Frequently Asked Questions

Elementary School (Preschool - Grade 4): 8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Intermediate - High School (Grades 5-12): 8:00 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Our business office is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the school year and 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the summer.

• 14:1 in Preschool and Prep-K
• 16:1 in Kindergarten
• 20:1 on average in 1st-12th grades

In addition, we have teacher assistants through 6th grade.

Yes! We have excellent before and after school programs that are under the direction of licensed teachers and supported by a well-trained staff.

Our ABCare program is for students in preschool-4th grade and we offer the HUB (an environment where students can complete their homework or study) for students in 5th-8th grade. Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:00 a.m. and must be picked up by 5:30 p.m.

More information about our before and after school care options along with pricing can be found here.

We desire that students have a standard of dress that is modest and neat. Specific guidelines vary by age; however, in grades 5-12 it is characterized by solid colored polos or oxfords with khaki pants, shorts or skirts. Details on our dress guidelines for students in all grade levels can be found here.

Yes, HCS offers 2-way transportation serving five (5) routes across Indianapolis and the surrounding communities each day. Many of our families also carpool. Additional information can be found here or by emailing transportation@heritagechristian.net.

We desire to continue to enrich the ethnic, denominational and socio-economic background of our school. Currently, our student body is approximately 25% ethnically diverse. Diversity among our faculty and staff is lower, but we are continually working to improve. Our families attend over 100 different Christian churches, and nearly 40% of our students receive some level of financial assistance. View our latest student ethnicity data here.

No. The school’s Statement of Faith defines the core Biblical doctrines and standards of the school. HCS is by choice a non-denominational school, enrolling students and hiring faculty and staff of varied Christian denominations. HCS recognizes that the responsibility for instructing students in denominational differences that are outside the Statement of Faith, resides primarily with their parents, and secondarily with their local church.

All students in grades 7-12 are required to bring a personal device for classroom use. [Learn More]

Grades 7 & 8: iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, new iPad (2017) (with a minimum of 16 GB and must be able to upgrade to latest iOS)

High School (Grades 9-12): iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, new iPad (2017) (with a minimum of 16 GB and must be able to upgrade to latest IOS) or Macbook Air or Pro

We encourage you to begin the application process as early as possible to secure your spot and avoid a wait list situation. HCS offers a rolling admission process, and accepts applications throughout the year as space is available. More information on our application process can be found here.

We strongly encourage you to schedule a shadow on a day that we have listed, as those days provide a broad experience for your student. Shadowing on other days can be arranged for unique circumstances such as supporting out-of-town applicants. Learn more about student shadow days here.

Tuition varies by grade level, and covers the general cost for faculty, facilities management, and administrative support. Most families should plan for some additional monthly expenses and non-refundable fees. Our tuition and fee schedule can be found here.

HCS admits students from Christian homes who desire to be at HCS and who we believe will be successful in our challenging college preparatory curriculum. More information can be found on our Admissions Policy page.

• Minimum of a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in all core classes (Language Arts, History, Math and Science)
• Proficient in ILearn Language Arts and Math for 3rd through 8th graders. Consideration will be given for standardized achievement scores when reviewing Academic Achievement for 9-12th graders.

We seek to partner with Christian families, and as such, at least one parent or guardian must profess faith in Jesus Christ. Students applying for grades 7-12 must also share their story of faith in Jesus Christ.

• Preschool is available to students who turn 3 by June 1st.
• Prep-K is available to students who turn 4 by June 1st.
• Kindergarten is available to students who turn 5 by June 1st.

The June 1st cutoff is firm and is NOT evaluated on a student by student basis.

Each student's application is carefully considered by the administration. Our principals review the completed application, supplemental forms, references and assessment results to verify that the student aligns both academically and spiritually with our school’s mission. In grades 7-12, a student interview is also factored into the decision. All discussions regarding applications are held in strict confidence. Admission decisions consider the student’s potential for success at HCS, and the parents' desire for a Christ-centered education for their children. Parents will be notified of the admissions decision in person or in writing; reasons for the decision are not disclosed to applicants. Heritage Christian School reserves the right to grant admittance only to students who we believe meet the criteria outlined in our admissions policy.

