is in K and she absolutely love her school. She feels safe and stimulated. For K (not sure about other grades), they sub-divide the group by strength for various subjects - which I think it is the right approach as one can be stronger than others in math but not in reading. Essentially, the group is mixed up but when a specific math or reading subject comes, they sub-divide. My daughter has a class of 10 for reading who are following the 1st grade program as they are more advanced.
School also has programs for kids with special needs such a speech therapy, etc.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

The GreatSchools.org grade doesn't serve justice to how exceptional this school is. I can mostly speak for lower grades for the program and kids interactions but the leadership team is outstanding and this has to also reflect the quality of higher grades.

Our daughter is in K and she absolutely love her school. She feels safe and stimulated. For K (not sure about other grades), they sub-divide the group by strength for various subjects - which I think it is the right approach as one can be stronger than others in math but not in reading. Essentially, the group is mixed up but when a specific math or reading subject comes, they sub-divide. My daughter has a class of 10 for reading who are following the 1st grade program as they are more advanced.
I also love that she gets various programs such as enrichment, STEAM, food, gym, drama, french (after school), etc.

The principal is very engaged with the parents, kids and school employees. He truly cares about the families and sets high standards for his school.

Posted: May 31, 2017

My daugther who is in K, didn't have specific homework - which I think is the correct approach for this grade. Only a little story to read a few times a week starting mid-year.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Passionate and dedicated teachers. Follow a methodical approach for teaching. Follow Singapore math program in K. I emailed the teachers a few times this year with same day response.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: February 15, 2017

Have not had an issue with this but the leadership is very responsive.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Posted: February 15, 2017

The principals are very good. Mr Hornbeck knows all the students names and is always around.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Posted: February 15, 2017

K teacher was great!, 1st grade teacher was good and now the 2nd grade teacher is also great. Overall excellent experience.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Not a fan of homework for 1st and 2nd graders but it is not too much work.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Our son is in 2nd grade. So far his teachers have been good to excellent. They have been responsive to any concerns we have raised. The school climate could not be any better. Parents are involved, students are motivated and the principals know everyones names and treat the students with respect.

Posted: January 4, 2017

One of the boys punched our girl (both Kindergarteners) at recess. She told a monitor, they immediately told her teacher, teacher immediately involved the vice principal, who then got everyone together to discuss what happened. He then called us to let us know what transpired, what actions were taken, and what will be done later. Tomorrow, the boy will be having his recess with the vice principal, personally, to further teach and help reinforce appropriate behavior.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Our Kindergartener interacts with many teachers throughout the week, separate classrooms for home room and math, for example, with each teacher giving personalized attention. Students learn at their own pace with peers in small teams, which get changed up regularly.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Mr. Hornbeck is an amazing principal that engages students AND motivates parents to be involved. He clearly motivates the teachers too as they all reflect his leadership principles.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Mr. Hornbeck and his staff immediately set a welcoming, respectful, engaging tone that is reinforced at pretty much every interaction.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Our Kindergartener interacts with some 6+ different teachers (main, assistant, math, gifted, food, gym, ...) and she absolutely loves and has made a strong personal connection with all of them. They all have different approaches and personal touches they bring to the school that keep things interesting and engaging for the students, supportive, where learning is at each individual's pace.

Posted: January 4, 2017

At least at the Kindergarten grade, homework is very gently introduced as simple fun reading assignments that are rewarding, quick, and painless. Independent of the classroom teachers, the school administration has also been exceptionally proactive too, holding events geared at teaching families fun learning activities that can be done at home independently.

Posted: January 4, 2017

This is our first year with a kindergartener at HHA, and we're just loving it. Mr. Hornbeck is an awesome engaged principal that has an talent for making personal connections with kids and parents alike. Great EGATE gifted and talented program, lots of after-school activities. PTO, teachers, and staff are incredibly active at school events, after hours too, with the school demonstrably undergoing an growth explosion. Met a family that moved back from the county because of this school, and we'd already hesitate leaving because it's been a really great experience all around already.

Posted: December 15, 2016

I can't speak from personal experience on this.

Posted: December 15, 2016

It was a struggle early on, and still is sometimes, to figure out how best to meet our child's needs. The mental health suite is not as strong or effective as it was when we first joined HHA, but the enrichment program is phenomenal (award winning) and the teachers are very amenable to finding innovating methods that support individual student needs.

