We believe in challenging our 7th and 8th grade scholars to begin reaching for their academic goals and achievements. This will prepare ambitious scholars to take advantage of the dual enrollment courses offered at Heritage Academy.

Heritage Academy is the perfect place to not just prepare for college, but to start taking college courses.  Heritage provides seminars and college coaching customized to the needs of every scholar and parent.  These college readiness services enable the college-bound scholar to qualify for the top scholarships and institutions in the nation.

We held our first Dual Enrollment College seminar on March 24 at Heritage Academy. Claudia Bermudez from Rio Salado College came to speak about their opportunities.  There was standing room only with around 30 families in attendance.

Some of the information shared during this meeting discussed benefits of Dual Enrollment. These include helping to prepare scholars for the academic rigor of college and increase retention and completion of a college degree. The College Fast Track Program enables scholars to earn college credits while at Heritage Academy. College credits can be earned with both online courses and dual enrollment courses. These classes are offered through Rio Salado College. By taking Dual Enrollment classes, scholars are provided with realistic information about the skills that they need for college.

Dual enrollment classes are college classes taken at Heritage and taught by Heritage teachers. Our teachers must meet rigorous standards to teach at the college level.  Rio Salado College ensures that our teachers are qualified to teach the college curriculum.

In addition, it is possible to save time and money by compressing the years of financial support needed to attend college. Rio Salado is currently accepting Tuition Assistance Applications for the 2015-2016 school year for eligible students on a first-come-first-served basis. Assistance will be awarded based on financial need for a maximum of eight credit hours for the 2015-2016 academic year. All completed applications must be postmarked no later than May 30, 2015.  Go to https://www.riosalado.edu/programs/dual/Pages/tuition-assistance-2015.aspx

 

Heritage Academy also has a chapter in both the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the National Honor Society (NHS). These are the nation’s premier organizations established to recognize outstanding middle and high school scholars.  NJHS and NHS honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics mirror Heritage Academy expectations.

This year we are proud to induct 32 of our scholars into the NJHS. These scholars had to achieve and maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.25 or higher. We are planning many service projects and anticipate an active presence in the community.  In two weeks we will be starting a Penny War which will be a school-wide competition and the proceeds will be donated to charity.  For the upcoming school year, we plan to participate in community events such as the Special Olympics and Relay for life. Our scholars are very excited to be active volunteers in the school and the community.

We also inducted three of our scholars into the NHS organization. These scholars have achieved the required grade point average of 3.75.  Some of the service hours performed by these scholars include greeting scholars who come to school on Fridays’ for tutoring, and working on a project to raise money to add trees to the campus.

Another academic activity is the Teen Writer’s Boot Camp. The English department guides students who are interested in creative writing and reading. Sessions are on Fridays, 9:00-11:00, Room 441 with the next meeting scheduled for April 10. At the end of the year, selections from the students’ submitted work will be chosen to be published in the Heritage Laveen Publication. This will be an annual publication to showcase scholar writing.

 

Heritage Academy is honored to have been welcomed into the Laveen community. We are growing at a rapid rate and invite all interested educators to apply online for positions in Science, Math, History, English and Music. Go to Heritage Academy Employment  or www.HeritageAcademyAZ.com & click “Apply” to download all the necessary forms.

 

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 open house.  Go to www.HeritageAcademyAZ.com & click “About” and “Employment”.  If you have questions, you can reach us at laveeninfo@heritageacademyaz.com or call (602) 290-8546.  

Heritage Academy Hosting an Open House: Tuesday April 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm

Submitted by Chris West