Heritage Academy

HERITAGE ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Qualified applicants of all races and creeds are welcome at Heritage Academy which does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin, disability, or sex.

ACCREDITATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS

Heritage Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools and the Mississippi Private School Association.

FACULTY

The elementary school faculty consists of 23 experienced, certified teachers; many of whom hold MA degrees and above.

CURRICULUM

Heritage Academy’s curriculum is college preparatory. The elementary curriculum includes special classes in music, art, physical education, and computers. The curriculum includes a special resource program for the elementary students and a gifted program for students in grades K-6.

CAMPUS AND FACILITIES

Located on 22 acres, Heritage Academy consists of the elementary school and the high school campuses. The buildings are fully air-conditioned and centrally heated. The elementary school consists of a lower elementary wing, an upper elementary wing, and the center administrative offices and the cafetorium/gym. The three buildings are connected in front and in back with covered walkways. There are 21 on-line computer equipped classrooms including a music room, and art room, 2 computer labs, a science lab, a library which contains over 10,000 books and periodicals as well as 8 on-line computers, and a guidance counselor’s office. The playground is fenced in and contains modern playground equipment and space for diverse outdoor activities as well as including an outdoor amphitheater.

TESTING All

Students in kindergarten through the sixth grade take the Stanford Achievement Test in the spring. Students in grades 4-6 wishing to participate in the Pathfinder Program of the gifted will take the WISC-III administered by a trained psychometrist; a composite score of 120 is required. Annually several sixth grade students who participated in the Duke University Talent Identification (TIP) Program’s Motivation for Academic Performance (MAP) program take the EXPLORE test, developed for eighth graders by American College Testing (ACT).

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Private piano and violin lessons are available to students; lessons are scheduled during the school day and take place at the school. Fifth and sixth grade boys may participate in a football program. Sixth grade girls may participate in cheerleading for the elementary football team. Many sixth grade students participate in the band program.

PHILOSOPHY

The board, administration, and faculty of Heritage Academy believe that every child should be provided with a good atmosphere for learning and with opportunities for developing sound moral and social values, physical fitness, and an aesthetic appreciation. We believe that it is the responsibility of the administration and staff to provide the school experience that will teach each student personal responsibility and obligations as a contributing member of society. Heritage Academy seeks a well-rounded education that will prepare students to have a superior foundation for higher education and provide them with opportunities for developing individual abilities.