I toured Hess Academy a few months ago and was highly impressed by the level of academic rigor, individualized instruction and project-based learning. Kristen Hess gave me a tour of the school and in each classroom we visited teachers were working with 2-3 students while the few other students in the class worked independently. The students were all eager to show Kristen what they were working on. A second grader shared his poster on water conservation and a fourth grader explained a rather impressive economics project. The class was planning a bake sale fundraiser and she had done market research, secured investors, and designed a marketing video. Middle school students were analyzing primary sources by President Andrew Jackson and Chief John Ross to study the Cherokee Removal while a sixth grade girl was advocating for the development of a school soccer team. The educators at Hess Academy have clearly put a great deal of thought and care into designing a school that develops children’s individual talents and interests and fosters their love of learning.

My son is in 7th grade at Hess Academy. When I first visited, I was so impressed by the middle school – the students were working, laughing, and learning with their teachers. Middle school is a time of growing independence, but also great vulnerability. The Hess middle school teachers are warm, supportive, and truly enjoy the children they teach. Since starting at Hess, my son, who is dyslexic, has excelled in writing, which had always been a struggle for him. Hess not only provides an academically individualized and challenging atmosphere, but the teachers and staff also focus on personal relationships and help the children grow socially. So happy to have found this school for our kiddo!

We discovered Hess Academy when we were looking for a preschool program for our son. By the time it was time for him to begin Kindergarten at City Schools of Decatur (he was zoned for Winnona), we were so in love with Hess that we decided to stay. There are so many things that are great about Hess, but here the three things that work especially well for us.First, plenty of healthy outside time. The kids begin the day with 20-30 minutes in the playground before they need to into their classes. Lunch and recess are another hour, and everyone finishes the day with another 15 minutes in the playground.Second, classes are capped at 12-14 students with two full-time teachers. The individualized attention that our son’s intellectual and emotional needs receive are, therefore, outstanding.Finally, the kids (and teachers) do not go through the horrible Standardized Testing that has become the norm at the Public-School system (although teachers and educators have been saying for years that this kind of testing is pedagogically harmful).There is so much more to love about this school— Just go and tour the school!

I have a 5 year old in pre-K, and a 9 year old in 3rd grade. My wife and I moved to Decatur solely for the access to the public schools, that are suppose to be among the best in the state. We quickly found out our energetic boys needed more attention than DPS could provide. Thankfully, we came across Hess Academy! After a year in public school our oldest boy (who has since been diagnosed with dyslexia) had lost his confidence and had low self esteem. After a year at Hess, he was transformed. He discovered learning to be fun, and his self esteem was regained. Now he’s in 3rd grade and is reading at a 4th grade level. We are so happy we made the decision to come to Hess. The teachers are phenomenal!!! The staff is personable and caring! Words can’t describe how wonderful our experience has been. It not only has found the best in my children, it has brought out the proud parent in me.