The Hague School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB DiplomaAccreditations
Middle States Association
WASCLanguages
English
Spanish
FrenchThe Hague School is an independent high school in Norfolk, Virginia, that combines the Harkness Discussion method with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It is the only school in the Hampton Roads region to offer this specific pedagogical approach.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is dedicated to the development of character and academic achievement through a college preparatory curriculum grounded in collaborative discourse. Its signature pedagogy is the Harkness Discussion method, which emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction, critical thinking, and the development of individual student voices. The school fosters a culture of intellectual risk-taking where students learn to construct, evaluate, and critique arguments across disciplines.
Programmes
The academic programme is a college preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12 that integrates the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile attributes from the 9th grade. In the 11th and 12th grades, students complete the IB Diploma Programme, which includes content area exams and externally evaluated essays. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including IB Mathematics, English Literature, Visual Arts, Spanish, French, Environmental Biology, Chemistry, History, Global Politics, Ethics, and World Religions.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school's inaugural class have been accepted to top colleges and universities, earning over $900,000 in merit-based scholarships. The school's curriculum is designed to build habits of analytical and critical thinking that prepare students for success in college and graduate education. Students are equipped with an internationally transferable diploma recognized in over 150 countries.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a maximum 14:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure personalized instruction. The small community environment is designed to ensure every student feels well-known and supported as they navigate their academic and interpersonal development.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does The Hague School offer?
- The Hague School offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at The Hague School?
- Annual tuition at The Hague School is $20K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does The Hague School hold?
- The Hague School holds accreditations including IB, Middle States Association and WASC.
- Is The Hague School co-educational?
- The Hague School is a co-ed school.
- Where is The Hague School located?
- The Hague School is an international school in Norfolk, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | 14–15 | $20K |
| Grade 10 | 15–16 | $20K |
| Grade 11 | 16–17 | $20K |
| Grade 12 | 17–18 | $20K |
Source:PDFThe-Student-in-a-Harkness-Discussion.pdfPDFFishbowl-Harkness-Responses.pdfPDFRevolution-Power-at-table-1.pdfPDFBuilding-a-Culture-of-Intellectual-Risk-Taking.pdf
Other fees(3)
| Materials· Included in tuition (covers technology, materials, facility fees, G Suite account, app subscriptions, learning supplies, and student activities) | — |
|---|---|
| Meals· Dining is not included in the tuition cost | — |
| Bus / transport· Transportation is not included in the tuition cost | — |
Admissions
The Hague School admits students to grades 9-12 on a rolling basis, prioritizing fit, qualifications, and diversity. The application process requires a transcript, teacher recommendations, and an interview to assess the student's compatibility with the school's college preparatory curriculum and Harkness pedagogy. Applicants for grades 11 and 12 are specifically evaluated for their readiness for the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic calendar, with a printable version available for the 2024-2025 school year. The school office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
About the campus
Located in the historic Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, the school utilizes its surroundings as an extension of the classroom. The campus is within walking distance of Old Dominion University and a short commute to the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Elizabeth River Trails, and downtown Norfolk. Classrooms are designed without traditional rows of desks, instead featuring large conference-style tables to facilitate the Harkness Discussion method.
Co-curriculars
Students engage in various experiential learning opportunities, including service projects tailored to individual interests. The school hosts guest speakers from the surrounding community to address current challenges and highlight local programs. Additionally, students have access to creative outlets such as filmmaking and studio art, with opportunities to engage with local cultural institutions.
Mike Spencer, M.A.Head of SchoolA lifelong educator in Norfolk, Mr. Spencer previously served as principal of Maury High School, Interim Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, and Headmaster at The Williams School. He is a founder of The Hague School and has extensive international experience, including serving as a Head of School in Morocco.
- Kate Mouak, M.A.Provost & International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Ms. Mouak is a Norfolk native who holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in English Literature. She has taught at Old Dominion University, Granby High School, and international schools in Morocco.
Stephanie Hall, M.A.T.Advancement CoordinatorMs. Hall is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in History and a Master’s Degree in Teaching. She has extensive teaching experience in Washington, D.C. and New York, and currently leads IB core courses while serving as the school’s Advancement Coordinator.
- Lisa A. Walker, M.A.Faculty & Curriculum Specialist, English Literature
Ms. Walker is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Pennsylvania State University. She served as an Adjunct Instructor at Virginia Wesleyan University and spent 24 years as a Gifted Resource teacher in Virginia Beach before joining The Hague School.
- Karen SpencerStudent Resource Coordinator
Mrs. Spencer retired after 30 years in public schools as a science teacher and served as an AIMS trainer for over two decades. She has returned to the classroom to teach science and chemistry at The Hague School.
- Sondra BasharaAdministrative & Enrollment Coordinator
Ms. Bashara graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a BA in Business Administration and previously worked as a flight attendant. She joined The Hague School in the spring of 2021.