Keep It Happening at The Hague School!

Help Us Keep It Happening at The Hague School

This short, student-driven campaign is a fundraiser for The Hague School, Hampton Roads' only independent high school (9-12) offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and The Harkness Method. This learning style pushes students to be highly engaged and deeply invested in their education.  Our founding principles have basis in our belief that secondary education should be based on 21st century skills: listening like leaders, thinking like scholars and collaborating in the educational journey.  Students thrive under the expert leadership of lifelong educators who guide them on a journey of evidence-based inquiry, deep self-reflection and holding each other accountable for the group learning environment. Visit The Hague School's website to learn more about our innovative approach to learning.

Hi! 

Clarke here and I have just returned from an exchange program at one of our sister IB schools in Denmark. I'd like to share a little bit about something extremely important to me, my second home and high school, The Hague School. We have a saying at our school that "It Happens at the Table".  Every class takes place around a conference table, where my peers and I learn through a discussion-based method called Harkness. The Hague School is a different school and it has made a difference in my life. I look forward to going to school each and every day because my classmates and I learn from the perspectives of one another.  We have so many opportunities for learning in and outside the classroom.  For example, my IB art class is regularly held at the Chrysler Museum. I've learned glass blowing techniques and created several beautiful pieces at the Chrysler's Glass Studio.  Through my school, I was able to serve as a junior editor  and author several articles for a local magazine and currently serve as an intern for a local start up company running their social media marketing. At The Hague School, we learn to see the world through a global lens and we are learning to think and problem-solve for our global society.  What I love most is the opportunity we have to travel the world. I am on my school's Mock Trial and Model United Nations Competition teams and I have competed in several to include those at Boston College, William & Mary, Old Dominion, Harvard and NYU.  

I have several memorable experiences in my time at this school but two that I'd like to share.  The first is my trip to Abu Dhabi, UAE last fall to represent my school and the U.S. at the Change the World Model UN Emirates Conference. My daily preparation and exchange with my peers at The Hague School allowed me to speak to a global community of hundreds of my peers on the important topics of climate change and women's rights.  I came away with new friends from all over the world and a 2nd place award recognizing me for efforts to have my resolutions passed, my professionalism and diplomatic values. The second is that I was honored to receive The Harkness Award from my school last year. This award recognizes a student for contribution, collaboration, connection and respectful challenge of ideas at the Hague Table.   

There are so many other experiences that I could share.  Our special school is only 5 years old and I would really appreciate your support of this fundraiser that will help us continue to move forward, offering the opportunity that I've had to more students. I will be starting my college application process in the next few months.  One thing I know is that The Hague School has and is preparing me for success in college and preparing me to lead. Thank you for your consideration of our school and your support of this fundraiser. 

Here's what other students are saying about The Hague School: 

"This school helped me find my voice." 

"I feel a sense of belonging that I never felt at any other school."  

"The curriculum is rigorous, but it is internationally recognized, 

so it's worth it." 

Parents feel equally strong about THS' impact:

"The unique teaching methodology transformed our daughter 

into a confident, assertive leader." 

"Our child's academic focus and maturity level has changed dramatically since he started 9th grade at THS. 

He hadn't been someone who dedicated time to coursework. Now he strives for straight A's 

because he is engaged and wants to show up as a leader."

Academic rigor + Strong Community = Impressive Results

At The Hague School students learn to:

• Develop the art of listening
• Express their ideas and communicate them with clarity and confidence
• Challenge ideas with respect
• Appreciate the importance and utility of collaboration
• See the interconnectedness of their curriculum
• Foster a deep love of learning

The Hague School's inaugural graduating class, the Class of 2023

A Global Focus with the City of Norfolk as Our Classroom:

The Hague School affords students unique cross-cultural and extracurricular learning opportunities, including international travel/exchange programs with our sister schools in Mexico and Denmark, Model United Nations events in the US and abroad, and interscholastic mock trial competitions.  Students also regularly conduct art classes at our Ghent neighbor the Chrysler Museum, recently interviewed for internships with 757 Startup Studios, participate in coastal restoration projects through the Elizabeth River Project and under the auspices of Norfolk Master Gardeners, develop original theater pieces under the tutelage of Generic Theater, and excel in interscholastic sailing competitions on local waterways.

The Hague School Difference: 

Since our inception, The Hague School has sought "high character, high potential" students, and has endeavored to ensure that no qualified student would be denied admission due to economic barriers. Helping us to achieve that objective is our comparably low tuition for this area market.  In 2023, we also established the Hague School Foundation to help administer and distribute donations to students with financial need.  The final component to our three-pronged approach to enabling all qualified students to attend our school is through our culture of philanthropy. Donations help fund many programs within our school to include technology upgrades, educational programs, faculty professional development, scholarship/financial aid, campus upkeep, and more.  

We need your help to 

Keep it Happening at The Hague School! 
Please consider making your gift today!  

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