Tuition varies by grade level, and covers the general cost for faculty, facilities management, and administrative support. Most families should plan for some additional monthly expenses and non-refundable fees. Our tuition and fee schedule can be found here.

A private school education does require the investment of your financial resources; however, it is our desire to provide financial assistance to all Christian families who desire a Christ-centered, college-prep education for their students. In addition to accepting school choice vouchers and Indiana Tax Scholarships, HCS annually provides over $1,000,000 in financial assistance to qualifying families. We strongly encourage you to apply for financial assistance starting January 1 for the upcoming school year, and will work with you to identify the appropriate funding sources. Financial assistance applications should be submitted by March 31st to receive priority consideration.

• 22 semi-monthly payments (2 per month June-April) if you enroll by June 1
• 11 monthly payments (June-April) if you enroll by June 1
• 10 monthly payments (July-April) if you enroll by July 1
• 9 monthly payments (August-April) if you enroll by August 1
• Quarterly payments (June, September, December, March)
• Semi-annual payments (June and December)
• Lump sum payment option (due by August 1)
• Tuition paid in full by August 1 will receive a 1.5% discount
  (does not apply to International Student Program)

While we do not have a set discount percent for multiple students from the same family or for Pastors, these factors are heavily considered in our financial assistance process. We strongly encourage you to apply for financial assistance starting January 1 for the upcoming school year. Priority consideration will be given to assistance applications received by March 31.

Yes. We assist many families in applying for and receiving Indiana Choice Scholarships Vouchers to cover a large portion of their tuition. More information can be found on our financial assistance web page and by visiting the Indiana Department of Education website.

Can I receive an Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) after the lottery date (April 22)?

Yes, if they are available. Scholarships seats that are available or become available after April 22 will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis, once all students who were eligible for the lottery have been awarded a seat

Are current students included in the Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) lottery?

No, current students are exempted from the Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) lottery. Current students who receive financial aid (including an Indiana Choice Scholarship) are required to complete a FACTS application each year.

Are siblings of current students exempted from the Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) lottery?

No, siblings of current students are included in the lottery, assuming they have been accepted and their financial aid application is completed by March 31. They are, however, given a preference in the lottery process.

How many Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) seats are available?

The number of lottery seats initially available will be determined based on the number of returning students and therefore varies by grade level. Additional seats may become available up until the start of school.

How and when will I be notified that my student has received an Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) seat?

Your Admissions Coordinator will notify you by email when a seat is available, and you will have 10 calendar days to enroll by paying the non-refundable enrollment fee.

Seats will initially be awarded on the lottery date (April 22) to those who were accepted for admission prior to April 22. Students who are accepted after April 22 and whose financial aid application is complete, will be awarded a seat immediately upon acceptance if one is available, or will be added to the waitlist.

What happens if I have been notified that an Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher) seat is available and I fail to enroll and pay the enrollment fee within 10 calendar days?

Your seat may be given to the next person on the waiting list.

Yes, if you meet the qualifications for each scholarship and a voucher seat is available, you can receive both. In addition, your application will be evaluated for HCS Tuition Assistance.

When completing your FACTS application for financial aid, copies of the most recent W2s and Federal Tax Returns for everyone in your household will need to be provided. We will use the Income from your tax returns. If you do not have tax returns or if your household income is different from what is stated on the tax return, you must fill out and submit to us the Household Summary Form.

The State of Indiana defines a household as a group of related or non-related individuals who are living as one economic unit and who share housing and or significant income and expenses. When completing your FACTS application for financial aid, copies of the most recent Federal Tax Returns for everyone in your household will need to be provided. We will use the number indicated by your taxes. If the number in your household is currently different than what is reported on your tax returns, you will need to complete and submit to us the Household Summary Form.

