Academics

College Preparatory Environment

The phrase “college prep” is very often used as a descriptor for the academic standard for many private and Christian school environments. Unless “college prep” is defined in the context of a particular school’s mission it will often be misunderstood.

What does HCA mean when it refers to itself as college preparatory?

Our guiding assumption is that every student (average, gifted, learning differenced, and all combinations thereof) who walks through our door is college bound and it is our job to provide students with the opportunity to be well prepared to gain entrance and be successful at the college of their choice.

Not all of our students will choose to go to highly competitive universities, but for those who do, the education they receive at HCA will be an empowering factor towards obtaining that goal. We believe an education that bears the name of Christ must equip,
not hinder.

Success in college involves innate ability, but to a greater degree it requires:

*Academic skills

*Advanced academic opportunities

*A strong work ethic

*Motivation

*The ability to think critically

*Self-discipline

*Ability to acquire knowledge independently and
a love of learning

HCA will provide all students at all grade levels with developmentally appropriate opportunities to acquire the knowledge and values necessary for success throughout their school years up to and including college. Students who apply themselves to all that we ask of them and who avail themselves of all that we provide for them will indeed be well prepared to make the transition from HCA to college and university level achievement. Our Dual-credit program for our seniors is a great opportunity for our students to help them make an easy transition to college. There is no other school in this community that can provide a greater overall experience for students than Heritage Christian Academy. A diploma from Heritage is evidence of an excellent educational achievement, but as our students move on and succeed in many areas, they begin to realize that the process of earning it prepared them for the challenges of life.

2012-13 Academic Calendar (Adobe PDF)

Academic Information

GPA Computation:

GPA is determined by adding the equivalent GPA quality points and dividing the total by the number of semester credits.
Please note the following:

1. GPA is computed on all subjects, grades 9-12.

2. GPA is on a weighted 4.0 scale

3. H denotes Honors course.  D denotes Dual Credit.  Semester grades in all Dual Credit classes are given an extra weighted grade of 0.75. Semester grades for all Honors classes are given an extra weighted grade of .50.

4. Cumulative GPA is based on coursework taken at Heritage Christian Academy only.

5. HCA does not rank.

6. Transfer credit is not included in GPA calculation.

7. Honors graduates complete 5 or more honors courses with a minimum of 3.75 cumulative GPA.

Grading Scale:
A (90-100)                
B (80-89)
C (70-79)                  
F (69 and below)
                       
97-100  4.33               80-82    2.67
93-96    4.00               77-79    2.33
90-92    3.67               73-76    2.00
87-89    3.33               70-72    1.67
83-86    3.00               D (only applicable in Dual Credit) 1.34

Graduation Requirements:

Total credits to graduate are 27.5 including:
4 credits in English
4 credits in Math (Must complete Algebra I, II, and Geometry)
4 credits in Science (Must complete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
4 credits in Social Science (Must complete W. Geography, W. History, U.S. History, Government and Economics)
1 credit of Fine Arts
2 credits of Foreign Language (in the same language)
1.5 credits in Physical Education/Athletics
4 credits in Bible (1.0 credit/year of attendance)
0.5 credit in Health
0.5 credit in Speech
1 credit in Computer Technology (2 years of Yearbook will meet requirement)
1.0 credit in Life Skills/College Prep
3 credits in Electives

Scholarships: Heritage seniors were awarded close to $1.3 million in scholarships in 2012

College Choices: HCA graduates have attended colleges and universities throughout the United States. The class of 2012 was accepted and/or attended Abilene Christian University, Austin College, Baylor University, Collin College, Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University (Honors College),  LeTourneau University, Louisiana Tech University, Northwood University, Ouachita Baptist University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas Christian University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Texas Women’s University, University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, and University of North Texas.

SAT Average:
1564 (Graduating Class of 2011) (15 Students)
1569 (Graduating Class of 2009) (19 Students)
(Average of Critical Reading, Math, and Writing)

ACT Average:
23 (Graduating Class of 2010)
24 (Graduation Class of 2009)

Scholarships
Heritage 2011 seniors (15 students) were awarded 1,300,000 in 2011.
Heritage 2010 seniors (15 students) were awarded over 1,200,000 in 2011.

College Choices:
100 percent of HCA graduates are accepted to college or university. While this is not an exhaustive list, HCA graduates have been accepted to, are currently atttending, or have graduated from the following colleges and universities throughout the United States: