“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…”
Colossians 1:9
A Child Study is initiated to help meet the needs of an elementary student that is demonstrating academic or behavioral difficulties. The Child Study team consists of the student, parents, teacher, Learning Resource Coordinator, and Elementary Principal. By collecting assessment and observational data (including NWEA MAP testing scores), the team develops an intervention plan and accommodations to best meet the needs of the student. Follow up meetings are scheduled throughout the year to discuss progress and any needs for further interventions.
HCA’s tutoring program is designed to assist students who need reinforcement of math, reading, and language concepts with the goal of helping all students achieve success in their own classes. Tutoring is provided by a Heritage teacher with years of classroom experience and training in various techniques and methods (Abeka and Bob Jones University curriculum training, executive function strategies, etc.) to help each child reach their learning potential through individual or small tutoring groups. Students involved in this program are tutored during specials classes so they do not miss any instructional time in the classroom. Tutoring sessions are scheduled by the child study team or at the request of parents (when space allows).
Students with specific reading delays such as dyslexia may work onsite during the school day with HCA’s Orton Gillingham (O.G.) trained practitioner using a prescribed program to address individual reading needs. Students progress at their own pace, which creates mastery of concepts before moving on to the next concept. HCA has seen tremendous academic growth in students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties when utilizing this method of tutoring.
The Elementary Learning Resource Center is blessed to partner with an occupational therapist. Heritage students needing support with fine motor functioning, sensory processing, visual motor, and visual perceptual skills receive support during the school day. This need would be identified during the child study process or through teacher observation. Occupational Therapy at Heritage is supplemental to individual prescribed therapy outside of the school day.
HCA cooperates with District 279 to provide speech services on campus for any elementary students that qualify and are enrolled in these services through the district. The Learning Resource Coordinator partners with the assigned speech therapist to create the schedule for all elementary students receiving services so they can complete their therapies during the school day.
Heritage Christian Academy offers additional learning opportunities for students who will benefit from enrichment experiences beyond the scope of the classroom. This high aptitude program will provide additional learning opportunities to students who qualify through testing, teacher recommendation, and parent approval.
Mrs. Priscilla Horn,
Elementary Orton-Gillingham Tutor
Mrs. Kate Karja,
Elementary LRC Coordinator
Mrs. Christine Thune,
MS/HS LRC Specialist
The Academy’s Academic Guidance and Learning Resource Centers provide a full range of academic guidance and student support services to middle and high school students and their families. Building a strong academic plan to meet graduation requirements and, most importantly, one that maximizes the God-given gifts, talents, and goals of each person is HCA’s primary focus.
HCA’s Guidance Office serves students through course scheduling, post-secondary planning, academic testing, and by supporting students’ academic needs through weekly academic review. HCA also assists individual students and their families through referral services for career resources. Students are encouraged to meet throughout the year with the Director of Guidance to discuss progress toward graduation standards, academic planning, college/career options, testing assessment results, and a review of transcript materials.
Middle School Foundations class provides structured practice and support in the core subjects of math and reading. Students who meet criteria for enrollment in Foundations benefit from instruction which individualizes learning and builds executive functioning skills. HCA faculty assess student reading and math skills to determine course work. HCA faculty guide students through a differentiated, online intervention program. Foundations classes support students in acquiring foundational grade level skills. Through the MyPath progress monitoring component, students are motivated to take ownership of their personal growth.
HCA’s Middle and High School Learning Resource Specialist is available to support students who have specific learning plans or need additional resources. Services are based on a collaborative team decision-making approach to determine what is most appropriate for individual student needs. HCA’s Learning Resource Specialist works with teachers to recommend classroom accommodations, consult on learning needs and behavior concerns, offer classroom observations, and counsel on meeting requirements from previous accommodation plans.
Heritage Christian Academy supports the varied learning styles of middle and high school students through proven and successful partnerships between families, teachers, administrators, out-of-school supports, curriculum, and programming. Students and families meet with HCA’s Learning Resource Specialist to create a thorough academic accommodation plan that gives a student and teachers tools to achieve success.
HCA’s Academic Coach provides the highest level of individualized assistance offered to a middle or high school student by working with their parents and teachers to maximize a student’s success spiritually, academically, and socially. The Academic Coach engages with the faculty, staff, and parents to meet the needs of the student.
During the school year, all middle and high school students’ grades are reviewed weekly to ensure that adequate progress is being made in each course. Students in danger of falling behind in a class receive the benefit of additional classroom support before or after school hours.
Please note that some learning resources may incur additional fees.
Each child is endowed with special and unique gifts from God. When provided with opportunities for success and a community that supports their needs, they will experience the joy of learning. HCA’s Learning Resource programming is designed to provide those unique and customized opportunities for students.
Heritage Christian Academy is excited to offer this program to serve a population of students that have typically been underserved in Christian education. The Varying Exceptionalities (VE) program is designed to meet the individual needs of students with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and other physical and mental differences that require learning in a self-contained environment. Students in this class participate in an Individual Student Support Plan that provides a specialized curriculum to enhance their ability to communicate, socialize, function independently, and introduce prevocational skills. Students enrolled in the VE classroom work toward a certificate of completion vs. a traditional high school diploma.
Please inquire about tuition for this program.