Who We Are
Heritage Classical Academy is a unique public charter school option for families seeking more than just a traditional education. As a tuition-free school, we are committed to providing students with an academically rigorous environment that also places a strong emphasis on character formation, leadership development, and the timeless skills of public speaking, debate, and logic. Our mission is to prepare students not only for success in higher education and future careers, but also for a life of thoughtful citizenship and meaningful purpose.
.jpeg)
Our Motto: Sapientia et Virtus (Wisdom and Virtue)
Our motto, Sapientia et Virtus—Latin for “Wisdom and Virtue”—captures the essence of our educational philosophy. At Heritage Classical Academy, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement. True education cultivates both the intellect and the heart. Through the pursuit of wisdom and the practice of virtue, our students are equipped to live lives of purpose, integrity, and service.
Every lesson, activity, and interaction is an opportunity to help students grow in knowledge and character, forming young men and women who will become thoughtful leaders and principled citizens.
Why Choose HCA for Your Child?
Choosing a school is a profound decision. At HCA, we offer a compelling and meaningful alternative to conventional public schooling, grounded in the classical tradition and guided by high expectations for academic and personal excellence.
A Classical Liberal Arts Foundation
We follow the time-tested classical model of education, emphasizing mastery in reading, phonics, literature, history, math, and science through the Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative curriculum.
Focus on Moral and Civic Virtue
We are as committed to shaping the moral imagination and civic responsibility of our students as we are to academic achievement.
_JPEG.jpeg)
Emphasis on Rhetoric and Leadership
Our students develop confidence and clarity through structured instruction in public speaking, logic, and debate—essential skills for future leadership.
Tuition-Free and Accessible
As a FREE public charter school, HCA offers a high-quality classical education to all students, regardless of background or income.
Supportive School Culture
Our families, educators, and staff share a strong sense of mission. We are building a school community rooted in wisdom, virtue, and purpose.
What We Believe About Education
At Heritage Classical Academy, we believe that education is a noble calling—one that forms the whole person. Our beliefs reflect a deep respect for the dignity of each student and the lasting value of a classical education.
.jpeg)
Education is Formation
It is not only about knowledge acquisition, but about shaping hearts and minds toward truth, goodness, and beauty.
Parents are Primary
We honor the central role of parents in a child’s education and see our work as a partnership with families.
Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Matter
We teach that these ideals are real and worth pursuing in every subject and in life.
_JPEG.jpeg)
Virtue is Foundational
We integrate character formation into all aspects of school life, helping students grow into responsible, moral citizens.
Curriculum Matters
Our use of the Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Scope and Sequence ensures that our students are immersed in content-rich instruction that fosters deep understanding and intellectual curiosity.
_heic.png)
Community-Focused
Heritage Classical Academy is more than a school – it is a community committed to helping students rise to their fullest potential and prepare for lives of wisdom and virtue.
Our Mission
It is the mission of Heritage Classical Academy to develop every child’s mind to a state of wisdom, and every child’s heart to a state of virtue through a classical education in the Western canon of liberal arts and sciences.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world-class school that is dedicated to pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty. We will shape our students into men and women of intellect and virtue. We will forever be faithful to the notion that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Our steadfast commitment to a content-rich, classical education will produce independent, self-reliant, American citizens.
Our Core Virtues
Gratitude plus the four cardinal virtues (as expressed by Plato) are our core virtues. All other human virtues are built upon these four: Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Self-Control. These virtues can be practiced by anyone; thus, they represent the foundation of natural morality.
"Good moral character is not something that we can achieve on our own. We need a culture that supports the conditions under which one becomes good and friendship flourishes." ~ Aristotle (384-322 BC)
Gratitude
Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues, but the parent of all the others ~ Cicero (106-43 BC)
Wisdom (prudence)
Wisdom is the first cardinal virtue because it is concerned with the mind. It is the virtue that allows us to judge correctly what is right and what is wrong.
Justice
Justice is the second cardinal virtue because it is concerned with the will. Justice is connected to the idea of legal and natural rights, and our will to protect those rights.
Courage
Courage is the third cardinal virtue. Wisdom and Justice are the virtues through which we decide what needs to be done; Courage gives us the strength to do it.
Self-Control
Self-Control is the fourth and final cardinal virtue. It attempts to keep us from excess and lead us to virtuous living. While Courage is concerned with the restraint of fear to do what is right, Self-Control is the restraint of our desires or passions so that we can live well.