May 21, 2026
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL DISMISSAL AT NOON - (SHUTTLE FOR LOWER SCHOOL ONLY) | May 22
FINAL GAZETTE OF THE 2025–2026 SCHOOL YEAR
As we conclude the 2025–2026 school year, we share with you the final edition of the Griffin Gazette for this academic year. We hope the information and stories included throughout the year have served as a meaningful way to keep your family connected to the life and happenings of Heritage Classical Academy.
As we look ahead to the fall, we would appreciate your feedback and ideas for future publications. If there is content you would especially enjoy seeing featured in the Gazette, please contact our Advancement Team at hcaadvancement@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE FOR THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
We are grateful for the opportunity to once again offer optional bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year, with morning service from Peninsula to Pepper Pike and afternoon service from Pepper Pike to Peninsula. This offering continues to be a valued convenience for many HCA families, and we are pleased to provide it.
In recent years, however, transportation costs have risen considerably, while student utilization has not met initial registration projections. In an effort to steward school resources wisely and responsibly—while still maintaining this important service—Heritage will transition to an annual bus pass model beginning in the fall of 2026.
For full details, please view the original communication sent to families by clicking here.
INAUGURAL COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION
Thank you to the many families, friends, and community members who joined us last Friday to celebrate Heritage Classical Academy’s inaugural Commencement Ceremony. It was a joyful and memorable evening as we honored our graduates and praised the Lord for His faithfulness throughout this historic milestone in the life of our school.
We invite you to visit the Current Families page to view a photo gallery capturing special moments from the evening’s celebration.
SENIOR THESIS AWARDS
We are pleased to recognize this year’s Senior Thesis award recipients for their outstanding scholarship, thoughtful research, and excellent presentations. Senior Thesis Presentations may be viewed on the Rhetoric School webpage.
First Place was awarded to Grace Ochenjele for her thesis, “Fighting Racism: A Trojan Horse for Marxism,” which earned her a $1,000 prize.
Second Place was awarded to Elli Serafimov for her thesis, “Making Your 29,000 Days Worth It,” and she received a $500 prize.
We extend our thanks to the American Policy Roundtable for their generous partnership and investment in the lives of our students through these awards.
RHETORIC SCHOOL SPRING EVENTS PHOTO GALLERIES
Families are invited to visit the Current Families page to view photo galleries from this year’s Rhetoric School Spring Formal and Senior Banquet. These special evenings were joyful celebrations of friendship, fellowship, and the rich community life our students enjoy at Heritage Classical Academy.
We hope these galleries provide a meaningful glimpse into the memorable experiences and traditions taking shape within the Rhetoric School and encourage excitement about all that lies ahead for our students.
HERITAGE STUDENT LIBRARY INITIATIVE
We are excited to introduce HCA’s new Heritage Student Library Initiative! Beginning this fall, students in grades 6 and 7 will receive their own personal copies of the literature books used in class. Rather than borrowing shared classroom texts, students will have the opportunity to annotate, engage more deeply, and keep the works they encounter throughout their Heritage education.
As the program grows, an additional grade level will be added each year. During the 2027–2028 school year, students in grades 6–8 will receive their own books, with the initiative continuing to expand in subsequent years.
The Heritage Student Library Initiative is designed to encourage greater personal engagement with texts, cultivate student responsibility, and equip students with valuable resources as they begin building their own personal libraries. By the time they graduate from Heritage, students will leave with a thoughtfully curated and personally annotated collection of some of the world’s most influential stories, ideas, and literary works.
We are pleased to offer this program at no additional cost to families and look forward to the lasting impact it will have on our students’ learning and formation.
Please contact Mr. Nolan Grame, Academic Dean of the Upper School, at nolan.grame@heritageclassicalacademy.org with any questions regarding the Heritage Student Library Initiative.
GIVING DAY 2026
Thank you to all who participated in Giving Day and supported HCA with such generosity. We praise the Lord for His faithful provision through the giving of our community. In just 24 hours, HCA families and friends contributed $71,762.25 to the Annual Fund.
