Dr. Tucciarone is correct when she asserts that the real focus of education must be the development of the children, not the financial and status interests of the adults who are charged with educating them.
When Vernard Gant visits schools throughout the country, he points to Heritage Academy, a small private school in Augusta, as what they should all strive to be like.
"They are a national model," said Dr. Gant, who serves as the director of urban school services for the Association of Christian Schools International.
Heritage Academy opened in 2001 and serves children regardless of economic status. The school is defying the trend seen among similar urban private schools in the wake of the economic downturn.
"Most of our schools are struggling financially," Dr. Gant said. "Heritage Academy is the exception to the rule."
Heritage Academy Executive Director Linda Tucciarone said the school has had a strong year for donations, something she attributed to the school's accountability to God, parents and donors.
"All I can say is God is great," Dr. Tucciarone said. "I can honestly get emotional about it."
The school allows parents to pay tuition based on their ability to pay, but most of her students are on scholarship.
About 75 percent of the academy's operating costs are funded by donations, and donations made it possible to renovate the old Houghton School, where Heritage Academy is housed.
"We couldn't exist without the community," Dr. Tucciarone said.
But Dr. Gant, known as the "grandfather of Heritage Academy," is impressed with more than just the finances.
"I continue to be impressed with the phenomenal job they're doing," he said, adding that he makes annual visits to the school. "My key observation was you have forged a culture here that is highly conducive to learning."
Dr. Gant said Heritage ranks among the top 10 percent of the 400 schools his department works with.
Students know what is expected of them, and they are always orderly, including during chapel, he said.
He commended Heritage for its strong board and stable staff, but said it all goes back to the school's leadership.
Dr. Tucciarone, though, humbly points to her staff, parents, the community and God.
"The focus is not on us," she said. "The focus is on what God wants us to do because children are his heart."
Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
Dr. Tucciarone is correct when she asserts that the real focus of education must be the development of the children, not the financial and status interests of the adults who are charged with educating them.
Here's the rub. When ever vouchers are mentioned, schools like Heritage are given as the reason against vouchers, because of their Christian message combined with the rest of the education. Orderly, focused and successful education doesn't seem to be considered by the anti-voucher people. Schools like Heritage are examples of how our education system can recover from the government entity it has become.
Is money given to this school considered a a tax deductable donation? What is there tax status?
I believe they are tax exempt Brad. Is that an issue for you?
Keep up the good work Heritage!!
its not a suprise brad.owens would have a problem with it. Look at the pictures. Heritage academy is a great school.
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