Heritage Christian Academy starts new chapter in Western Jefferson County

Via press release

After 45 years building a name and reputation in the Bluff Park area of Hoover, Heritage Christian Academy has opened its doors at their new McCalla location on the campus of Grace Life Baptist Church for the 2020-2021 academic year. Formerly Shades Mountain Christian School, the school was founded in 1974 by Richard “Dick” Vigneulle as a place for Christian parents to provide their children with a well-rounded education based in Christian faith and values. While all local schools have faced challenges as this new school year began, Heritage has had to work twice as hard in preparing this new campus to receive students on August 24. According to Lynn Gurganus, Headmaster, “The biggest hurdle has probably been the physical change from church to school.  From removing walls to painting classrooms to reconfiguring our internet capabilities; a lot had to be done in a fairly short period of time.” This transformation was truly a labor of love with faculty and staff pitching in at every turn to make the opening a success.

Despite the initial hurdles, the first day of school for the new class of Heritage Christian Academy students was seamless. “There is great energy on campus today!” said Heather Spigner, Director of Academic Administration for the school. “Of course, there are the first day jitters, but we are very excited to start the new school year in our new home.” Regardless of the location and other changes, the faculty, staff, and families at Heritage Christian have maintained a commitment to grow in knowledge, wisdom, character and faith. Being in a new location opens up many opportunities for the school to partner with local businesses and churches to make a positive impact on the quality of life in McCalla. Moving forward, Headmaster Lynn Gurganus wants the community to be assured that, “…Heritage Christian Academy wants to provide parents with a distinctively Christian option as they seek a quality education for their children.”

Heritage is proud to offer a unique spirit of family and community rooted in a Christ-centered education and is accredited by AdvancED (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and a member of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA). The school provides a strong foundation in academics and also boasts a wide variety of athletics programs and electives including basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, Spanish, art, band, choir, theatre, home economics, technology,  leadership, forensics, yearbook, and robotics. Schedule your tour of the new campus today by calling (205) 978-6001 or email admissions@hcachristian.org.