February 5, 2026
SPEECH MEET (1st-6th Grade) | February 10
NO SPECIAL LUNCHES | February 11-12
NO SCHOOL - IN-SERVICE DAY | February 13
NO SCHOOL - PRESDIENTS’ DAY | February 16
HERITAGE U WITH TIM CHALLLIES | February 26
SPRING CONCERT - PARKSIDE CHURCH | April 30
AN UPDATE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
Heritage Classical Academy is joyfully preparing to celebrate the graduation of our inaugural senior class this spring. We praise God for this remarkable group of students who demonstrate strong character, a love for Christ, and a commitment to serving both their churches and communities. We are also delighted to share that the entire senior class has achieved a 100% college acceptance rate, receiving offers and scholarships from more than twenty colleges and universities. Click here to view the full email.
Please note an important correction: A misprint previously listed graduation as Saturday, May 16, 2026. The correct date for HCA’s commencement ceremony is Friday, May 15, 2026.
We warmly invite the entire HCA community to join us for our inaugural graduation ceremony. Click here to RSVP and let us know you plan to attend.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN RHETORIC SCHOOL
We are pleased to invite parents of 7th and 8th graders to an important evening designed to help you understand the path ahead for your students as they enter Rhetoric School. Please join us for What to Expect in Rhetoric School—an event designed to give families a clear view of the academic and spiritual growth that awaits in grades 9–12.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 7:00–8:15 p.m.
Location: The Pepper Pike Campus Chapel
Click here to RSVP.
HERITAGE U
We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 26, at 6:45 p.m. for a special evening titled Living in a Digital World: Developing God-Honoring Practices in Your Family and Personal Life with author and speaker Tim Challies. Raising children in today’s digital age presents parents with unique challenges—screen time, content, social media, online safety, and mental health concerns. Tim Challies will address these issues and encourage us to cultivate God-honoring habits in our homes and personal lives. Click here to reserve your spot.
Please note: This evening is intended for parents and our Upper School students. There is no childcare provided.
CASTING CALL
HCA’s Theater Department is seeking a well-trained, small dog to play Toto in our spring production of The Wizard of Oz. If your dog loves attention and can follow basic commands, please contact Sarah Klein at sarah.klein@heritageclassicalacademy.org for more details.
PARENT TEXT ALERTS
To ensure you receive all Parent Text Alerts, such as weather delay notifications and late start schedule reminders, please log in to your FACTS Family Portal and confirm that your current cell phone number is entered accurately. For questions, please contact Adam Continenza at adam.continenza@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is well underway, and applications for the 2026–27 school year are now open. If you know a family who may be aligned with Heritage’s mission, we warmly encourage you to share our school with those in your church, small group, or broader community. Interested families may visit our website to learn more about Heritage, schedule a campus tour, and begin the application process.
Please note: Current students are automatically re-enrolled for the next school year; no action is required to maintain their enrollment.
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 1st–6th-grade students are preparing for the upcoming Speech Meet on February 10. To support their preparation, please review this document, which includes Practice Tips and Category Guidelines. Click here to view all information about the Speech Meet.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
This week on The Griffin Rundown, we’re taking a short pause from new interviews and bringing you a Griffin Rundown Rewind! It’s the perfect time to revisit an episode you loved or catch up on one you may have missed. Our archive is full of great conversations, insights, and stories. We’ll return next week with a brand‑new interview. Until then, don’t forget to tune in for this week’s announcements and, of course, the Joke of the Week. Click here to listen to this week’s Griffin Rundown.
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 SCHOLARSHIPS
To learn more about converting your Ohio tax dollars into HCA scholarships, please visit our SGO webpage here.
WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE
Students may withdraw from the 2026–2027 school year prior to February 1, 2026, without penalty. The complete Withdrawal Policy is available here.
If there is a specific section of the Gazette you would like to view, please select it from the menu below.
PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
NO SPECIAL LUNCHES FEBRUARY 11 & 12
Please note that Special Lunches will not be offered on February 11 and 12 at either campus. Regular Special Lunch service will resume on February 18.
DADS & DONUTS
Our youngest learners are invited to enjoy a special morning with their dads on February 23 & 24. Please watch your classroom newsletters for additional details as the dates approach.
DADDY–DAUGHTER DANCE
Lower School families are warmly invited to join us on Friday, March 13, for the 2nd Annual Daddy–Daughter Dance, a cherished evening celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable night of joy, connection, and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
PRAYING DADS
Praying dads will meet on Friday, February 20, at 6:30 a.m. in the library. Please note: This date is one week later than usual, as school is not in session February 13. We look forward to this meaningful time of prayer and fellowship.
HOT LUNCH
The hot lunch schedule is available here, and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. Please note the dates 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.
NO SPECIAL LUNCHES FEBRUARY 11 & 12
Please note that Special Lunches will not be offered on February 11 and 12 at either campus. Regular Special Lunch service will resume on February 18.
DADDY–DAUGHTER DANCE
Lower School families are warmly invited to join us on Friday, March 13, for the 2nd Annual Daddy–Daughter Dance, a cherished evening celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable night of joy, connection, and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
HIGHLANDER SPELLING BEE
Several HCA students recently competed in the Highlander Spelling Bee and represented our school with distinction. Congratulations to Calder Walker, Brayden Pence, Maverick Gerycz, Luke Derebensky, Mckenzie Clifton, Owen Pence, and Phoebe Hartman for their strong performances.
A special commendation goes to Phoebe Hartman, HCA’s top finisher in the Queen Bee, placing 2nd overall. Phoebe is now eligible to represent HCA in the Cuyahoga County Spelling Bee. We are proud of all our students for their dedication and hard work.
PRAYING MOMS & DADS
Heritage Moms and Dads, you are invited to join together for prayer every month.
Praying Dads meets at Heritage Coffee in Solon from 6:30–7:30 a.m. The next gathering is February 13. Mark your calendar for future dates: March 13, April 10, and May 8. Questions? Contact HCA dad Jason Fruh at fruhjm1@gmail.com.
Praying Moms meets Mondays at the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel from 8:30–9:30 a.m. The next gathering is February 9. Mark your calendar for future dates: March 9, April 13, May 4. Questions? Contact HCA mom Julie Johnson at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
MORNING DROP-OFF
Please ensure students are unpacked and seated in their classrooms by 8:30 a.m. (or 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays). Drop-off ends at 8:25 a.m. If you arrive near this time and notice a backup in the line, kindly park and walk your children into the front lobby.
Being in the drop-off line at 8:25 does not guarantee timely arrival to class. Students not in their seats by the start time will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us maintain a smooth and punctual start to the school day.
BEFORE-CARE REMINDER
All students who arrive on campus before 8:10 a.m. must report to Before‑Care in the Lower School cafeteria. This includes siblings of Upper School students who drive them to campus. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and supervised start to the school day.
AFTER-CARE REGISTRATION
Registration is required for each student who will be staying for aftercare. This includes students waiting due to a sibling’s participation in after‑school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please complete registration by 2:00 p.m. each day. Click here to register.
HOT LUNCH
Please remember to place your orders by Sunday evening for Chick-fil-A (Wednesdays) and Gionino’s (Thursdays). For your convenience, you may order for the remainder of the school year. Kindly note the specific dates you select, as this lunch service is not available every week.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We invite you to help us begin the new year in the lunchroom. Your support makes a difference, and we would greatly appreciate your assistance!
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- TAYLOR UNIVERSITY | February 18
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- GENEVA COLLEGE | March 6
NO SPECIAL LUNCHES FEBRUARY 11 & 12
Please note that Special Lunches will not be offered on February 11 and 12 at either campus. Regular Special Lunch service will resume on February 18.
