Heritage Academy
HISTORY
HERITAGE ACADEMY opened on September 2, 2008 at Union Presbyterian Church with eleven full-time and seven part-time students. We welcomed students into two combination classrooms: grades 2-3 and grades 4-6. Each child brought his/her own learning style, personality, strengths, and learning challenges. A five-person Board of Directors was established, and, along with a committee of interested parents, wrote the HERITAGE ACADEMY mission statement articulating the schools focus:
HERITAGE ACADEMY exists to partner with parents in raising up excited learners who grow as Christ-lovers and to foster a community where kids are known.
By the end of the first year, HERITAGE ACADEMY had grown to 24 students. The combination classes provided a family type atmosphere for students where they honored and respected each other for their individual strengths and encouraged each other in their differences. Students were excited to be learning and parents were encouraged by the progress made. It was evident that small, combination classes had provided a positive and encouraging learning environment.
The 2009-2010 school year began with 48 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade and a staff of four full-time teachers, four part-time teachers, an office administrator and the Core Knowledge Curriculum implemented at all levels. Additionally, an iPod lab, music, gymnastics, and a full service after school program had been added to the activities. A part-time learning assistance teacher was available in the afternoons during the school day for a small group of students at no extra cost to families. The 12:1 student to teacher ratio was honored and appreciated by staff and by families.
In the years following, 2010-2012, HERITAGE ACADEMY has continued to grow as positive influence for our students and their families. We have increased to 60+ students and continue to expand our Core Knowledge curriculum in all areas. New staff members have brought expertise in science, music, and Bible. The addition of an iPad lab has enhanced all areas of curriculum, providing students internet research, applications for math mastery and general knowledge, and Microsoft office expertise. The use of IXL math has also enhanced our math curriculum allowing students the opportunity to work both at school and at home with specific skills and challenges. PE is offered daily for every grade level and music performances are practiced and presented twice yearly.
Each class takes two field trips a year to experience learning outside of the classroom. The upper grades each an overnight excursion. The fourth grade travels to Sacramento's Rock-n-Water for a "forty-niner" camp experience, and the fifth and sixth grades travel to Santa Cruz for outdoor science education at Mission Springs. Each field trip has been carefully chosen and has proven to be extremely educational and exceptionally enjoyable for the students.
The fourth-sixth graders exchange classes during the day to take advantage of each teacher's expertise. In the afternoon, a Core Class has been added where the curriculum includes the following: Speech and Debate, Poetry, Spanish, French, cooking, nutrition and places a heavy emphasis on technology through our iPad lab. The teachers and students have thoroughly enjoyed this new addition.