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 Preschool-12, we offer personalized learning through small class sizes, ensuring more individual attention.
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 students will soar
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
S
Spiritually
Growing Knowledge of God
Relationships being developed with Christ
Increasing obedience to all that Christ has commanded
Progressing in love for God and others
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13
O
Occupational
Honoring God with their bodies, by pursuing choices of self-control, purity, and wise/safe conduct
Investing their physical gifts in the advancement of God’s kingdom
Serving God through an occupational calling
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1
A
Academics
Resolving problems with logic
Engaging in intellectual inquiry with a biblical perspective
Attaining progressive understanding of academic disciplines
Lifelong learners with a Christian worldview
“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
Proverbs 19:8
R
Relational
Loving others by serving them
Obtaining a healthy self-worth because of the price Christ paid for us.
Valuing all of God’s creation, all people, places, and things
Expressing the fruits of the Spirit in daily living
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:27
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
James Holliday
Administrator
Email James
Melanie Simpson
Principal
Email Melanie
Julie VandeGiessen
Administrative Secretary
Email Julie
John-Mark Grabow
Business Manager
Email John-Mark
Faculty & Staff
Suzy Bos
Preschool M/W/F
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Sarah Trautman
Preschool T/TH
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Rachel Lockwood
Kindergarten
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Julie Switzer
1st Grade
Academic Support
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Merritt Pace
2nd Grade
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Valerie Pike
3rd Grade
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Deborah Strahan
4th Grade
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Matthew Davidson
5th Grade
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Leslie Grubbs
K-12 Vocal Music
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Ashly Bedell
MS Teacher
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Betsy Russell
MS Teacher
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Eric Fenstermaker
MS & HS Art
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Sarah Gonyer
MS & HS Band
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Dianna Anderson
HS Math
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John Beck, Ed.D
HS Social Studies/Bible
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Stacey Cruz
HS English
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Renae Mroczek
HS Science
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Kaitlin Ives
HS Spanish
Academic Support
Email Kaitlin
Stephanie Jevert
PE Teacher &
Athletic Director
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Jade Wolfe
EiA Greenhouse
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Supporting Staff
Suellen Hadley
Librarian
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Amber Kilian
Enrollment Coordinator
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Mike Wolfe
Facility Supervisor
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Angela Wessing
Preschool Teacher’s Aide
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Danielle Vermeulen
Teacher’s Aide
Email Danielle
Learning Lab
Jean Rus
Learning Lab Administrator
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Shannon Burlison
Learning Lab
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Carol Anderson
Directed Learning Tutor
Email Carol
Kristi Rabe
Directed Learning Tutor
Email Kristi
Mary Beth Allen
Directed Learning Tutor and Music Therapist
Email Mary Beth
Our History
Heritage Baptist 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-3 and grades 4-12 in the main building.
School Board
Liz Cary
Chairman
Hunter Miller
Director
Lee Belden
Vice Chairman
Katie Shank
Director
Gayle Jacobs
Treasurer
Jenna Yetman
Director
Bonnie Belson
Secretary
Ken Karakula Jr.
Director
Dan Allison
Director
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