April 9, 2026
PEPPER PIKE DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE | April 10
GRANDPARENTS DAY- PENINSULA | April 14-15
GRANDPARENTS DAY- PEPPER PIKE | April 15
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | April 16
YEARBOOK ORDER DEADLINE | April 16
SPRING MUSICAL- THE WIZARD OF OZ | April 17-18
SPRING CONCERT- PARKSIDE CHURCH (DISMISSAL @ 2:00 P.M. NO AFTERCARE)| April 30
CONVERT YOUR OHIO TAX DOLLARS TO HCA SCHOLARSHIPS
Did you know that there is still time to make a contribution? Turn your tax dollars into scholarship support for HCA students at no net cost to you. Through Ohio’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program, you have a simple and meaningful opportunity to strengthen our school community while receiving a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.
To learn how this opportunity works, please visit our SGO webpage, or contact our Senior Development Officer, Rick Eimers, at rick.eimers@heritageclassicalacademy.org with any questions. We are grateful for your partnership and are happy to help you make the most of this opportunity.
250th ANNIVERSARY ESSAY AND ART CONTEST
To celebrate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States, HCA students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in a school‑wide Essay Contest and HCA students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in a school‑wide Art Contest. Students may utilize written or artistic expression to reflect on our nation’s history. Please click here for contest prompts and submission guidelines. All entries are due Friday, April 24.
EDCHOICE
It is time to submit your EdChoice renewal application for the 2026–2027 school year. Completion and annual processing of the EdChoice application are required for continued scholarship eligibility.
To ensure a smooth and timely process, we ask that all required paperwork be submitted as soon as possible. Additional information can be found here.
YEARBOOK ORDERS
Orders are now open for the 2025-2026 yearbook! This special keepsake highlights memorable moments from the school year. Please click here to place your order by Thursday, April 16.
SPRING MUSICAL
Our community is warmly invited to attend Heritage Classical Academy’s Spring Musical, The Wizard of Oz. Tickets are now on sale. Click below to purchase your tickets.
Performance Times
All seating will be general admission.
Additionally, families and friends can include a special message for a cast member in the official playbill. These messages can be submitted for $25 by clicking the poster to the left.
We look forward to celebrating this production together and supporting our students in this milestone event.
RENWEB/FACTS REMINDER
We kindly ask all parents to ensure that their child’s full legal name is entered in the primary Name field in RenWeb/FACTS. While there is a designated space for a preferred name or nickname, the main name on record must match your child’s official documents.
Accurate legal names are essential for standardized testing and future academic processes. Registrations, score reports, and eventual college applications all rely on consistent information, and discrepancies can lead to avoidable delays or complications.
Thank you for taking a moment to review your child’s information and for helping us maintain accurate and reliable student records.
2026–2027 ACADEMIC CALENDARS
The 2026–2027 academic calendars are now available. Families may access calendars for the Upper School, Lower School, Study Center, and Early Childhood programs. Please use the buttons below to view or download each calendar.
CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Families of students in K–5 are invited to participate in a Parents Night Out hosted by Rhetoric School students as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy service project. This donation-based event will support the campus garden at The Garden Christian Academy, a classical Christian school located in Cleveland.
Details:
Peninsula Campus
April 25
5:00–8:15 P.M.
Children will enjoy a Chick-fil-A dinner, a live performance by the HCA student worship band, and the film Finding Nemo, while parents enjoy a well-deserved evening out. Childcare will also be available for potty-trained siblings.
A minimum donation of $30 per child is requested. Registration is open until April 10 or until all spots are filled.
Register here.
For questions, please contact Dr. Jason Valley at jason.valley@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
2026 PARENT SURVEY RESULTS
Thank you to the many parents who took the time to complete our recent family survey. Your thoughtful feedback helps us celebrate what is going well and prayerfully address areas for growth. Click here to read a summary of the survey feedback and learn more about next steps.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is in full swing, and we are still accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year. We invite you to spread the word about Heritage to families within your church, small group, or broader community who share our mission and values. Families interested in learning more about Heritage can visit our website to explore our programs, 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.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
Stay informed with all the latest news from Heritage by listening to this week’s Griffin Rundown. Tune in for timely updates, announcements, and highlights from our community. 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.
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
APRIL REMINDERS
As we move through the month of April, please keep the following reminders in mind.
Families who utilize district bus transportation must complete the bus sign-up daily (see links below).
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day to stay hydrated.
