Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply and do classes ever fill up?

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.

Can my student shadow on a day not listed?

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.

What is your tuition?

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.

What are your admissions requirements?

• 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, or if unavailable, other acceptable test results, including standardized testing or Heritage Christian internally developed assessments. Consideration will be given for standardized achievement scores when reviewing Academic Achievement for 9-12th graders.

Admission to HCS requires a caring Christian adult (parent, family member, or guardian) who is committed to his or her student’s success and willing to partner with us. As such, at least one adult in the student’s life must profess faith in Jesus Christ, hold to beliefs consistent with our Statement of Faith, and agree to support and partner with HCS.

More information can be found on our Admissions Policy page.

How old does our student need to be to attend HCS?

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

How are your admissions decisions made?

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.

What is the Admissions Portal?

The Admission Portal allows applicants to apply and manage their application online. Important "application checklist" items, such as academic records, teacher references and faith statements can be managed from one location. You will find a numbered list above the Candidate Profile indicating the number of required items that remain before the application is complete. All required items are marked with an asterisk. Items without an asterisk, such as academic test results and associated plans, are not marked as required because they do not pertain to all students. When a checklist item is complete it will be crossed out. Once all required items are complete, the application is finished. You will not need to click a "submit" button.

What is your tuition?

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.

What assistance do you offer to help people afford a private school education. How do I apply?

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.

Do you offer payment plans?

• Monthly payments (June-April), based on enrollment date
• Semi-annual payments (June and November)
• Lump sum payment option (due by July 15)
• Tuition paid in full by July 15 will receive a 1.5% discount (does not apply to International Student Program)

Do you offer a multi-student discount?

While we do not have a set discount percent for multiple students from the same family, for those that qualify for financial aid, the number of students in the family is heavily considered. If you need assistance in order to attend Heritage Christian, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance starting January 1st for the upcoming school year. Priority consideration will be given to financial aid applications received by March 1st.

Do you offer a pastoral discount?

While we do not have a set discount percent for Pastors, this is 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 1st.

Do you accept Indiana School Choice Vouchers? (and other related questions)

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 20)?
Yes, if they are available. Scholarships seats that are available or become available after April 20 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 20) to those who were accepted for admission prior to April 20. Students who are accepted after April 20 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.

Can I receive both an Indiana Choice Scholarship (Voucher) and a Tax Credit Scholarship?

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.

How is income verified?

When completing your FACTS application for financial aid, copies of the most recent W2s and the complete Federal Tax Returns for everyone in your household will need to be provided. We will use the Adjusted Gross 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.

How do you determine household size?

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 on your tax returns. If the number in your household is currently different from what is reported on your tax returns, you will need to complete and submit to us the Household Summary Form.

Do children of HCS alumni receive a tuition discount?

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.

How will I know if I am awarded a scholarship?

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.

Do I need to reapply each year?

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

Is HCS accredited?

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

What is your preschool program?

Our preschool program is a developmental class which offers quality education in a fun, creative, Christian atmosphere. You can learn more about our current preschool program options and curriculum here.

What is your prep-k and kindergarten curriculum?

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.

How is the elementary school day organized and what curriculum do you use?

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.

How is the intermediate (5th-6th) school day organized?

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.

How is the middle (7th-8th) and high (9th-12th) school day organized?

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

How can I keep up with my student's progress?

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.

When can students begin to participate in accelerated classes?

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.

What services do you have available for students who need support?

Our Educational Support Services program 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.

My student has an IEP and/or a 504 Plan. Will you admit them?

Our Educational Support Services program 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.

Do you use technology in the classroom?

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. More information can be found here.

Do you offer Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses?

HCS offers several AP courses. More information can be found here. The current listings of Honors courses can be found here.

Are dual credit courses offered?

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

Does HCS offer any specialized study in high school?

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.

What was your graduation rate last year?

100%

How well do your students score on standardized tests?

The class of 2022 had an average SAT score of 1190/2400 and an average ACT score of 26/36.

What sports do you offer?

• 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

In what class do HCS teams compete?

HCS is a Class 2A IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) member school; however, our girls volleyball program now competes in Class 3A.

What is the policy on tryouts, cuts, and playing more than one sport?

80% of our high school students participate in at least one sport, and multi-sport athletes are very common. Many of our high school athletic programs have a great reputation and are well-known around the state. If you have specific questions regarding tryouts and cuts, feel free to contact our athletics office at athletics@heritagechristian.net.

What’s involved in the athletic transfer process with the IHSAA?

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 athletics department at athletics@heritagechristian.net.

Does HCS have chapel?

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.

What service opportunities are available to students?

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.

How is the Bible integrated into curriculum?

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.

What other opportunities do you offer for spiritual growth?

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.

Where can I learn more about your discipleship approach?

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 here.

What Fine Arts opportunities are available to students?

• 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.

What is the Fine Arts performance schedule and may we attend an event?

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.