We are thankful for the continued outpouring of love and support for our school and for the students, families, and faculty who make Heritage such a special place.
If you were unable to participate in Giving Day, there is still time to contribute. We welcome your continued prayers and partnership in advancing the mission of Heritage. Clickhereto learn more.
EDCHOICE
Please remember 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.
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.
ADMISSIONS FOR THE 2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR
Admissions season for the 2026–27 school year is nearing its end, and many of our classes are already full, with wait pools in several grades. We do have a limited number of openings across multiple grade levels. If you know of a missionally aligned family who may be a good fit for Heritage Classical Academy, we would be grateful if you would direct them to our website to explore current admission opportunities. There, families can learn more about 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.
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
ACADEMY LAST DAY REMINDERS
Students should arrive dressed in HCA spirit tops, appropriate athletic bottoms (both in length and material), and tennis shoes. Please ensure students are ready to enjoy time outdoors in the morning. Fifth grade parents are warmly invited to participate in a celebratory clap-out tunnel at noon as we honor and send off our fifth grade students from Lower School. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together!
On Friday, students should bring water bottles only—no bookbags, lunches, or snacks are needed.
Please note that dismissal will be at noon, and aftercare will not be available.
FIELD DAY
Field Day will be held tomorrow, May 22, with a noon dismissal. Families are invited to join us as we celebrate the close of another wonderful school year.
Please click the link below for additional details and to sign up for volunteer opportunities:
Peninsula Field Day 2026 Volunteer Sign-Up
If you have any questions, please contact Kassie Brooks at kassie.brooks@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
GRADE-LEVEL SUMMER PLAYDATES
Students are warmly invited to gather for outdoor play and fellowship at the Peninsula Campus playground throughout the summer. These informal playdates provide a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and for students to enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.
To view the full schedule, please click here. For questions or additional information, please contact Ana Frock-Herceg at 330.697.8445 or afherceg@gmail.com.
LOST AND FOUND
Please note that all remaining items will be donated or disposed of after the last day of school. Items will not be held beyond Friday, May 22.
We kindly encourage families to check for any belongings prior to this date.
LIBRARY REMINDER
Please take a moment to check your home and return any borrowed library books. All library books must be returned tomorrow, May 22. Thank you for helping us keep our library complete and well cared for.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER
To all our students and families, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative summer. May these coming months be filled with wonder, rest, and time well spent with loved ones.
We look forward with anticipation to welcoming you back in the fall. Until then, may you have a blessed and peaceful summer season.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER
To all our students and families, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative summer. May these coming months be filled with wonder, rest, and time well spent with loved ones.
We look forward with anticipation to welcoming you back in the fall. Until then, may you have a blessed and peaceful summer season.
LAST DAY REMINDERS
Students should arrive dressed in HCA spirit tops, appropriate athletic bottoms (both in length and material), and tennis shoes. Please ensure students are ready to enjoy time outdoors in the morning.
On Fridays, students should bring water bottles only—no bookbags, lunches, or snacks are needed.
Please note that dismissal will be at noon, and aftercare will not be available.
FIFTH GRADE CLAP OUT
Fifth grade parents are warmly invited to participate in a celebratory clap-out tunnel at noon as we honor and send off our fifth grade students from Lower School. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together!
FIELD DAY
Field Day will take place tomorrow, May 22, with a noon dismissal. We look forward to closing out another wonderful school year with a day of fun and community.
Please follow the link below for additional details and to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact Ana Hopkins at anarosa.hopkins@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
LOST AND FOUND
Please note that all remaining items will be donated or disposed of after the last day of school. Items will not be held beyond Friday, May 22.
We kindly encourage families to check for any belongings prior to this date.
UNIFORM EXCHANGE
As your children outgrow their uniforms, we invite you to make use of the Uniform Exchange. Families are welcome to donate gently worn items and take those they need. The exchange is located in the hallway outside the Music Room.
