School Profile
Christian Heritage Academy
School Overview
Established in 1984, and located in the north suburbs of Chicago, Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) was founded on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Our Mission Statement commends us to provide not only and “exemplary education” but to also equip children “to be lifetime followers of Jesus Christ.” This is the impetus for all we do at CHA. We begin with the Bible as the basis for learning and our Statement of Faith, Philosophy of Education and Core Values guide us as we teach from a comprehensive curriculum, using the best available textbooks and resources.
School History
Inspired by the desire to provide children with an excellent education that incorporates biblical values and a Christian worldview throughout all areas of learning, five local couples came together in 1982 to ask the Lord, “What will it take for our children to develop and maintain lifelong faith in Jesus Christ? How can we provide a challenging academic environment that will both engage their intellects and stir their hearts? Where can they excel in Math, Science and English, and learn how to make wise choices?”
They began to pray… and God answered.
Two months later, 100 people attended a public meeting. Two years later, in the fall of 1984, Christian Heritage Academy opened its doors with 61 students and 5 faculty members in a rented former public elementary school building in Northbrook, IL. Two decades later, CHA had grown to over 400 students.
Today, CHA has expanded it’s innovative program to include Preschool-12th grade. Most importantly, hundreds of graduates have been sent out, prepared to positively impact the world.
During its first ten years in Northbrook, Christian Heritage Academy developed a quality K-8 academic program and matured as an institution, preparing for and achieving its first accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in 1992.
Increasing enrollment brought a need for a larger facility and in 1994, CHA purchased the 15-acre Marillac High School campus in Northfield from the Daughters of Charity. The expansive facility and its many amenities, including a gymnasium, fields, auditorium, music rooms, large student center and ample classrooms, allowed CHA to continue to grow enrollment and expand its programs.
Preschool was added to the K-8 program in 1996 and a four-year college preparatory high school was established in 2009, both of which have enriched our school community and enhanced our ability to serve Christian families.
From its inception, Christian Heritage Academy’s programming has included a commitment to academic excellence in an atmosphere designed to nurture each child’s individual gifts and spiritual development. Highly qualified, ACSI certified, spiritually mature, “Living Curriculum Teachers” serve as mentors and role models, encouraging students in their walk with Christ as they gain academic proficiency.