History of HHCS
In the fall of 1967, Heritage Hall Christian School began as a non-denominational school focused on offering a quality education. The school enjoyed a high level of parent and volunteer involvement in the early years. Enrollment the first year was over 100 students.
The school came under the umbrella of Grace Baptist Church in the fall of 1972, and saw a steady increase in enrollment through the 1970s and '80s. Three-, four-, and five-year-old preschool classes were offered. A freshman class was added in 1976, with one class added each successive year. Enrollment peaked at 406 in 1997-1998. More recently, with other schools starting in the area and an increased interest in home schooling, the enrollment has seen a decline of approximately 20 students per year, settling at just over 200 students at present. Since the first graduating class in 1980, over 470 students have graduated from HHCS.
HHCS had numerous headmasters/administrators in the early years. They are David Bowel and Cecil Smith (1967-1968), Michael Cagley (1968-1972), Jim McConnell (1972-1973), William Evans (1973-1974), Marley Evans (1974-1975), Jon and Sue Oren (1975-1981). Since that time the school has benefited from a continuity of leadership, with Pastor Collins Glenn serving as superintendent from 1972 to 2012 and Pastor Rory Bond 2012 to the present. Dr. Dennis Ice was Headmaster from 1982 until his retirement in 2015. Mr. David Stein has served as Administrator since 2015. Mr. Neil Habegger, the secondary principal, retired in 2016 after 31 years of service. Mrs. Kelly Beeson, a graduate of HHCS (1988), has been a part of the ministry since 1993 in teaching elementary classes and secondary math and science classes, and serving two years as elementary Principal. She is currently a 7-12 Student Life Counselor.
In 1971, a ten-acre tract of land was purchased just north of Grace Baptist Church with plans to build a new school building there. Instead, the church built a new education wing onto the existing auditorium building adding 12 classrooms. The original auditorium building was transformed into the preschool building. During the ’70s and ’80s, as the school grew and the three-story classroom building became inadequate, portable units (“the trailers”) were added. When the church built a third auditorium with a classroom wing (1979), the trailers were removed (1984). A 1995 capital campaign allowed the renovation of the second auditorium into the Fine Arts Center, which is now home to plays, concerts, chapel services, morning assembly, and special events.
HHCS has been an active member of the Indiana Association of Christian Schools (IACS) since 1976, benefiting from the support and opportunities for competition in the areas of academics, fine arts, and athletics.
In February 2012, HHCS became accredited by the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). As of the 2012–2013 school year, HHCS became approved by the Indiana Department of Education to receive SGO scholarships and School Choice Scholarships (vouchers).
In February 2012, HHCS became accredited by the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). As of the 2012–2013 school year, HHCS became approved by the Indiana Department of Education to receive SGO scholarships and School Choice Scholarships (vouchers).
