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Educational Philosophy
American Heritage Academy represents a family partnership among
the students, parents, faculty, administration and staff. As role
models and instructors, American Heritage teachers value students
and parents for their caring attitudes. Intelligence, integrity,
creative teaching ability, loyalty, responsibility and a proactive
attitude define characteristics of the faculty.
At American Heritage Academy we are committed to the philosophy
of educating the individual child by helping each student acquire
knowledge and develop personal greatness. Every child is capable
of achieving his or her potential to the fullest extent when afforded
respect, kindness, loving discipline and appropriate instruction.
Throughout the curriculum incidents and stories of eminent men
and women of history, particularly the Founding Fathers of our own
country will be taught. The potential for greatness of each student
is emphasized and examples are given that they might emulate the
positive examples of our forefathers and avoid the mistakes of the
past. The preservation of America's greatness and freedoms through
teaching timeless principles is our ultimate goal. The Great Books,
"the classics," are required reading for all students. The 28 Principles
of Freedom are inculcated and memorized.
The AHA Code of Americanism
- AHA believes in America's greatness, goodness, and freedoms.
AHA believes and supports Public Law 84-140 adopted July 30, 1956,
known as the National Motto of the United States, and reaffirmed
by Congress in 2003, as "In God We Trust."
- AHA was specifically formed to promote the teachings and opinions
of the Founding Fathers. President John Adams said: "Our Constitution
was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate
to the government of any other." AHA encourages the teaching of
morals and virtue as a support of our form of government. It encourages
families to be actively involved in religious organizations of
their choice.
- The Declaration of Independence carries the central story and
core belief of AHA. It teaches its students the same principle.
- This is an American public school and American public schools
were created to make better Americans. Therefore students at AHA
will respect its flag, its pledge, and the National Anthem.
- AHA teaches and believes that the United States Constitution
is the greatest document of liberty ever written in the history
of mankind. AHA is committed to defending the Constitution and
its Principles.
- AHA holds to American's motto: e pluribus Unum - "from many,
one." Thus the only identity this academy will foster is American.
AHA focuses on what makes America great and unified.
- Learning has been a sacred endeavor from the beginning of this
nation. The Academy will reflect the elevated status that institutions
of learning must receive and will not tolerate behavior or action
that is illegal or degrading. Students are expected to respect
themselves, others and facilities.
Our Curriculum
Highly traditional, character centered, stressing basic skills and
critical analysis. The curriculum recaptures educational prudence
in the restoration of a tradition that once worked very well. Required
core classes are based in Mathematics, Science, English, Government,
History, Community Service and Leadership. Elective Classes include
band, choir, art, drama, yearbook, PE (Sports), photography, government
simulations, nutrition and home economics. Our mixed media Art classes
have received numerous awards for their work. The band and choir
have performed in a variety of programs both on and off campus.
Drama and Music productions are provided each semester.
The elementary school uses the famous Hillsdale
Academy (Hillsdale, MI) conservative (classical) liberal arts
curriculum focusing on "educational basics," including phonics,
Total Reading, patriotism, America's founding fathers and great
leaders, hands on science program, and Saxon Math.
Our Grading System:
| Mastery |
A = 90% - 100+ |
| Proficiency |
B = 80% - 89% |
| Competency |
C = 70% - 79% |
| Unsatisfactory |
D = 65% - 69% (No credit if in English/Math) |
| NO CREDIT |
F = 64% and below.
(Class must be repeated for credit) |
| Incomplete |
I = Unresolved situation
(Must be resolved or reverts to "F").
(Board Policy 5-2000) |
Elementary School Grading
Academic achievement is based on an understanding of the subject
as evaluated by testing and teacher observation.
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Kindergarten Readiness Skills
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Developmental Skills
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| + = Mastery of the skill |
S = Satisfactory |
| - = Incomplete mastery |
N = Need more time to develop |
| n.a. - Not assessed |
n.a. - Not assessed |
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| Grades 1 - 3 |
Effort determined by potential |
| A = Excellent |
O = Outstanding |
| B = Above average |
S = Satisfactory |
| C = Average |
U = Unsatisfactory |
| D = Unsatisfactory |
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| The report card will also reflect Citizenship. |
Progress Reports:
The Academy provides a blank progress report form for students/teacher
signature and comments indicating the student's status in class.
This is not required by the school. However, it is strongly advised
that parents insist their child bring a weekly report home.
We further encourage rewards or loss of privileges be imposed as
a result of the report. (See Sample Form) Elementary students
take home a portfolio of their work approximately every two weeks
for parent review.
Student Portfolios:
Portfolios of completed objectives are maintained, which represent
the best work performed to date. Portfolios, together with the required
list of objectives are available for student or parent review.
Testing:
Required testing by the Sate of Arizona will be administered, including
the Stanford 9 to all students, A.I.M.'s for grades 3, 5, 8, and
10, until graduation. Students are required to take a placement
or assessment test to help properly place a student upon
enrollment.
Honor Roll:
American Heritage Academy periodically holds assemblies to recognize
these students of character, valor, academic and sports achievement.
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