Capital Hill Academy was founded in 2003 by educators and parents who aspired to implement a new vision of what education was meant to be: inspiring, challenging, stimulating and tailored to the special needs and potential of each child.
Believing this high academic standard should be accessible and affordable, the founders sought 501c3 non-profit status and streamlined costs to bring the world-class education offered at prominent private schools within reach of more families.
“My children have been with the school for almost a decade and it has been such a gift to our family. I value the academic foundation they’ve received and the uniquely respectful and character-driven environment where they have been able to thrive.”
—Kim S., parent of five students
A Unique Approach
The Academy has championed a unique approach to education that has proved powerfully effective for the students while easing the burden on families. The school employs a shorter, four-hour school day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. wherein a rigorous core curriculum is complemented with homework assignments. Kindergarten meets at the same time three days per week.
Students receive instruction according to ability and maturity, not chronological age. This enables children struggling in certain subjects to be brought to grade level, while allowing students to progress quickly in areas where they excel.
Furthermore, the Academy employs multi-age classrooms. The student body begins the day together as a group. The day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of historically significant material such as the New Colossus, or Gettysburg Address and a prayer. Students across grade levels mingle together during breaks and assist each other in their studies under teacher supervision.
Despite the shorter school day, student test scores routinely surpass their counterparts in a traditional school environment. Students who have struggled elsewhere are able to flourish. At the same time, students enjoy more time to pursue extra-curricular interests such as art, music and sports and spend more time with family.
“Our children are excelling academically, and at the same time, our family has more balance than we did in the traditional school environment. Here, the school serves the children and family instead of the other way around.”
—Elaine O., parent of four students
Academics & Curricula
The Capitol Hill Academy has chosen to utilize the traditional methods and curriculum outlined in the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction. All grades study one hour of Saxon Math daily, in addition to History through historic literature, Science, Grammar, Geography, and Penmanship. Grades K-3 receive one hour of Saxon Phonics every day, grades 4-8 move on to study Latin.
High expectations combine with quality, individualized instruction to create an educational atmosphere which promotes real confidence in students.
“I have been so impressed by the Academy’s ability to meet the individual needs of a very diverse student body. My four children are so very different, yet they have thrived in this environment. Now that my oldest is graduating next year, it is even more clear how CHA made a critical difference by laying a foundation for his academic success.”
—Valerie C., parent of four CHA students
Faculty & Staff
The success of the school depends greatly on the dedication of teachers, interns, parents and volunteers who enable the Academy to affordably provide a superior level of education. The school’s founders have served as teachers and administrators in a variety of academic environments, including some of the state’s most prestigious private schools, in addition to many years’ experience as home educators. Teachers have been carefully selected to fulfill the mission of the Academy and work tirelessly to meet the needs of every child.