Laveen, Arizona is an “urban village” within the city of Phoenix.  This area of south Phoenix has historically been dominated by farming but has experienced tremendous residential growth over the last decade.  It is bordered by South Mountain to the south and the Salt River to the north with the Gila River Indian Reservation immediately west of Laveen.  

With the rapid growth in Laveen there has come a demand for additional educational opportunities.  Both public and charter schools have struggled to keep up with the demand.  While many elementary schools were brought to the area, there was still a lack of options in secondary education.   In 2013, local Laveen parents were determined to find a smaller school option that would give the youth of Laveen another option to prepare for higher education, to become great leaders in their communities and to have access to enriching educational opportunities.

As these local Laveen parents researched schools, they learned of Heritage Academy in Mesa, Arizona.  Heritage had been in operation since 1995, making it one of the oldest running charter schools in the state.  Heritage believes that the purpose of education is to build strong character.  Heritage Academy is dedicated to instilling into the minds and hearts of their scholars a knowledge of and respect for the ideals and values of the great men and women of history, including those who founded the American nation.  Heritage believes that as their scholars gain an appreciation of these people of accomplishment, they will be one day ready to be leaders in the community.

Heritage seemed to be the perfect opportunity for the community of Laveen.   Parents approached Heritage Academy and asked them to open an expansion of their school in the area.  They had not considered expanding to south Phoenix and were apprehensive.  The parents, however, persisted.  They assured them of the need for such an opportunity in Laveen.  Many young families were leaving the area in search of better opportunities elsewhere and the parents were confident they would welcome a new opportunity.   Eventually, the founders saw the potential in Laveen and the service that they could offer these youth.

In August 2014, Heritage Academy opened its doors to grades 7-12 in the Laveen community.  It currently has 300 students, but expects to double that in its second year.  In order to fulfill the mission of Heritage to expose its students to the arts and to give them opportunities in athletics, Heritage looked for local partners such as the Kroc Center, a facility in South Phoenix with gym and auditorium, for sports and theater practices.  Creating dozens of jobs in Laveen and putting millions of dollars into the local economy are just a few of the many benefits Heritage has brought to the Laveen community.

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 “Apply” to download all the necessary forms.  If you have questions, you can reach us at laveeninfo@heritageacademyaz.com or call (602) 290-8546.  

Heritage Academy Hosting an Open House: Tuesday March 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm

Submitted by Beth Farris