Middle School at HCA

Welcome to Middle School

Thank you for your interest in Heritage Christian Academy’s Middle School. We understand that the middle school years are an important season of growth and transition, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share more about our school and community.

At HCA, our Christ-centered mission is the foundation of everything we do. In the middle school, this means creating a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically while also developing a strong foundation in their faith and character. Biblical truth is integrated across our curriculum, students participate in weekly chapel, and they are guided by teachers who are committed to helping them understand who they are in Christ during these formative years.

We recognize that middle school is a time when students are developing independence, learning responsibility, and building meaningful friendships. Our goal is to walk alongside them during this stage—challenging them academically, encouraging spiritual growth, and helping them develop confidence as learners and followers of Christ.

We are grateful for what God is doing at HCA. Through His provision, we have continued to grow our programs, welcome passionate and dedicated educators, and enhance our secure and well-equipped campus so we can best serve our students. We would love for your family to become part of the HCA story and the Eagle family. I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to campus soon!

Bridging the Gap with Intentionality

Heritage’s middle school program is intentionally designed to support students during one of the most transformative periods of their educational journey. Serving as a bridge between the foundation of elementary school and the increasing expectations of high school, our program focuses on holistic growth—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. At HCA, we are committed to making these years a time for students to flourish, not just to “get through.” Our program stands out through:

  • Guiding students through the unique developmental milestones of adolescence, ensuring each student receives the support and encouragement needed to thrive
  • Cultivating independence, self-advocacy, and responsibility, equipping students to grow into confident learners and leaders
  • Creating a safe, loving environment with clear boundaries, fostering both personal growth and academic success
  • Offering diverse opportunities for exploration—helping students discover new passions, talents, and future possibilities
  • Pointing students toward a deeper relationship with Jesus, nurturing strong character and lasting faith 
In His Service,

Mr. David Stevens
Middle School Principal
david.stevens@hcabothell.org

"This is the best decision we have made in the life of our child, and we believe that God called us to be Heritage parents. Take a tour. Talk to the staff. See for yourself." 
- HCA Parent

Program distinctives


Faith: Rooted in Christ and Distinctly Christian

"Heritage holds my children to a biblical standard that is full of love. Every subject points to God as their creator, and Jesus as their Savior, and every teacher reinforces this!"

"We toured the campus a few times and were most impressed by the faith-based values lived out by the leadership and woven into the culture and academics."

Mission Minded
At Heritage, we glorify God together by equipping students to pursue Jesus and His purpose for their lives. This mission drives every aspect of our school, allowing biblical integration across all subject areas and activities. As a school, we ensure that every decision and offering aligns with our mission, and our students learn to use the same lens as they navigate through their formative years and beyond.
Weekly Chapel Services
Our secondary students gather weekly for chapel, which includes student-led worship and a message tailored to them. We also gather as a school family for special chapel weeks: Veterans' Day, Christmas, Easter, as well as our monthly Philippians Awards, where we recap our biblical character trait focus and recognize students and staff who exemplify the month's characteristic. Combined chapels unify us as a school family and provide opportunities for our older students to serve and model for our younger students.
Bible Study Opportunities
We offer weekly Bible study options during our Eagle period. After a large group talk, students break out into small groups facilitated by staff members. 
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Heritage has Spiritual Emphasis Week every spring. Middle Schoolers take standardized tests in the morning and attend special chapels and participate in mission-minded service projects in the afternoon.
Fall Away Retreat
In the early fall, our middle schoolers head up to Camp Cedar Springs for the day. They start the year off with this intentional time to fellowship with each other, receive discipleship from staff, and grow closer to Jesus. From worship to crazy games to quiet time with the Lord, this retreat sets the tone for a school year focused on our Savior!


Fundamentals: Student-Tailored Academics

"HCA is deeply purposeful in every aspect of its approach – faith integration, academic rigor, community building, and character development."

"We also really appreciate that they strive to challenge the students with a rigorous curriculum that can prepare a student for positive study habits for their future higher education." 

Biblically-Based Curriculum
Christ is reflected in all subject areas, and we teach from a biblical worldview. Students are equipped to become independent, critical thinkers who approach all topics through the lens of Jesus.
Exceeding Washington State Standards
Many of our curricula are based on state standards that exceed Washington's, preparing our students for high school and subsequent college entrance exams and college-level coursework.
Core Subjects
Our Middle Schoolers change periods throughout the day as their attend their core academic classes:
  • Math
  • Science
  • English
  • History/Social Studies
  • Bible
Students also have physical education classes and a diversity of elective options.
Diverse Electives for every student
Middle Schoolers are excited about the opportunity to take electives. Whether trying something for the first time or pursuing a well-established passion, students are encouraged to explore different electives each semester. Examples include art, culinary, racquet sports, drama, leadership, debate, and many more!

