Educational Philosophy

Flexible. With students around the globe experiencing transitions, challenges, and changing communities, Hemispheres offers a stable and flexible educational home. Utilizing classes online provides continuity for children in transition, moving to a different hemisphere, staying at home due to instability, or looking for a stable community. Homeroom classes, schoolwide events, and small group work will encourage connections between students and families. Our transition plan, unique to each student, will help those moving to a new home or country. We understand the challenges faced by our community and are committed to working with families to ensure educational continuity.

Student-Centered. While virtual, a large part of our program will focus on small group and individual sessions with teacher-coaches. General instruction provides a framework for exploring special needs and interests with coaches as students move through the curriculum and prove mastery of the Standards of Learning. Students can explore special interests through  independent study options and will synthesize learning through project-based assessments.

Community-focused. Our school has been created by and for the U.S. Foreign Service community. While we also welcome expats, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of those families facing regular transitions and uncertain schooling options at post. We will utilize the resources within our community through guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, and connections to host countries. We will build communities regionally and locally for those enrolled in our school. Our parent programs provide a way for families to connect as well as students.

U.S. Standards-aligned. Hemispheres Academy will use the Calvert Learning curriculum for elementary and Edmentum Courseware curriculum, with inspiration from Calvert Education projects, for middle and high school students. The curriculum aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Student learning plans provide a space to set goals, identify areas of focus, and a place to track progress. In regular conferring sessions, students will work with their teacher coach to ensure they are meeting or exceeding learning expectations. Both internal assessment and external norm-referenced assessment provide feedback for the school, the teachers, and students in a supportive and challenging environment.

Core Courses. Hemispheres Academy offers the core courses of math, science, language arts, and social studies, as well as art, music, physical education,and world language. Teachers incorporate Social and Emotional Learning into homeroom and core courses. Students will have the option for additional independent study opportunities.

Learning Cohorts. Small learning cohorts of seven to twelve students ensure all students are known and engaged (not lost in a virtual shuffle). Teacher coaches ensure personal learning goals are made and needs met through regular personalized meetings. Cross curriculum group projects help  students understand deeper application of what they are learning.