December 4, 2025
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND EARLY DISMISSAL (NO AFTERCARE) | December 10
DRESS DOWN DAY | December 11
HALF DAY OF SCHOOL (NOON DISMISSAL, NO AFTERCARE) | December 19
CHRISTMAS BREAK | December 22 - January 2
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Support the Annual Fund and enter to win! For every $5 donated using the QR code on the left, you will receive one raffle ticket to place toward your choice of a Fount Korie Tote Bag in Onyx and/or Courtside Cleveland Cavaliers tickets.
You may enter—and win—both drawings. The raffle will run from December 1–11, and winners will be notified on December 12.
Thank you to FOUNT Leather and our anonymous ticket donor for sponsoring this Christmas raffle! All donations will go to the Heritage Annual Fund, which supports tuition assistance and teacher benefits.
Your generosity makes a difference.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is in full swing, and we are accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. Do you know a family whose values align with HCA’s mission? Please direct them to the HCA website where they can learn more about our mission, schedule a tour at one of our campuses, and submit their application.
Please note: Current students are automatically re-enrolled for the next school year; no action is required to maintain their enrollment.
Priority Enrollment for current families is available through January 9. If you wish to apply for a sibling who is not currently enrolled, please log in to your existing FACTS Family Portal account (do not create a new account). From there, go to “Apply/Enroll,” choose “Application,”and then select “Click Here to Add an Application” on the main screen. If you wish to request a campus or track change during priority enrollment, please notify our Admissions Director, Laura Calo, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org. For any other questions, contact Laura directly.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their selection when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
We invite you to listen to this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown. This week Mr. Nees sits down with Dr. Denny King, a devoted Heritage father, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Dr. King is an instructor at Case Western Reserve University and founder of Kindred Family Care, with extensive experience as a clinician, professor, counselor, researcher, and author.
In this episode, they discuss why families seek his care, the impact of screens and technology, and how parents can model healthy habits and gospel-centered living. Dr. King reminds us that Scripture is sufficient for every trial, that our children need us to be present and intentional, and that modeling the gospel in everyday life matters.
Tune in for hope and encouragement for parents navigating today’s challenges. Click here to listen to this week’s episode.
HCA CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Please join us next week, Wednesday, December 10, for the 2025 Heritage Classical Academy Christmas Concert. This year, we will return to Parkside Church for a one-night concert event featuring both campuses.
The Peninsula Campus Choir will perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Pepper Pike Campus Choir at 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating the season together through music and fellowship in this special setting.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA App for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
CONVERT YOUR OHIO TAX DOLLARS TO HCA SCHOLARSHIP
The state of Ohio’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit allows donors who contribute to K–12 student scholarships through a certified SGO to receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their state taxes—up to $750 per individual or $1,500 per couple. We encourage families to prayerfully consider a gift to the OCEN SGO to support scholarship funding for HCA students, knowing their contribution will be returned to them through this tax credit. Learn more here.
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PRAYING DADS
Please join HCA dads to pray for our school, teachers, students, and each other. The next gathering is Friday, December 12 at 8:30 a.m. in the library.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their selection when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
HOT LUNCH
The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here, and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. We kindly ask that you note the dates on which you order lunch for your child, as this service is not available every week.
LUNCH & RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We are grateful for our Special Lunch volunteers! Volunteers serve Chick-fil-A and Gionino’s and assist with delivery, set up, distribution, and clean up, and will receive a list of student orders. A consistent weekly volunteer is especially helpful for both routine and relationships with students. If you would like to serve, please click on the link located below. Emily Thompson, our Campus Coordinator, will follow up regarding a quick background check. Thank you for considering this opportunity to bless 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 p.m.
DISTRICT BUSSING SIGN-UP
Please complete daily registration for students who will be riding district buses after school. Registration must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. each day, using the appropriate district 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. Any students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school.
PRAYING MOMS AND DADS
Heritage moms and dads, you are invited to join together for prayer every month.
Praying Dads meet at Heritage Coffee in Solon from 6:30–7:30 a.m. The next gathering is December 12.
Questions? Contact HCA dad Jason Fruh at fruhjm1@gmail.com.
Praying Moms meet Mondays at the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel from 8:30–9:30 a.m. The next gathering is December 15. Mark your calendar for future dates: Jan 12, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 4.
Questions? Contact HCA mom Julie Johnson at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their selection when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
LOST & FOUND
Our Lost and Found is currently holding a number of HCA-branded fleeces, water bottles, and sweaters. To help ensure these items are returned to their rightful owners, we kindly ask families to check for any missing belongings. Items not labeled with a name will be donated at the end of each month. If you believe your child may have misplaced something, please visit the front desk at your earliest convenience.
HOT LUNCH
The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here, and ordering instructions are available on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. We kindly ask that you note the dates on which you order lunch for your child, as this service is not available every week.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HCA is grateful for the faithful partnership of parents and grandparents who generously volunteer to help supervise lunch and recess. Your presence not only supports our daily routines but also offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with students and be part of their school experience. To ensure these days run smoothly, we are in need of volunteers to assist with serving. Would you consider helping us on Pizza Thursdays? Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
DRESS DOWN DAY | December 11
6th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO PENINSULA CAMPUS | December 18
7th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO OHMAN FAMILY LIVING AT HOLLY | December 18
8th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO OHMAN FAMILY LIVING AT BRIAR | December 18
UPPER SCHOOL NOON DISMISSAL | January 26
6th GRADE SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their selection when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking additional volunteers to assist with serving pizza during our Thursday special lunches. If you are available to help, please click here to sign up.
SEMESTER EXAMS FOR GRADES 9-12
Semester exams will be held on Thursday, December 18, from 9:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (late start) and Friday, December 19, from 8:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Students are dismissed for the day following their exams.
Please arrange transportation for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18. On Friday, December 19, early dismissal applies to all grades, and the Peninsula shuttle will depart at noon.
Detailed exam schedules will be emailed to students.
Coming Soon: Winter Clubs Sign-Ups!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS COURT OF DREAMS
Spectator tickets are now on sale!
Beginning today, December 4, all spectators can purchase a $44 Cavs game ticket (Cavs vs. Magic). This ticket grants admission to both the HCA game and the Cavs game. HCA will have a reserved seating section—first come, first served.
The Upper School will be dismissed at noon so they can attend the games and cheer on their classmates! Students are responsible for their own transportation. Students not attending the game will still be dismissed at noon.
Game Schedule – Monday, January 26
First Baptist Christian School vs. HCA
High School Girls: 1:30 p.m.
High School Boys: 2:15 p.m.
These will be exhibition games with modified quarters to fit the event time slot. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to play on the Cleveland Cavaliers court.
Click here to purchase your tickets today! Tickets must be ordered by December 17th.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school club on the Band app to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Please email mitchell.monas@heritageclassicalacademy.org.