About
Spring Academy
Spring Academy’s model is simply one of the best ways for optimal learning to take place. Everything we do revolves around this purpose – from our one-to-one instruction by professional and caring teachers, to the customization of every student program.
Schools and learning centers that rely on a one-size-fits all approach can’t possibly meet all students’ needs. At Spring Academy, we personalize everything – from the student’s schedule, courses, and curriculum to the lesson pacing, teaching methods, and instructional style. That’s why Spring Academy works: our one-to-one approach allows us to connect and transform the student’s relationship and attitude towards learning.
Our teachers are trained to scaffold instruction by taking the student’s current level of proficiency into account and then designing lessons that challenge the learner to reach for the next level. Once the student demonstrates competence with the given concept, the teacher again pushes the student one step further, each time ensuring that the student succeeds and accomplishes the given objectives.
The bottom line? We exist so that all of our students can succeed.
Our Students
The Spring Academy student body is as diverse as our programs! We assist middle/high school students seeking a more personalized alternative to a traditional school model. Our academy appeals to:
- Gifted and talented students
- Students with ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities
- Those with social, emotional and/or health challenges
- Student-athletes and professionals seeking a customized schedule due to training, auditions, tournaments, travel, etc.
- Students who benefit from a one-to-one instructional model
Each student’s program is customized around the individual’s schedule, and courses are designed to appeal to a student’s interests, strengths and academic goals. We pave the way for future success… by helping students succeed and become more confident in their unique abilities.
Our Staff
Our caring teachers are experts in educational customization. They take into account each student’s individual learning style, personality, aptitude, and strengths. Armed with this information, they transform their lessons into a highly-effective, individualized format that meets state standards and graduation requirements while remaining customized to the student.
We hire only the most capable, bright, and engaging professionals. In addition to having a bachelor’s degree or higher, our teachers undergo specialized training to work successfully with different types of students. Our staff understands not only the complexities of teaching students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism, but also the nuances of teaching gifted and talented students. By identifying these learning differences, our instructors can fully optimize their teaching styles and methodologies.
Leadership Team Bios
Robert C. Hauser
Founder
Rob has been integrally involved in bringing “one-to-one” education to Seattle families for the past 28 years. In 2000, he co-founded a one-to-one school called EA2. Under his leadership, EA2 expanded to multiple schools throughout the Puget Sound region before merging in 2010 with a national education company.
Rob founded Spring Academy in 2012 as the next evolutionary step in personalized education. The vision for Spring Academy is to combine the best aspects of one-to-one education within a more effective and affordable format, making the power of personalized education accessible to more Seattle families.
Andrew W. Smallman, M.A.
Principal
Andy has spent his career helping young people feel appreciated and enjoys helping them find their spark, especially neurodiverse children and those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. He began his career as a classroom teacher, was the visionary and founding director of an innovative Seattle-based micro-school for 25 years, and developed a curriculum and an international reputation for promoting kindness and compassion.
Andy is a popular guest speaker and trusted consultant and has facilitated workshops on positivity, healthy communities, and parenting. He earned his undergraduate degree from Evergreen State College, holds an M.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, and has a K-12 WA State teaching certificate with endorsements in Special Education. Andy and his wife, Melinda Shaw, live in NE Seattle and have two adult daughters, Chloe and Ella, a son-in-law, Alex, and a grandson, Remy.
Jane N. Cutter, Ph.D
Special Education Director
Jane is an experienced educator who has taught learners at every stage of life. Jane was born and raised in Boston. She attended SF State University for her undergraduate degree in History, Secondary Credential, and K-8 certificate. Jane started her career as a middle school teacher while earning her TESL credential. She then attended University of Michigan for a doctorate in Education, focusing on Learning Disabilities. While in Michigan, she also taught English to adult learners and worked with abused, delinquent, and neglected teens. Jane served as the Learning Resource Coordinator at University Prep in Seattle from 2003-2017. As the LRC, Jane advocated for students with disabilities, developed accommodation plans, coached teachers, and collaborated with parents, psychologists, and tutors.
In her free time, Jane enjoys staying fit through running and dancing. Jane is excited to be part of Spring Academy because the transformative value of one-to-one education has been proven time and again in the lives of students.
Frank F. Hewins Ed.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Hewins brings vast educational expertise to our team with decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and district superintendent. Frank grew up in New Jersey and received his bachelor of science degree at Frostburg State University, his master of arts degree at Pacific Lutheran University, and his doctorate at Washington State University.
Frank began his career as a humanities and math teacher before serving Franklin Pierce SD in Tacoma for 30 years as a principal, director of K-12 education, and superintendent. In 2018, Frank was awarded the WA State Superintendent of the Year. Frank holds WA State certifications as a K-12 Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent. His wife, Cathy, and he have two grown daughters, Megan and Lisa, sons-in-law Ken and David, and granddaughters Emi, Presley, Kaya, and Dylan. Frank is a lifelong believer in the positive results a personalized education can bring to all students.
The Spring Academy Guarantee
If we’re not the best match for your child, we don’t want you to pay. It’s that simple.