At The Heritage School. Fulfillment and accomplishment are not reserved for a few, but are available to all. A rich array of educational options ensures that every student's potential is recognized and challenged. The curriculum is college-preparatory. Its goal is to provide each student with an education that is grounded in developing a level of pre-determined academic skill in all areas of study and in eliciting critical thinking skills. Computer, foreign languages, music and art are offered for every heritage student beginning in kindergarten.

 Preschool (3-year-olds through kindergarten)

For the youngest learners, hands-on experiential learning, accomplished in a nurturing environment, provides the building blocks for future academic success. The curriculum for preschoolers is developmentally appropriate and focused on meeting the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the young child. Through instruction and play-both guided and free exploration-a child is introduced to concepts necessary for the development of study in language arts, math, science, social studies, the fine arts, and personal fitness. Life skills are an important facet of this curriculum. More about our Early Learning Center is available here.

Lower School (Grades 1-4)

A theme-based sequential curriculum provides challenge and assists in the development of important critical thinking skills. Language arts, math, science, social studies, computer, the fine arts, foreign language, and personal fitness are taught through an integrated, multi-disciplined approach where appropriate. The over-all curriculum of each grade level centers around an historical period as well as a grade-specific geographical study. It seeks to provide the student with an in-dept look at key concepts in history while integrating the other disciplines in the study. Skills in each area are taught for mastery appropriate to the grade level. Teachers weave life skills throughout the curriculum in an attempt to provide the students with important qualities for learning and daily life.

Middle School (Grades 5-8)

An emphasis on competency in all academic areas, combined with enrichment experiences, ensure a smooth transition to Upper School. Students learn study skills, vocabulary, writing skills, and research skills. All Middle School students must take core courses, but may be placed in upper level courses based on ability and background. The 5^th and 6^th grade years form a transition from Lower School to Middle School. Students in the Middle School have an advisor to monitor their progress and serve as a counselor throughout these years.

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Curriculum in the Upper School prepares the student for success on the college level. A student's course of study is determined based on requirements for graduation and individual student interests, and then, appropriate classes are assigned to ensure that the student meets the standards for college acceptance. A broad array of Advanced Placement courses is offered in the Upper School. Each student has an advisor and meets with the Upper School Head, as well as the college counselor, to determine a course of study for the high school years. An emphasis on personal responsibility and good study skills enables students to handle a challenging academic load, while participating in extracurricular and athletic activities.

Graduation requirements

Graduation from The Heritage School requires that a student must accumulate a total of 23 credit units in grades nine through twelve including the following:

English: 4 credit units
Math: 4 credit units: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a fourth of the student's choice
Social Sciences: 3 credit units: American History, Government and Economics
Foreign Languages: 3 credit units
Natural Science: 3 credit units including lab sciences
Public Speaking: 1/2 credit unit
Computer Science: 1/2 credit unit
Health and P.E.: 1 credit unit
Electives: 4 credit units

Standardized Testing

The Heritage School administers a comprehensive program of testing at all levels to assess the individual progress of each student. The Stanford Achievement tests are used in the 1^st through the 8^th grade. Students in the 9^th grade take the National Education Development Test (NEDT) and students in the 10^th and 11^th grades take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Students in the 11^th and 12^th grades take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and /or the American Collage Testing Program (ACT). SAT Achievement tests (SAT-II) are taken when recommended by a particular college. For the past ten years, Heritage students have consistently averaged 100 points above the national average on the SAT.

College Acceptance

The choice of college is both personal and practical. Through our counseling process, students are guided toward the colleges that will meet their needs and desires. Big state universities, competitive liberal arts colleges, service academies, and specialized engineering institutes--our graduates are accepted to a variety of schools suited to their particular talents and interests.

The goal of the college counseling program is that each Heritage graduate attend a school which offers continuing academic challenges and which, considering such factors as curriculum, size, and location, is particularly suited for that student.

A short list of schools that the alumni of The Heritage School have attended, or are presently attending, include: Agnes Scott College, Auburn University, Baylor Medical School, Boston University, Brown University, Carnegie-Mellon University, The Citadel, Clemson University, The College of William and Mary, Converse College, Davidson College, Duke University, Emory University, Furman University, Georgia Tech, Hampden-Sydney College, Harvey Mudd College, Johns Hopkins University, Mercer University, Oberlin College, Savannah College of Art and Design, Sweet Briar College, Tulane University, The United States Air Force Academy, The United States Naval Academy, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, University of the South, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, Vassar College, Virginia Military Institute, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University , and Williams College.