COLUMBUS TRIP- 6TH GRADE | May 22
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER
To all our students and families, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative summer. May these coming months be filled with wonder, rest, and time well spent with loved ones.
We look forward with anticipation to welcoming you back in the fall. Until then, may you have a blessed and peaceful summer season.
RHETORIC SCHOOL SPRING EVENTS PHOTO GALLERIES
Families are invited to visit the Current Families page to view photo galleries from this year’s Rhetoric School Spring Formal and Senior Banquet. These special evenings were joyful celebrations of friendship, fellowship, and the rich community life our students enjoy at Heritage Classical Academy.
We hope these galleries provide a meaningful glimpse into the memorable experiences and traditions taking shape within the Rhetoric School and encourage excitement about all that lies ahead for our students.
NEW SUMMER CLUBS
We are pleased to offer two new clubs for the summer: a Junior High Basketball Clinic and Shakespeare Camp. Both programs provide excellent opportunities for students to grow in skill, teamwork, and appreciation for their craft.
Registration is now open, and space is limited. Click the links below to register.
NCSAA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Heritage Classical Academy was honored to participate in the NCSAA National Christian Schools Athletic Association Track and Field Championships, held at Geneva College in Pennsylvania. Schools from across the country gathered for this distinguished competition, representing a celebration of athletic excellence and Christian sportsmanship.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated coaching staff:
High School Coaches – Danyella Johnson and Mike Harris
Junior High Coaches – Jeff Dunay, Shasta Kaselak, and Scot Kaselak
Our athletes delivered an outstanding performance, highlighted by the following achievements:
First Place Finishers
Charlie Byrne – 300 Meter Hurdles
Eliana Ochenjele – 400 Meter
Presley Steinhoff – 200 Meter
Girls Junior High 4x400 Relay
Boys High School 4x400 Relay
Team Recognition
Girls Junior High Team – 2nd Place Overall
We commend all of our student-athletes for their dedication, discipline, and exemplary representation of Heritage Classical Academy.
FALL CLUBS
Registration is now open for our fall academic clubs, offering students the opportunity to further develop their skills in thoughtful competition and collaborative learning.
Mock Trial Team (Grades 9–12)
Students in high school are invited to participate in Mock Trial, where they will engage in the study and practice of legal reasoning, public speaking, and teamwork.
Register here: HS Mock Trial Sign-up Fall 2026
Power of the Pen Competition Club (Grades 7–8)
Junior high students are encouraged to join Power of the Pen, a program dedicated to cultivating excellence in creative writing through structured competition and guided practice.
Register here:7th and 8th Grade Power of the Pen Fall 2026
We look forward to a season of growth, discipline, and achievement through these enriching opportunities.
FALL SPORTS
Registration is now open for our fall athletic programs. These opportunities invite students to develop skill, discipline, and teamwork while representing Heritage Classical Academy.
Volleyball
5th–6th Grade Team – 5th & 6th Grade Volleyball Sign-up Fall 2026
7th–8th Grade Team – 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball Sign-up Fall 2026
High School Team (9th–12th Grade) – High School Volleyball Sign-up Fall 2026
Cross Country
Middle School Team (6th–8th Grade) – MS Cross Country Sign-up Fall 2026
High School Team – HS Cross Country Sign-up Fall 2026
Middle School Co-Ed Soccer
6th–8th Grade Team – Soccer Sign-up Fall 2026
Co-Ed Golf
Grades 6–12 (JV & Varsity Teams) – Golf Sign-up Fall 2026
We encourage all interested students to participate and look forward to a season marked by growth, perseverance, and excellence.
FALL THEATER
We are pleased to announce that the fall theater production for the 26-27 school year will be Anne of Green Gables. Students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate in the Heritage Classical Academy Theater program this fall. This enriching opportunity encourages creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence through the dramatic arts.
Register here: Theater Sign-up Fall 2026
We look forward to a season of artistic growth, meaningful storytelling, and shared accomplishment on the stage.
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.