11th GRADE ACT TESTING
Our 11th grade students will take the ACT on the morning of Tuesday, February 24. Please avoid scheduling any appointments during this time.
Students will be dismissed at noon and should arrange their own transportation following the exam.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS
We are pleased to welcome representatives from several colleges to our campus in the coming weeks. Eleventh grade students will meet with each representative during 5th period, and representatives will also be available during lunch to speak with any Rhetoric School students interested in learning more about their institutions.
Upcoming Visits
Wednesday, February 18 – Taylor University
Friday, March 6 – Geneva College
These visits provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore potential college pathways and ask questions in a relaxed, conversational setting. All interested Rhetoric students are encouraged to stop by.
LUTHERAN WEST COLLEGE FAIR
Our 11th grade students will attend the Lutheran West College Fair on Thursday, March 5. This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to meet representatives from a variety of colleges and begin exploring future academic pathways.
Please refer to the recent email from Mrs. Johns for details about the trip and a full list of participating colleges.
If you have not yet done so, please complete the required permission form found here.
COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT
Save the Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Music Room
All 11th grade students and their parents are invited to attend College Planning Night, an informative evening designed to guide families through the next steps of the college preparation and application process. We look forward to supporting you during this important stage of the journey.
MORNING ARRIVAL REMINDER
If Upper School students are driving their Lower School siblings in the morning and arriving before 8:10 a.m., please ensure that those Lower School students go directly to Before Care. Lower School drop‑off begins at 8:10 a.m., and students arriving earlier must be supervised in the designated Before Care location.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly start to the school day.
SPEECH MEET
Our 6th grade students are getting ready for the upcoming Speech Meet on February 10. To support their preparation, please review this helpful document featuring Practice Tips and Category Guidelines. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are in need of additional volunteers to help serve pizza on March 5, March 19, and April 16. Your support is greatly appreciated! If you are willing to help, please click here to sign up.
SPRING MUSICAL
Stage Crew sign‑ups are now open for HCA’s spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. Rehearsals will begin in April on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., followed by Tech Week, April 13–16, with performances to take place in mid‑April. No prior experience is required, only a willing spirit and a desire to help bring this landmark production to life from behind the scenes.
Click here to sign up for Stage Crew.
Our Spring Musical Cast is also completing make‑up auditions this week. We look forward to seeing our students’ talents shine as we journey together down the yellow brick road!
TRACK AND FIELD
Junior High and Varsity Track are preparing to launch their seasons. Official practice begins February 23. Students interested in participating are encouraged to register and join the team as we look forward to another strong season.
Click here to sign-up for the team.
BASKETBALL
Varsity Basketball celebrated Senior Night on Friday, honoring two of our seniors. Our girls’ varsity team enjoyed a wonderful evening, securing a victory against Hearts for Jesus and earning another strong win against Fuchs Mizrachi on Monday. Our boys’ varsity team also fought hard in their Senior Night matchup, ultimately falling in overtime after a valiant effort.
In Junior High action, the Junior High Boys’ Basketball team had an impressive home game on Monday, achieving a decisive win over First Baptist. Go Griffins!
As basketball season draws to a close, please stay tuned for further details regarding the Basketball Banquet. The date is currently being finalized and will be shared with families as soon as it is confirmed.
MOCK TRIAL
HCA’s Mock Trial team will participate in a virtual district competition this Friday, following last week’s weather‑related cancellation. Students will compete alongside several other local schools in this adjusted format.
The team is faithfully coached by Danyella Johnson and Rene Piasecki. We are grateful for their leadership and wish our students all the best as they present their cases.
POWER OF THE PEN
Heritage Classical Academy’s Power of the Pen team achieved a milestone on January 31, with three students competing at the state tournament for the first time in school history. They joined 198 student writers representing 21 schools in this prestigious event.
The team is coached by Kristal Davis, whose faithful leadership and encouragement have helped guide our young writers to this exciting accomplishment.
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.