Heritage values our alumni. They are an important part of our rich history and community. Families where at least one parent is a HCS alumni will receive a one-time $2,000 per new student tuition scholarship. This scholarship is available to all new students of alumni enrolling at Heritage for the first time and would be in addition to any other financial aid provided.

Existing alumni families who enroll additional children are eligible for this one-time scholarship for their new children being enrolled.

For more information, contact Admissions at (317) 849-3441 or admissions@heritagechristian.net.

Once you complete your FACTS application and provide the required documentation, FACTS will verify your information and then notify us. We will provide you with an award letter listing all scholarships for which you qualify. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your application to be processed.

Yes. Starting January 1st you must apply for the upcoming school year. Priority consideration is given to applications received by March 31.

HCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and AdvancEd, and holds recognition status by the Indiana Department of Education.

• 3 days per week (T/W/Th) from 8:00-11:50am
• 3 days per week (T/W/Th) from 8:00am - 2:40pm
• 5 days per week from 8:00-11:50am
• 5 days per week from 8:00am - 2:40pm.

You can read more about our preschool program and curriculum here.

Our curriculum for Prep-K and Kindergarten is designed to prepare students for what they will experience throughout the elementary school and into the intermediate school. You can read more about our curriculum here.

Our elementary students stay with one teacher throughout the entire day. We use a 6-day color rotation and students attend a different “specials” class on each of the color days. Specials include: art, music, library, physical education, Spanish, and STEM.

In 4th grade, while students are primarily with their homeroom teacher, they have the privilege of rotating between two teachers for certain subjects throughout the day.

More information about our Elementary program can be found here.

Intermediate school students have two core teachers in their own building and have lockers and a recess – a great blend of elementary and middle school life. The intermediate school day includes rotating between two teachers for certain subjects, specials and either study hall or fine arts activity. Specials are art, PE, Spanish, library, Project Lead the Way, and keyboarding. Fine Arts activities include strings, choir, and band.

The middle school (MS) and high school (HS) have nine class periods. The 9th period in the MS and HS is a shorter class period at the end of the day that can be used for clubs, as a study hall, or students can get extra help in a particular class. There are also math or writing workshops available during 9th period. Two to three hours of homework per night is common. A normal student load is seven classes and one study hall.

Your student's grades are available in the myHCS Parent Portal (Veracross). For grades 4-12, Canvas, our Learning Management System, augments Veracross for student assignments throughout each quarter.

In addition to regularly scheduled conferences, we encourage you to contact your student’s teacher when you have questions or concerns.

HCS offers challenging and enriching learning experiences through differentiated instruction with advanced content. Starting in first grade, we offer discovery and explorers. This is a class where students are challenged to think more creatively. Students have the opportunity to go on special field trips, and they participate in projects and presentations that parents are invited to be a part of. Students are also given the opportunity to take a specific subject at a higher grade level to challenge them and to encourage academic growth.

Our Educational Support Services Department consists of a unique group of programs designed to meet the learning needs of exceptional children. Each year, we assist about 30% of our students through one or more of these programs. We do our best to meet students where they are at so that they can be successful in the classroom. More information can be found here.

Our Educational Support Services Department does provide services to many students with an IEP or 504 Plan. As part of the application review process, our ESS department will determine if we provide the services needed to support your student’s unique needs.

Technology is integrated throughout our curriculum. Students at all academic levels have access to 6 computer labs, various iPad carts, 2 fully equipped media centers for research, and computers in the classroom. All students in grades 7-12 are required to have a device for use during the academic day. [Learn More]

HCS offers several AP courses including Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, French, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art 2D, Studio Art 3D, Studio Art Drawing, U.S. Government, U.S. History and World History. More information can be found here.

Honors courses are currently available in American Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Geometry, Grammar and Composition, Physics, Physiology, and World Literature. The current course listings can be found here.

Yes. Upperclassmen may take dual credit courses at local universities or online. More information can be found here.