Please review the student appearance guidelines, particularly regarding skirt and shorts length, as many students have grown since the fall.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
SPRING STANDARDIZED TESTING
We appreciate your support in ensuring that students are well-prepared and present for these important assessments. Please mark your calendars with the following dates:
5th Grade State Science Test: April 16
CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Families of students in K-5 are invited to participate in a Parents Night Out hosted by Rhetoric School students as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy service project. This donation-based event will support the campus garden at The Garden Christian Academy, a classical Christian school located in Cleveland.
Details:
Peninsula Campus
April 25
5:00–8:15 P.M.
Children will enjoy a Chick-fil-A dinner, a live performance by the HCA student worship band, and the film Finding Nemo, while parents enjoy a well-deserved evening out. Childcare will also be available for potty-trained siblings.
A minimum donation of $30 per child is requested. Registration is open until April 10 or until all spots are filled.
Register here.
For questions, please contact Dr. Jason Valley at jason.valley@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
We are delighted to welcome our Heritage grandparents to campus for this year’s Grandparents Day celebration. This cherished event provides grandparents the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for HCA’s mission as they enjoy a special program, spend meaningful time with their grandchild, and listen to a message from our leadership team.
Below, you will find the schedule for the Peninsula campus along with the specific sessions designated for each grade level and Jr. Kindergarten class. An email with detailed instructions for the day will be provided one week before the event.
Tuesday, April 14
Session 1: All Study Center students and Junior Kindergarten students in Mrs. Hornbeck’s class or Mrs. Flaker’s class: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 15
Session 1: All Academy students and Junior Kindergarten students in Mrs. Toner’s class or Mrs. Flaker’s class: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Session 2: All Academy students: 12:30–2:15 p.m.
Please register grandparents here.
As a friendly reminder: due to space limitations, Grandparents Day is reserved for grandparents only. We are unable to accommodate both parents and grandparents, and we appreciate your understanding.
Mothers and sons in Early Childhood through 5th grade are warmly invited to enjoy a special evening with the Akron RubberDucks. Join us on Friday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. for a night of baseball, fellowship, and fun.
Tickets must be purchased by April 24. Families who purchase tickets by April 17 will be eligible for a chance to throw the first pitch.
All event details and ticket information can be found here. For questions, please contact Jen Grobelny at jrgrobelny@gmail.com.
PRAYING DADS
Praying dads will meet on Friday, April 10, at 6:30 a.m. in the library. We look forward to this meaningful time of prayer and fellowship.
PENINSULA CAMPUS WATER QUALITY MONITORING
HCA completed all required EPA water quality testing during the July–December 2025 monitoring period and results confirmed our water met all safety standards. Documentation was not submitted to the State of Ohio within the required timeframe; however, the issue has been corrected, and HCA is now fully compliant. Click here to view the notice.
HOT LUNCH
As a reminder, we have four remaining weeks of Hot Lunch. There will be no Hot Lunch offered in May.
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.
APRIL REMINDERS
As we move through the month of April, please keep the following reminders in mind:
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day to stay hydrated.
Please review the student appearance guidelines, particularly regarding skirt and shorts length, as many students have grown since the fall.
CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Families of students in K-5 are invited to participate in a Parents Night Out hosted by Rhetoric School students as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy service project. This donation-based event will support the campus garden at The Garden Christian Academy, a classical Christian school located in Cleveland.
Details:
Peninsula Campus
April 25
5:00–8:15 P.M.
Children will enjoy a Chick-fil-A dinner, a live performance by the HCA student worship band, and the film Finding Nemo, while parents enjoy a well-deserved evening out. Childcare will also be available for potty-trained siblings.
A minimum donation of $30 per child is requested. Registration is open until April 10 or until all spots are filled.
Register here.
For questions, please contact Dr. Jason Valley at jason.valley@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
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 April 10. Mark your calendar for the final gathering of the school year: 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 April 13. Mark your calendar for the final gathering of the school year: May 4. Questions? Contact HCA mom Julie Johnson at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
We are delighted to welcome our Heritage grandparents to campus for this year’s Grandparents Day celebration. This cherished event provides grandparents the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for HCA’s mission as they enjoy a special program, spend meaningful time with their grandchild, and listen to a message from our leadership team.
Below you will find the schedule for the Pepper Pike campus, along with the specific sessions designated for each grade level and Jr. Kindergarten class. An email with detailed instructions for the day will be provided one week before the event.
Wednesday, April 15
Session 1 Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten–12th Grade: 8:45–10:15 a.m.
Session 2 Kindergarten–12th Grade: 10:45–12:15 p.m.
Session 3 Kindergarten–12th Grade: 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Please note that session 2 at the Pepper Pike campus is full. Click here to register grandparents.
