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Hope Jones

Director of Pre-K to 8

Hope has served as director of Pre-K to 8 since 2014. Prior to her work here, she was assistant head of lower school at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Calif. There, she was also primary and lower school curriculum coordinator, co-chair of the Technology in Curriculum Task Force, and communication liaison for K-5 school publications. Hope holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and English from the University of Alabama – Huntsville as well as an M.A. in Middle Level Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. She has 15 years of teaching experience at schools in Alabama, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and California. Hope and her husband, Charles, have two children, Hannah and Charlie.

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College Education

B.A. University of Alabama - Huntsville

M.A. George Mason University

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: What Students Will Remember

PK-8 | Hope Jones, November 30, 2025

Years from now, students may not remember exactly how many food items they collected or which day they wore their tacky-wacky Christmas sweater. But they will remember the joy of watching Thatcher Hall sparkle after being decorated for Christmas. They will remember the sound of the Holiday Festival, the pride of performing in “The Littlest Christmas Tree,” the warmth of the Thanksgiving Feast, and the moment they realized their efforts in the Backpack Buddy Food Drive helped people in a real and meaningful way.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: From Backseat to Driver’s Seat - Fostering Student Agency

PK-8 | Hope Jones, October 26, 2025

As parents and educators, we are not just along for the ride. We are guiding our children toward that exciting moment when they slide into the driver's seat, full of confidence and ready to chart their own course. That moment is called student agency, when children begin to believe, “I can do this. I can make choices that matter.”

From Tears to Tea Cups: A Parent's View of Dyslexia

PK-8 | Hope Jones, October 14, 2025

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every year when it comes around, I am reminded of our own family’s journey that began more than 20 years ago when we were living in Los Angeles. It’s a story I carry close to my heart, not only as an educator but as a parent who once sat on the other side of the table, desperate to understand why my bright, curious, imaginative little girl couldn’t learn to read.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: The Recurring Moment

PK-8 | Hope Jones, September 29, 2025

By now, we’ve all settled into the familiar rhythms of fall. The excitement of the new year has softened into routine, and the real work of learning has begun. It is around this time that things start to shift. Some students feel the pace pick up. Others begin to revisit old challenges. This is when the road ahead starts to twist, and the journey reveals something profound: The Recurring Moment.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Passengers, Purpose & a GPS called Toddle

PK-8 | Hope Jones, September 2, 2025

At Darlington, the faculty are embracing a theme across Pre-K to 8 this year that reflects the spirit of the school year: “Get Your Kicks in 25-26.” It’s a simple image, but one that speaks volumes. A road trip is about movement, milestones, maps and memories. It is about being intentional with where we are going and flexible when the route changes. Most of all, it’s about the people in the car with you and the stories you will tell when the journey is over.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Reflections in the Rearview, Celebrations Ahead

PK-8 | Hope Jones, April 27, 2025

Growth often takes root in quiet places: in the moments after a tough test, on the sidelines of a friendship conflict, or in the quiet courage it takes to speak up when something does not feel right. These are not moments we can plan for as parents, and they don’t always come with a neat resolution. But when we step back just a bit, they become powerful turning points.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Raising Compassionate, Empathetic & Kind Children

PK-8 | Hope Jones, March 30, 2025

Amid the busy rhythms of daily life, like homework, activities, and countless responsibilities, it’s easy to prioritize achievement above all else. But just as important as academic success is something deeper: the capacity for kindness, compassion, and genuine empathy.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Where Learning Comes Alive - The Power of Field Trips

PK-8 | Hope Jones, February 23, 2025

What do you remember most about your school days? Was it a special field trip that opened your eyes to something new, a group project that sparked a passion, or a guest speaker who inspired you? Perhaps it was something you explored on your own, driven by a curiosity ignited in the classroom. Whatever it was, that experience helped shape who you are today.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Mission Moments Matter

PK-8 | Hope Jones, February 2, 2025

As we move into February, I find myself reflecting on what makes Darlington so extraordinary. It’s not just the beautiful campus, the engaging academics, enrichment opportunities, or the human connection between teacher and student. It’s something deeper—something that resonates in the very heart of our school community: OUR MISSION.

From the Director of Pre-K to 8: Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader…When It Comes to Social Media?

PK-8 | Hope Jones, December 29, 2024

Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope your holiday season has been filled with moments of joy, connection and relaxation. For many of our students, this time of year brought something particularly exciting: shiny new devices and access to new apps. These gifts open doors to connection, learning, and creativity – but they also come with challenges that we, as parents and educators, need to tackle together.