What started as an idea back in 2012 has led to ground being broken on the site for a new Christian based school in Picayune.
Heritage Christian Academy began as a collaboration of like-minded parents who wanted to provide a Christ centered rigorous education to their children. Monday morning Board members, teachers and community members gathered at the school’s new site located on Richardson Road to break ground.
Head of School Sandy McCardle said Heritage Christian Academy became a reality after members of First Baptist Church of Picayune decided to start it. Even though the school currently operates out of First Baptist Church of Picayune’s facility on Goodyear Boulevard, Heritage Christian Academy is not associated with the church, McCardle said.
There are nine appointed Board members that decide the policies, all made up of local business owners and community members.
Board Chair Brooks Wallace said the school held their first classes during the 2014-2015 school year, starting with only 25 students. The following year the number of students climbed to 51 students and this year they will start on Aug. 9 with 65 students. McCardle said each year the school adds another grade level of instruction.
The rapid growth was the catalyst to build a separate facility. Short term, the plan is to have grades K-8 at the new location. In the future, they plan to offer classes all the way through high school, McCardle said.
When it opens next school year, the nine-acre site will house a 15,000 square foot building offering grades kindergarten through fourth in nine classrooms. Additional classrooms will be added in future phases.
All teachers on staff are certified, just like teachers in public schools, and the school has a classroom limit of 18 students.
The new facility will be designed so that additions can be built as needed, even while classes are being held. Wallace said when it’s complete the building will take a circular path across the property.
Within the next month, the school will be visited by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, who will decide whether to grant accreditation to the school. Wallace said the visit is planned for September, and once it’s official, the students will be able to participate in academic and eventually athletic competitions.
There are plans for a football field and baseball field on or near the property, McCardle said.