Tuition

Why We Have Chosen NOT to Become a Vendor with the Alabama CHOOSE Act​

 

At Heritage Academy, we believe in the power of a truly transformative education—one that fosters creativity, independence, and a deep love of learning. While we respect the intention behind the Educational Savings Account (ESA) and the support it offers to families, we have made the decision not to become a vendor under the CHOOSE Act. This was not a decision we took lightly, but it is one rooted in our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our unique educational model.​

 

1. A Commitment to Non-Traditional Education

Our school was built on the belief that education should not be confined to standardized tests or rigid grading systems. These methods fail to capture the true potential of our students—who are thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Instead, we embrace an approach that is personalized, experiential, and centered around each child's individual needs. Standardized testing and traditional grading do not align with the nurturing, holistic learning environment we provide. We are passionate about giving students the freedom to explore, to think critically, and to develop at their own pace without the pressure of one-size-fits-all assessments.​

 

2. The Heart of Our School is the Teacher

We believe that great teachers are not defined by degrees on a wall or a piece of paper. They are defined by their ability to inspire, connect, and empower students. Requiring teachers to hold state-issued college degrees or teaching certificates would limit our ability to hire passionate educators who are deeply committed to our mission. Our teachers are skilled, creative, and driven by a love for teaching that cannot be measured by traditional qualifications. In a world where experience and innovation are becoming more valuable than ever, we are proud to rely on the authenticity and expertise of our educators rather than restricting them with outdated credentials.​

 

3. Autonomy in Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is a living, breathing entity—it is not bound by state standards or designed to meet arbitrary benchmarks. It is designed to engage students in a dynamic and flexible learning experience that evolves with them. We are deeply committed to crafting lessons and activities that respond to our students' passions, strengths, and curiosities. To require us to align our curriculum with state standards would undermine everything we’ve worked so hard to build. We will not compromise our approach to learning just to fit into a box. Our model works because it is uniquely ours, and it reflects our belief that every child deserves an education that honors their individuality and potential.​

 

Tuition Assistance for Qualifying Families

While we are choosing not to participate in the CHOOSE Act, we are still deeply committed to making our program accessible. We will be offering tuition assistance for qualifying families to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from benefiting from our unique approach to education. This assistance will be based on a sliding scale and will be available to a small subset of families who need it most. We will continue to support families through this program, but we will never compromise the integrity of our school in the process.​

 

We are unwavering in our belief that education should be an empowering, enriching, and individualized experience for every student. The CHOOSE Act, while well-intentioned, requires us to sacrifice the very principles that make our school what it is. We will not compromise the values that drive us. Our mission is clear: we will continue to build an environment where each child can thrive on their own terms, free from the limitations of outdated educational systems.

 

Thank you for your understanding and for standing with us in our commitment to a better, more personalized approach to education.​​

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