When Tonia and Albert Johnson began looking for the best school fit for their three children, they were most interested in a diverse learning environment that would challenge the threesome intellectually, prepare them for college and beyond, and expose them to a greater global community. A proponent of encouraging student to reach past their comfort zones, Hammond proved the perfect fit.

 

Aiyanna ’14, Trinity ’18, and Manny ’25 have all embraced the Hammond experience and availed themselves of the many curricular and co-curricular opportunities that round out the program. Tonia points out, “Hammond has positively influenced our children not to simply learn, but to excel. We wanted them to excel not only in their studies, but to work with others in the community and abroad, to enjoy the arts, and to play athletics at the college level.”

 

The small school environment played a large role in helping their oldest, Aiyanna, expand her horizons, while giving her the emotional security to try something new. Reserved as a younger student, Aiyanna stepped out of her comfort zone by participating in the upper school talent show her junior year. After receiving a standing applause, she felt a since of belonging that empowered her to step out of her comfort zone by participating in several clubs and organizations.

 

Tonia and Albert have found that their daughters were more than prepared for college, with essay writing skills far advanced when compared to those of their peers, and novels studied at Hammond being introduced their sophomore years of college. As Tonia is quick to note, “Choosing Hammond has proven to be one of the best decisions we have made for our children.”