August 28, 2025
UPPER SCHOOL SERVICE DAY | August 29
LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL | September 1
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - STUDY CENTER | September 2
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2 DAY AND 5 DAY EARLY CHILDHOOD | September 2
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 3 DAY EARLY CHILDHOOD | September 3
LATE START | September 4
CURRICULUM NIGHT-PENINSULA | September 16
CURRICULUM NIGHT-PEPPER PIKE | September 18
FALL FEST | September 27
FALL FEST 2025
Join us on Saturday, September 27, for an afternoon of family fun as we enjoy community and celebrate God’s faithfulness to our school through our capital campaign, A Place to Glorify and Grow. There will be 2 sessions to choose from, allowing all HCA students to attend! Click here for all the details, including the start date for ticket reservations.
HERITAGE U
Heritage U returns this year with two special evenings of learning and encouragement:
October 13 – featuring Alistair Begg
February 26 – featuring Tim Challies
We invite you to mark your calendars and join us for these meaningful gatherings as we seek wisdom and fellowship together. This is an adult only event, childcare will not be provided. More information on location and time will be forthcoming.
ORIENTATION WEBPAGE
We invite you to visit the Orientation webpage, where you will find the materials and information presented during our orientation sessions.
FALL SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER
Support our school community by ordering new spirit wear items during our Fall Fundraiser, open now through August 29. All proceeds will help fund student activities throughout the year, enriching the experience for every student.
Show your school spirit and make a meaningful contribution. Click here to place your order.
FAMILY INFORMATION REVIEW PACKETS
All returning families are asked to complete their Family Information Review Packets. The information provided is essential for Heritage to maintain accurate records and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Families who are new to HCA provided these details during the enrollment process and therefore do not need to review their information.
Please follow the instructions linked here to complete your child(ren)’s online packets. This includes updating details such as your address, emergency contacts, place of worship, approved pick-up individuals, and other key information. Thank you for ensuring this important information is completed before September 1.
EARLY CHILDHOOD FORMS REMINDER
If your child is enrolled in our Early Childhood program, please be sure that all required forms are completed and submitted prior to the first day of class. These forms are essential for us to best serve and care for your child. You can access and complete them using the button below.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN STUDENT JOKES
If your student would like to record a joke with Mr. Nees for an upcoming episode of The Griffin Rundown podcast, please submit their name by clicking the button below. We would be delighted to include them in a future episode and share a moment of lighthearted fun with our listeners.
CURRENT FAMILIES WEBPAGE
We encourage families to visit the Current Families webpage (password: griffins25), where you’ll find key resources such as school supply lists, academic calendars, and student appearance standards.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA app for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
LATE START
Beginning Thursday, September 4, all campuses will operate on a late start schedule. Please see below for the late start drop-off and pick-up times.
*The HCA Shuttle will depart Peninsula at 8:30 a.m. Peninsula siblings may be dropped off at the gym entrance at that time.
ATTENDANCE REPORTING POLICY
For all attendance-related communications, including absences, tardies, mid-day appointments, and early pick-ups, please do one of the following:
1) Call the appropriate Attendance Line and leave a message. You will still need to contact your child’s teacher and the nurse (when medical).
Peninsula (330)-548-1738, Ext 1, Ext 1
Pepper Pike Upper School (330)-548-1738, Ext 2, Ext 1
Pepper Pike Lower School (330)-548-1738, Ext 2, Ext 2
2) Send an email to the appropriate Attendance Email address, your child’s teacher, and the nurse (when medical).
All absences, tardies, and mid-day appointments should be communicated by 9:00 a.m. Any end-of-day pick-up changes should be communicated by 1:00 p.m. Please do not contact the Campus Coordinator by email or by phone regarding attendance-related issues. Please continue to share attendance information with your student’s teacher, nurse (when medical), and the Attendance Line or Email.
LABEL PERSONAL ITEMS
To help ensure that misplaced items can be promptly returned, please make sure all water bottles, outerwear, and personal belongings are clearly labeled with your student’s name.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
It is a joy to have you and your students back on campus for the start of the new school year. To help ensure that arrival and dismissal run smoothly for everyone, we kindly ask that you review and follow the procedures outlined below.
You received two laminated car tags at orientation. Please clearly display your car tag while in the pick-up line during dismissal.
Front Entrance–Bronson Street only is designated for last names A-M and NO Early Childhood families.
Back Entrance and EC Building– Emerson Street only is designated for last names N-Z and ALL Early Childhood families.
Even if your EC student does not have school on any given day, you will use the same drop-off/pick-up location with your older Academy or Study Center student everyday.
We desire to be good neighbors! Please do not block any residential or business driveways.
Please refrain from using your cell phones in the school lanes.
HOT LUNCH
There is no hot lunch the week of September 1. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the orientation page. Lunch service will begin Wednesday, September 17.
LUNCH AND RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HCA is grateful for the faithful partnership of parents and grandparents who volunteer to help supervise lunch and recess. We warmly invite you to consider joining us in this meaningful role, which offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with students and be part of their daily experience.
If you are interested in serving, please click the link below. Emily Thompson, Campus Coordinator, will follow up via email to assist you with updating your background check—a simple process that takes only a few steps. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
AFTERCARE REGISTRATION
Aftercare registration is required for each student who will remain on campus after school hours. This includes students staying due to a sibling’s participation in after-school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please register by 2:00 p.m. daily to ensure proper supervision and planning. Please note, students who ride the HCA Shuttle do not need to register for aftercare if they will be picked up by 3:45 PM.
