New Hope Academy is an independent, inter-faith private school in Landover Hills, Maryland (mid-Prince George's County), serving students from PreK3 through 12th grade. Founded in 1990, it runs as an international school where faculty, staff, and students represent more than 20 faiths and over 35 nationalities. The school is organized into a preschool, a lower school (grades K to 5), a middle school (grades 6 to 7), and an upper school (grades 8 to 12). The site reports a 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, a 95% college acceptance rate, over 20 enrichment programs, and a 98% parent satisfaction rate. New principal Dolores Muhammad has led the school since 2024. Academics follow a structured, skills-based approach. Reading is built on a phonics program from preschool through second grade, with students reading classic novels by 2nd and 3rd grade. Math uses the Saxon program from PreK through AP Calculus, with manipulatives through 4th grade and individualized placement and a daily 65-minute period in grades 5 to 12. Teachers extend lessons through cooperative learning, projects, science experiments, hands-on and self-discovery work, and field trips, and students compete in events like the National Geography Bee, the Prince George's County Spelling Bee, and science and robotics fairs. A parent-built character education program runs a weekly theme common to all faiths, covering virtues such as responsibility, self-discipline, honesty, forgiveness, respect, and kindness. Middle school students mentor younger children one hour a week in elementary and preschool classrooms, and recess is held daily through 7th grade. Admissions begin with a guided tour with the principal, followed by an online application that requires a release of records, the child's birth certificate, and a $150 non-refundable application fee. Applicants then complete a morning observation (preschool) or a shadow and testing day (grades K to 12) before the Admissions Committee reviews each file. Accepted families pay a non-refundable Academic Commitment Fee that recurs annually at re-registration. Financial aid for grades K to 12 is processed through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, with military, first responder, sibling, and financial-need discounts available. Aid is not offered to international students, and preschool families instead can use Department of Social Services or employer vouchers. The school also offers before and after care. Families can reach the office at 301-459-7311 or office@newhopeacademy.org.