As a friendly reminder: due to space limitations, Grandparents Day is reserved for grandparents only. We are unable to accommodate both parents and grandparents, and we appreciate your understanding.
MOTHER/SON OUTING
Mothers and sons in Early Childhood through 5th grade are warmly invited to enjoy a special evening with the Akron RubberDucks. Join us on Friday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. for a night of baseball, fellowship, and fun.
Tickets must be purchased by April 24. Families who purchase tickets by April 17 will be eligible for a chance to throw the first pitch.
All event details and ticket information can be found here. For questions, please contact Jen Grobelny at jrgrobelny@gmail.com.
HOT LUNCH
As a reminder, we have four remaining weeks of Hot Lunch. There will be no Hot Lunch offered in May.
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 VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
As we enter the final quarter of the year, we kindly ask for your support in the Lunchroom. Your help makes a meaningful difference! Please use the sign-up link below to volunteer.
HOUSE COMPETITION| April 10
6TH GRADE FIELD TRIP DEADLINE| April 15
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | April 16
EXTRA CHOIR REHERSAL 7TH PERIOD (GRADES 9 & 10 ONLY) | April 16
CHAPEL| April 17
RHETORIC FORMAL DRESS SUBMISSIONS DUE | April 17
GRANDPARENTS DAY
We are delighted to welcome our Heritage grandparents to campus for this year’s Grandparents Day celebration. This cherished event provides grandparents the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for HCA’s mission as they enjoy a special program, spend meaningful time with their grandchild, and listen to a message from our leadership team.
Below you will find the schedule for the Pepper Pike campus, along with the specific sessions designated for each grade level and Jr. Kindergarten class. An email with detailed instructions for the day will be provided one week before the event.
Wednesday, April 15
Session 1 Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten–12th Grade: 8:45–10:15 a.m.
Session 2 Kindergarten–12th Grade: 10:45–12:15 p.m.
Session 3 Kindergarten–12th Grade: 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Please note that session 2 at the Pepper Pike campus is full. Click here to register grandparents.
As a friendly reminder: due to space limitations, Grandparents Day is reserved for grandparents only. We are unable to accommodate both parents and grandparents, and we appreciate your understanding.
UPCOMING ASSESSMENTS
The CLT assessments are scheduled as follows:
Grade 11: Thursday morning, April 16
Grades 7–10: Thursday morning, April 23
To support an uninterrupted testing environment, we kindly ask families to refrain from scheduling appointments during these testing times.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we guide our students through these important assessments.
NORTHEAST OHIO SUBURBAN COLLEGE FAIR
The Northeast Ohio Suburban College Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at John Carroll University in the Athletic, Wellness & Event Center.
More than 100 colleges will be represented, providing an excellent opportunity for students and families to speak directly with admissions staff.
RHETORIC SPRING FORMAL
The Rhetoric Spring Formal will take place on Friday, May 1 from 6:00–9:30 p.m. at Tanglewood Golf Club.
Reservations are due by April 2, and dress submissions must be received by April 17.
To review all event details, please see the email that was sent to families by clicking here.
We look forward to a wonderful evening with our students.
HOT LUNCH
As a reminder, we have four remaining weeks of Hot Lunch. There will be no Hot Lunch offered in May.
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.
SENIOR WEBPAGE
We are excited to share that the Senior Webpage is now live! Families can find all senior resources in one place, including the Senior Checklist, the photo upload link for yearbook pages and the senior slideshow, important details about graduation, and more. We hope this is a helpful resource for families as we celebrate and support our seniors through their final months at HCA.
SPRING MUSICAL
Our community is warmly invited to attend Heritage Classical Academy’s Spring Musical, The Wizard of Oz. Tickets are now on sale. Click below to purchase your tickets.
Performance Times
All seating will be general admission.
SPRING CLUBS
Spring Club sign-ups for the Pepper Pike Campus are now available.
Families can explore offerings and register by visiting the link below. Sign up here.
SUMMER CLUBS
Summer Clubs for the Pepper Pike and Peninsula campuses are now available. Both HCA and non-HCA students are welcome and may attend camps at either campus. Space is limited, and summer camps fill quickly. Families are encouraged to register soon! Sign up here.
GOLF
Interested in joining the golf team for the Fall 2026 season? Parents and students are invited to attend an informational meeting on April 28. The meeting will be held in the chapel after school.
This meeting is intended for families of students who will be in grades 6–12 during the 2026–2027 school year. A virtual link will also be provided for those unable to attend in person.
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.