High Academic Results
Heritage students consistently average in the 85th percentile and above on nationally normed Iowa standardized assessments.

We have a thriving National Junior Honor Society, for which students can qualify based on their GPA and service- oriented leadership.
Student-Tailored Approach
Heritage recognizes that no student fits in one box. Students are known as we recognize their strengths and areas for growth. Our smaller class sizes allow our teachers to work closely with students to achieve their goals. In addition to class time, student support is offered during Eagle period.

Heritage is blessed to have the Learning Success Center, which is a unique offering for a private school in Washington. The mission of the LSC is to equip our students to grow and blossom academically, socially, spiritually, and physically into the unique individuals God created each of them to be. The LSC supports the middle school department by equipping teachers to meet a diversity of learning styles, offering 504 accommodation plans, and facilitating support or independent studies as resources and schedules allow.
Educational Field Trips
In conjunction with their Washington State History semester, our 7th graders spend a day at active Fort Nisqually.

Our 8th graders have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring, which aligns with their focus on US History.

There are additional field trip opportunities related to elective classes (art museums, music or drama productions, kitchens, etc).


Fellowship & Family

"The caring staff and the welcoming, family-like atmosphere make every student feel seen, valued, and loved. Heritage is more than a schoolit’s a community that genuinely reflects Christ’s love and helps our children grow in their faith. That commitment to both education and spiritual growth is why we choose Heritage every day."

Eagle Period
We take the concept of an advisory period to a more meaningful level with 'Eagle Period.' Students meet in cohorts with an assigned teacher. This scheduled time includes opportunities for clubs, student support/study hall, community building, assemblies, volunteer/service, leadership, etc.
Servant Leadership
Our students have a passion for sharing Jesus through servant-hearted leadership. From serving as role models for younger students to participating in local or international missions, our students are eager to use their God-given gifts for His Kingdom. We offer TA opportunities where our students can support staff and/or students, including reading buddies, teacher prep, and office support. It is quite common to see our youngest students excited and high fiving when they encounter our high schoolers in the hallways.
Athletics
A large percentage of our middle schoolers participate in our no-cut athletic programs.
  • Fall
    • Boys' Soccer
    • Girls' Volleyball
    • Cross Country
  • Winter
    • Boys and Girls Basketball
    • Track and Field
  • Year Round
    • Cheer and Stunt Team
Student Enrichment
The Heritage experience doesn't end when the bell rings! In addition to athletics, middle schoolers participate in a plethora of extra activities, including Cheer and Stunt, Choir, Worship team, National Junior Honor Society, and Tough Guys Martial Arts. We also offer before and after school extended care for students through 12 years old.
Family Focus
When our current students and families are asked to describe Heritage in one word, "Family" is one of the most common answers. As one mom shared, “Heritage is our family, and so much of our growth as a family is from God’s work at this little school on the hill.”

When you join the Heritage family, it feels exactly as it sounds, you become "family." That means we care about you and your goals and aspirations. We seek fellowship with you and want you to become a familiar face in school activities and programs.  Our role is to assist families, and we take that very seriously.  Our stance is that education is the parents' responsibility, and that we serve as an extension of the family, providing part of that education in partnership with parents. We encourage and desire parents, guardians, grandparents, etc, to be active and involved in the life of the school. We couldn't do what we do without your partnership and support!


Future


"This school is fully committed to pouring everything they have into creating a generation of successful individuals."

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Foundation for High School
Just as our middle schoolers are building a strong foundation for their high school years, Heritage is also building and growing a vibrant high school program. We are excited about the opportunities your middle schoolers will have when they transition into high school here at HCA!
Strategic Growth Plan
Our desire has always been to grow with the same quality and consistency that families have come to expect since we opened our school doors in 1979. In collaboration with the School Board, we published a Strategic Growth Plan in 2023, and we continue to refine and meet the goals and directives established. Every step forward is bathed in prayer, and we know that God has amazing plans for Heritage and each of our students.
Campus Expansion
We are excited to be preparing for the addition of a modern two-classroom portable building for the 2026-2027 school year.

We have a dedicated development director, and we have plans already mapped for potential permanent building expansion. We are in the beginning phases of a capital campaign feasibility study.
Additional Program, Class, and Extracurricular Offerings
We are committed to listening to the desires of our students and families, and we plan to continue increasing our programs, classes, and extracurricular activities as we grow.

 "I’ve seen my children thrive not just in the classroom, but in character, confidence, and spiritual maturity. If you’re looking for a place where your child will be known, loved, and equipped to live out God’s purpose, Heritage is a beautiful choice."
- HCA Parent