Posted: December 15, 2016

I believe this school is so successful in large part due to the serving Principal, Matthew Hornbeck. He knows every kid and their unique circumstances, and he makes himself incredibly available to parents.

Posted: December 15, 2016

Their guiding principles and core values on these matters are very embedded in school life and reinforced often.

Posted: December 15, 2016

This is hit-or-miss, of course, but we have had several phenomenal teachers for each of our kids.

Posted: December 15, 2016

Homework in early grades is largely ineffective except to develop habits. There is far too much homework in early grades and it does not foster critical thinking, but takes time away from essential child development activities, like free play, family time, and sufficient sleep.

Posted: December 15, 2016

I pinch myself regularly that we have access to such an amazing school in the inner city public school system. It feels like my childhood school in the suburbs. My kids and I are completely comfortable, everyone knows us by name, and we have received kindness and attention to our concerns small and large. I am not thrilled with some aspects of the curriculum, but the school administration and teachers go out of their way to meet our needs and address our concerns, even given those constraints.

Posted: September 23, 2016

I had several issues that went on for year and little to nothing was done but I see a difference when its other children

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Since my child has been attending HHA I staff have really been unfair I feel MR. HORNBECK also has his pick about the students he likes to help my child don't get extra help when she needs it and the teachers fail to communicate with me about my child's grades and reading level

Posted: June 22, 2016

HHA is a wonderful school. The teachers are great, the children are well behaved. This school feels like one big happy family. It's very warm and welcoming and the curriculum is excellent! My son loves his school and so does mom :)

Posted: June 16, 2016

They cook the books. Very teacher and admin focused. Not child focused. They have continued to let my child fall through the cracks and turn their heads the other way as it happens.

Posted: October 26, 2015

This is a Wonderful school! The Teachers and Staff are great and really care about our Children! Mr. Hornbeck is a very dedicated principle and we are very Happy with his leadership!

Posted: March 3, 2015

Love,love this school. This is our 4th year and I can't say enough good things about the caring staff and everyone who devotes 100% of their efforts in making this the best school in the city! We love the diversity and programs and don't think we could get that in the county. A true community and we could not be happier.

Posted: March 3, 2015

Great leadership from Mr. Hornbeck sets the tone for an invested, dedicated staff who are driven to provide the best environment possible to help the children succeed. My kids love their days at HHA.

Posted: March 2, 2015

I had concerns with enrolling my daughter in a Baltimore City public school - but after meeting with the principal of HHA and a tour of the school, I felt comfortable in enrolling my daughter at the school. A decision that I have yet to regret - the administration and teachers have been highly responsive and supportive of my daughter's needs and have provided an excellent experience.

Posted: March 2, 2015

Cons: Class sizes are large. Foreign language program is almost non-existent. Pros: The teachers/administrators/staff are so wonderful and caring at this school. We did everything we could to not send our daughter here because of the concerns listed above and because she does have some special needs, but we are so glad she ended up here. We met with the principal before making the decision, had our child shadow a day at school, and toured and almost everyone made the decision much easier. They are proactive seeing to my daughter's needs and if there's a problem, classes are based on ability and the reading groups within the classes are based on level as well. HHA has gone above and beyond to meet our needs.

Posted: November 22, 2014

HHA is a great school-- it has the diversity that we wanted for our kids (3rd and 1st grade) in a city school with all of the resources that you would expect in a county school. The school is heavily invested in science and the performing arts-- drama, band, orchestra, etc. Best of all, I do not feel like I am "settling" at all in sending my kids here.

Posted: April 1, 2014

My child entered this school in the 7th grade and has learned do much he is an 8th grader now and continues to do awesome .If you want a school where the teachers go above and beyond for there kids this is the one you want. The principal knows every student by name how cool is that. HHA there are coach class among other things set in place for your child I love this school

Posted: April 11, 2013

My daughter graduates from Hamstead Hill this year. She has been in this school since 1st grade. I couldnt have asked for a better school. It has exceeded my expectations in every way. There are so many programs and opportunities for the students. They are challenged academically and fair quite well on testing. Help is readily available if need be in any area your child may struggle. I wish they went all the way thru 12th grade.