DISTRICT BUSSING SIGN UP
Parents are kindly asked to complete daily registration for students who will be riding district bussing after school. Registration must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. each day using the form linked below. Please do not email your campus coordinator or attendance line with bus changes. All updates must be made through the form by the daily deadline. Kindly note, students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school. Click the button below for your district.
PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
To help ensure that arrival and dismissal run smoothly for everyone, we kindly ask that you review the map you received at orientation and follow the procedures outlined below.
You received two laminated car tags at orientation. Please clearly display your car tag on the passenger side visor while in the pick-up line during dismissal.
Even if your EC student does not have school on any given day, you will use the same drop-off/pick-up location for your other children.
Please refrain from using your cell phones in the school lanes.
Please note, to help expedite dismissal, parents must remain in their vehicles, and we ask that car seats be positioned on the side where staff will be loading children. HCA staff will assist students into their cars. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient dismissal process.
HOT LUNCH
There is no hot lunch the week of September 1. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the orientation page. Lunch service will begin Wednesday, September 17.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HCA is grateful for the faithful partnership of parents and grandparents who volunteer to help supervise lunch and recess. We warmly invite you to consider joining us in this meaningful role, which offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with students and be part of their daily experience.
If you are interested in serving, please click the link below. Kristine Greene, Campus Coordinator, will follow up via email to assist you with updating your background check—a simple process that takes only a few steps. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
If there is a change to your child’s regular transportation plan for dismissal, please notify the Pepper Pike Attendance Coordinator at pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org by 1:00 p.m. For students riding to or from school on a local school district bus, please contact the Campus Coordinator immediately to ensure proper arrangements are made.
AFTERCARE REGISTRATION
Aftercare registration is required for each student who will remain on campus after school hours. This includes students staying due to a sibling’s participation in after-school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please register by 2:00 p.m. daily to ensure proper supervision and planning. Please note, students who ride the HCA Shuttle do not need to register for aftercare if they will be picked up by 3:45 PM.
HOUSE INDUCTION
Today, our sixth-grade students and those new to Heritage were officially inducted into a House—a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of their journey within our Upper School community. We encourage you to ask your student about this memorable event and its significance. If your child did not receive a House shirt, please email Bobette Hatteberg at bobette.hatteberg@heritageclassicalacademy.org with your student’s name and the requested t-shirt size.
UPPER SCHOOL HOUSE SERVICE DAY
Tomorrow, Friday, August 29, our Upper School students and faculty will be off campus for the majority of the school day, serving at seven locations across Cleveland, Akron, and Canton. This day reflects our commitment to nurturing hearts of service and fostering community engagement in our students, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.
Parents, if you have not yet completed the registration form sent by Mrs. Hatteberg on Wednesday, please do so this evening. The form is required for your child to participate. Email Mrs. Hatteberg directly with questions about this project.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
If there is a change to your child’s regular transportation plan for dismissal, please notify the Pepper Pike Attendance Coordinator at pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org by 1:00 p.m. For students riding to or from school on a local school district bus, please contact the Campus Coordinator immediately to ensure proper arrangements are made.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
VOLLEYBALL @ WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY | August 28
SOCCER @ OPEN DOOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | September 2
GOLF vs. WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN @ TANGLEWOOD | September 5
CROSS COUNTRY @ WALSH HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL | September 6
ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
Heritage Classical Academy Athletics is off to an exciting start this season:
Soccer: History was made with our first-ever soccer game—and win—against Christian Community School!
Volleyball: Both our middle and high school teams are off to strong starts. The high school team swept all matches at last Saturday’s tri-match at Painesville. Our middle school team is full of talent and showing great momentum.
Golf: The Golf Team also made history, winning their first-ever match against Mentor Christian! They’re looking to keep that momentum going in upcoming rounds.
Cross Country: Our runners had a strong performance at the HOKA Invitational, competing among 50+ schools from across the region.
SENIOR NIGHT
We are excited to announce HCA’s first-ever Athletic Senior Night on Tuesday, September 2 at Woodridge Middle School, honoring our Cross-Country team seniors. Come cheer them on!
FALL SPORTS BANQUET
Join us at Tanglewood Golf Club for an evening of celebration and reflection on the fall sports season. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Additional information will be forthcoming.
FALL CLUBS
View the full Clubs Calendar: heritageclassicalacademy.org/clubs-calendar
Peninsula Campus Clubs
Soccer Club – Starts Wednesday, September 3 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Run Club – Starts Tuesday, September 2 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Tennis (Tuesday) – Starts Tuesday, September 2. Spots are still available. Click here to sign up.
Tennis (Thursday) – Starts Thursday, September 4
Pepper Pike Campus Clubs
Soccer Club – Starts Thursday, September 4 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Violin (Grades 1–3) – Starts Wednesday, September 10
Violin (Grades 3–5) – Starts Thursday, September 11
MOCK TRIAL CLUB
We’re thrilled to introduce HCA’s first-ever Mock Trial Team, led by Mrs. Danyella Johnson—Heritage Kindergarten teacher, licensed attorney, and former Mock Trial VP at Case Western Law.
This program equips students with real-world skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and courtroom advocacy, all while aligning with our mission to raise winsome, Christ-centered thinkers. This club will meet weekly starting in October and is open to HCA students in grades 9–12.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school club on the Band app to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Email mitchell.monas@heritageclassicalacademy.org.