Heritage offers Academies which are specialized course plans that focus on specific career interest. The requirements for each academy include: 5-8 semesters of Academy specific courses, completion of one related Advance Placement course, or the highest level course available, related internship experience, and participation in related extracurricular activities, competitions, or projects. More information can be found here. Currently, Academies include:

• Academy of Biomedicine
• Academy of Finance
• Academy of Engineering
• Academy of Fine Arts – Performing Arts
• Academy of Fine Arts – Visual Arts
• Academy of Ministry and Leadership

100%

The class of 2019 had an average SAT score of 1226/2400 and an average ACT score of 26/36.

Our 2016 ISTEP pass rates across all grades are consistently higher than other private school averages. In fifth grade, for example, our 2016 ISTEP pass rate for Math was 86% which compares to a private school average of 77%. In seventh grade, HCS had a pass rate of 95% for English Language Arts while the private school average was 85%.

• Art: available beginning in elementary school; high school opportunities include AP Studio Art courses
• Band: available beginning in grade 5; high school opportunities include concert band and jazz band
• Choir: available beginning in grade 4
• Praise and Worship: available beginning in grade 7
• Music Theory and AP Music Theory: available for high school students
• Orchestra: available beginning in grade 5
• Theater: available for high school students

More information about our fine arts program and course offerings can be found here.

Our Fine Arts department holds a variety of concerts, theater productions and art shows throughout the year. We encourage prospective families to attend one or more of our programs, and a limited number of complimentary tickets may be available. More information can be found on our Fine Arts page.

Our student athletes participate in 18 IHSAA sports as well as Cheerleading and Boys/Girls Lacrosse.

• Baseball (Boys) - Varsity, JV, Middle School
• Basketball (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV, Freshman, 8th, 7th
• Cheerleading (Girls) - Middle School, Varsity
• Cross Country (Boys/Girls) - Middle School, Varsity
• Football (Boys) - Varsity, JV, 8th, 7th
• Golf (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV
• Lacrosse (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV, Middle School
• Soccer (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV, Middle School
• Softball (Girls) - Varsity, Middle School
• Swimming/Diving (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, Middle School
• Tennis (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV, Middle School
• Track (Boys/Girls) - Varsity, JV, Middle School
• Volleyball (Girls) - Varsity, JV, Freshman, 8th, 7th, 6th

HCS is a Class 2A IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) member school; however, our girls’ basketball program now competes in Class 4A.

80% of our high school students participate in at least one sport, and multi-sport athletes are very common. There are no cuts in grades K-8. Beginning in 9th grade, the policy varies by sport. Many of our high school athletic programs have a great reputation and are well-known around the state.

Any student who has attended 15 or more days of school starting their freshman year of high school is required to fill out an IHSAA transfer waiver form regardless of whether or not they played a sport at their previous school. IHSAA waiver forms are available from the admissions office. If you have any questions regarding the transfer process or how to fill out the transfer waiver form please contact our Athletic Director, Michael Horstman at michael.horstman@heritagechristian.net.

Yes. Chapel is a regular opportunity for students of all grade levels to experience worship, learn from the Bible, and hear the stories of people whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ. Our students also get the unique opportunity to lead their student body in worship. Our chapel worship bands meet regularly to prepare for our weekly chapels in middle school and high school.

School sponsored service projects vary by grade level and give students and teachers the opportunity to be a positive witness for Christ in our community. High school students are required to complete 20 hours of community service per year through our S.A.L.T. (Serving and Loving Together) program.

In every classroom, teachers integrate a Christian worldview into their teaching and make the most of practical, teachable moments to connect the Bible to real life. In addition, students at every grade level have a Bible class as a part of the curriculum.

Many faculty members mentor students. Additionally, students can mentor younger students. In middle school, each student is involved in a small group led by Heritage teachers and staff. In high school, students can participate in Bible studies and/or be paired with another peer for accountability and encouragement.

In order to provide transformational discipleship, we use God’s inerrant Word as our guide for teaching, mentoring, and training. Our “Teach, Mentor, Train” discipleship model puts definition to what Heritage has been doing from the beginning. Learn more about our discipleship approach at heritagechristian.net/discipleship.