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. 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.

2009-2010 Academic Calendar (Adobe PDF)

2009-2010 Graduation Requirements (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. AP denotes Advanced Placement course.

H denotes Honors course. D denotes Dual Credit.

3. Semester grades in all AP and Dual Credit classes are given an extra weighted grade of 0.75.

4. Semester grades for all Honors classes are given an extra weighted grade of .50.

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

6. HCA does not rank.

7. Transfer credit is not included in GPA calculation.

8. 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
93-96 4.00
90-92 3.67
87-89 3.33
83-86 3.00
80-82 2.67
77-79 2.33
73-76 2.00
70-72 1.67

Graduation Requirements: (2009-10)

Total credits to graduate are 27.5 including:

4 credits in English

3 credits in Math (Must complete Algebra I, II, and Geometry)

3 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

4 credits in Bible (4 years, 1.0 credit/year)

0.5 credit in Health

0.5 credit in Speech

1 credit in Computer Technology

3 credits in Electives

SAT Average: 1569 (Graduating Class of 2009) (Average of Critical Reading, Math, and Writing)

ACT Average: 24 (Graduating Class of 2009)

Scholarships: Heritage seniors were awarded $785,000 in 2009

College Choices:

College Choices: HCA graduates have attended colleges and universities throughout the United States. The class of 2009 was accepted and/or attended Baylor University, Collin College, Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, LeTourneau University, Louisiana Tech University, University of Nebraska, Nicholls State University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Ouachita Baptist University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M – College Station, Texas A&M – Commerce, Texas Christian University, University of Indiana, University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and University of North Texas. In previous year, our graduates have also attended several out-of-state colleges and universities such as Azusa Pacific University, Belhaven College, Clemson University, Colorado School of Mines, Concordia University, John Brown University, Loyola University of New Orleans, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oklahoma State University, Ouachita Baptist University, Pepperdine University, Radford University, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Mississippi, University of Oklahoma, and Westmont College.

100 percent of HCA graduates are accepted to college or university.