About Us
WHY CHOOSE HCA
Beyond the Classroom
At HCA, we offer unique programs such as the Education in Action (EiA) that promote and encourage learning outside the classroom.
Hands-On Learning
Hands-on learning is so vital to our mission that we established an on site greenhouse to foster experiential education among our students.
Personalized Learning
With 200+ students in PreK-12, we offer personalized learning through smaller class sizes, ensuring more individual attention from teachers.
Support
We prioritize higher education and encourage our students to apply for scholarships, with our graduates receiving $500,000 in awards.
High Success
Student success is our top priority. We proudly uphold a 100% graduation rate, reflecting our commitment to excellence in education.
Ecumenical
Our vibrant student body represents over 50 churches in Kalamazoo, highlighting our school’s rich diversity and community spirit.
Our Mission
Pursuing School God’s Way
“To prepare students for a life of service by teaching, modeling and encouraging Biblical principles while pursuing academic excellence and God-given potential.”
Our Vision
Cultivating educational innovators that equip, energize, and include all learners.
Creating a model of education that offers life changing learning experiences and academic excellence based on God’s personal design for each child.
Utilizing diverse business platforms for hands-on learning and academic disciplines that produces revenue and overcomes the financial limitations that hinder creative educational innovation.
Equipping students to be servant leaders who impact their communities and the world for the glory of God.
Our Philosophy
We believe that the Bible is the only Word of God; infallible, without error or omission, which serves as the standard and guide for all we do and say. Therefore, we believe that the process of equipping a child for a lifetime of Christian service starts in the home.
It is the goal of the school to be a tool available to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to aid in the process of bringing the child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord spiritually, academically, physically, and socially.
Our Core Values
God First
We strive to keep God first in our thoughts, attitudes and actions.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” –Proverbs 3:6
Biblical Standards
We believe the Bible is the only Word of God, infallible, without error or omission, which serves as the standard and guide for all we do and say.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” –II Timothy 3:16, 17
Love Others
We believe that love for others, as commanded by Christ, is imperative for effective leadership and operation.
“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” –I John 4:7
Family
We protect and support the individual family unit.
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto the children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” –Deuteronomy 6:6
Local Church
We acknowledge the God-given importance of the local churches and therefore seek their shared wisdom as we serve.
“I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” -I Timothy 3:15
Christ-Centered Curriculum
We challenge all students to academic and spiritual achievement through a high-quality Christ-centered curriculum.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -II Timothy 2:15
Integrity
We believe that personal and corporate integrity, enabled by accountability to God and one another, is necessary to guard the word of truth.
“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” -Psalm 25:21
Meet Our Staff
Administrative Staff
Jason Miner
Administrator
Melanie Simpson
Principal
Julie VandeGiessen
Administrative Secretary
Dawn Zondervan
Business Manager
Faculty & Staff
Suzy Bos
Pre-K
Rachel Lockwood
Kindergarten
Julie Switzer
1st Grade
Merritt Pace
2nd Grade
Valerie Pike
3rd Grade
Deborah Strahan
4th Grade
Matthew Davidson
5th Grade
Sue Davidson
K-12 Computers
Leslie Grubbs
K-12 Vocal Music
Jen Taylor
MS Teacher
Natasha Miller
MS Teacher
Danece Adams
MS & HS Bible
Sarah Gonyer
MS & HS Band
Eric Fenstermaker
MS & HS Art
Dianna Anderson
HS Math
John Beck, Ed.D
HS Social Studies
Renae Mroczek
HS Science
Stacey Koning
HS English
Kaitlin Ives
HS Spanish
Jade Wolfe
EiA Greenhouse
Mary Beth Allen
Music Therapist
Shannon Burlison
Learning Lab
Stephanie Jevert
PE Teacher &
Athletic Director
Randal Hadley
Guidance Counselor
Oaken
Therapy Dog
Supporting Staff
Carol Anderson
Directed Learning Tutor
John-Mark Grabow
EiA / Student Servies
Suellen Hadley
Librarian
Amber Kilian
Enrollment Coordinator
Mike Wolfe
Facility Supervisor
Melanie Mills
Lead Teacher’s Aide
Angela Wessing
Pre-K Teacher’s Aide
Kristi Rabe
Directed Learning Tutor
Jean Rus
Academic Support Coordinator
School Board
Brent Bishop
Chairman
Lee Belden
Vice Chairman
Liz Cary
Treasurer
Jenna Yetman
Secretary
Jake Hammond
Director
Anthony Wickey
Director
Our History
HeritageBaptist Academy was founded in 1989 as a Christ-centered, biblically-based Christian day school by five Baptist churches: Berean Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, Cooper Baptist Church, Northeastern Baptist Church, and Westwood Baptist Church.
Initial enrollment was 89 students in grades K-8. Enrollment grew steadily, and in 1994 the name Baptist was changed to Christian in order to more accurately represent our student body.
HCA purchased 42 acres on 9th Street in 1996, and in 2000, opened its main campus building with a multi-purpose room, 14 classrooms and offices. Our facilities expanded in 2004 to house K-3 in a modular building, with grades 4-12 in the main building. Today, we now have added Pre-K’s in the modular with K-2 and grades 4-12 in the main building.
APPLY TODAY
Join hundreds of families at Heritage Christian Academy.
Student enrollment begins soon!