We thought we’d give you a quick overview of a few exciting things happening at the Laveen campus this year. If you are new to Heritage Academy, the first thing to know about us is that we are dedicated to youth, their growth and development. In addition to providing a strong academic curriculum, it is important to offer opportunities in sports and the arts to help scholars become well rounded citizens. We focus on building character here at Heritage.
Athletics:
Being members of the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) allows Heritage to compete with other schools in various sporting events including, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and football. Heritage Academy Athletic Director, Kyle Leybas, reports that their football team made the playoffs in their first varsity season. The Varsity Volleyball team qualified for the sectional tournament and their junior high volleyball team had an undefeated regular season going 12-0. All game dates and times can be found on the Laveen Campus Calendar.
Arts:
The arts program at Heritage Academy also offers a variety of programs including dance, art, drama, choir and orchestra.
The concert choir performed at the Chandler Gilbert Community College festival. Choir director, Kendra Halterman, shared their experience. “We recently participated in our very first festival. We had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr. Ryan Holder from NAU. It was a great experience! The choir is now working hard to give a great performance at the big Winter Concert at the KROC Center on December 10th.”
Science:
Barry Halterman, Science teacher, chaperoned a group of Heritage Academy scholars on the annual science tour to Southern California. The first leg of the tour was to Emerald Bay on Catalina Island, where activities included hands-on marine biology classes, snorkeling, sea kayaking, astronomy, and hiking.
“It was interesting. I liked the snorkeling the best. I learned a lot about marine biology and pollution. It was really fun.”—Dominic Dixon
Many of the youth had never visited the ocean prior to this trip, and the experience was enjoyed by all. A highlight of this leg was being able to observe sea lions chasing flying fish at night around the boat the group was staying on.
“We saw a lot of places that were iconic and unique. We learned about lots of different fish on the island. It made we want to learn more about the animals.”—Ethan Haag
Back on the mainland, tour stops included the La Brea tar pits, Griffith Observatory, and Sea World, another tour highlight. The group was able to take a “behind the scenes” tour at Sea World, where they toured their medical and behavioral research facilities. The group also observed a penguin rookery where research on a species of endangered penguins is being conducted.
“The Southern California trip gave me opportunities to try things I never tried before and see things I’ve never seen before.”—Kira Halterman
Community:
Heritage Academy continues to build ties in the community. The Scholar Council will have a food drive on Nov. 19th. This activity allows scholars to not only become more aware of needs in their community, but also to be part of the solution. All donations will benefit St. Vincent De Paul.
About us:
Heritage Academy teaches the mastery of primary and secondary skills in the fields of history, math, writing, literature, reading, science, music, foreign language, visual art, performing arts, and physical development. The 7-12 grade model allows for easier tutoring and transition from 8th grade to 9th is minimal as the scholars are already familiar with the schedule as well as teachers. Small class size gives teachers the ability to maximize scholar involvement in lessons and encourages scholars to ask questions
Heritage Academy is currently taking enrollment for grades 7-12. Families are invited to visit the campus and speak with teachers, staff and scholars about Heritage’s unique curriculum and educational opportunities. You may bring a completed application to the school located at 4275 W. Baseline Road Laveen, AZ 85339. Go to www.HeritageAcademyAZ.com & click “Apply” to download all the necessary forms. If you have questions, you can reach us at laveeninfo@heritageacademyaz.com or call (602) 290-8546.
“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” -Robert Maynard Hutchins
Submitted by Chris West
