THE LOWER DIVISION
We’re excited you’re considering Heritage as a place where your students will be known, loved, and challenged to grow. Our admissions process is designed to determine if HLA is the right fit for your child.
A Foundation to Stand the Test of Time
At Heritage Leadership Academy, our Lower Division is where strong academic foundations meet identity, confidence, and curiosity. From Kindergarten through 4th grade, students are taught to think deeply, work joyfully, and lead with humility. This is where students fall in love with learning—and discover the basis of who they are in Christ.
We don’t rush childhood, but we also don’t waste it. Every lesson, every activity, and every moment is designed with purpose.
A Safe, Structured Start to Learning
At HLA, safety and structure go hand in hand with joy and learning. Our environment is intentionally designed to support young learners with routines, supervision, and care that give families peace of mind. We believe learning begins with partnership. Families receive regular communication and are welcomed into the learning experience. We walk alongside families through key transitions like routine development and early learning milestones.
Heritage Leadership Academy's Pre-K program was intentionally designed to include:
-
Low student-teacher ratio for personalized care
-
Restroom and hygiene routines built into a daily rhythm
-
Secure campus with fully supervised transitions
-
Nut-free campus and clear medical protocols
We balance routine with age-appropriate flexibility so children feel secure while growing in independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Our Pre-K program follows a classical early childhood approach rooted in structure, repetition, and joyful discovery.
L
E
A
D
Our Results Speak for Themselves
In the 2024-25 school year, our Pre-K students made incredible strides socially, academically, and spiritually. We are especially proud that by May 2025:
​
-
100% of Pre-K4 students achieved the following:
-
Independently read at least five Kindergarten-level books to completion
-
Clearly and consistently wrote their first and last name independently
-
Consistently and correctly complete basic addition and subtraction operations
-
-
100% of Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students could:
-
Identify and clearly write all uppercase letters
-
Identify and clearly write all lowercase letters
-
Identify all basic colors
-
Identify all 2D and 3D shapes
-
Recognize at least 50 sight words
-
Identify and clearly write their first name
-
Recognize and recite numbers up to 100
-
Recite scripture from memory
-
Express emotions with words, not their body
-
Self-regulate using positive coping techniques
-
Utilize gross and fine motor skills for independent everyday life (e.g. zipping, buttoning, cutting with scissors, proper pencil grip, using eating utensils)
-
Heritage Leadership Academy Pre-K Program Readiness Requirements
Fully Potty Trained
Because our days include group transitions, outdoor learning, and classroom movement, students need to be fully potty trained to ensure a safe, smooth experience for all. This also supports their personal confidence and ability to move independently with their peers. At HLA, being fully potty trained means your child can recognize when they need to use the restroom and do so independently. This includes using the toilet, wiping, flushing, and managing their clothing without adult assistance. Children must wear underwear during the school day (not pull-ups) and remain dry throughout the day.
If your child has more than 2–3 accidents in a month, they may not yet meet our definition of being fully potty trained. In those cases, a daycare setting may be better equipped to support your child’s current needs, as HLA's staff and structure are purposefully designed for instruction and facilitating student growth.
​​​​Ability to Follow Directions & Engage in a Group
Our classical Pre-K program emphasizes language, listening, and memory-building. Children participate in group lessons, music, daily storytime, and structured exploration blocks. Readiness to understand and follow simple instructions, such as “Come here,” “Sit down,” and “Listen”, is important. Naturally, we understand that three- and four-year olds are still developing these skills, and we are committed to supporting them as they grow.
Navigating daily routines and classroom expectations helps keep all students safe and creates a positive learning environment. If your child frequently struggles with following directions to the point of becoming very upset or exhibiting aggressive behavior, they are not yet ready for this program.​
Reached Age 3 or 4 by September 1st
We group students by age to support developmental readiness, social connection, and appropriate pacing. This helps us ensure children are developmentally aligned with their peers and prepared for the expectations of a classical learning rhythm.
While we support each child’s growth at their individual learning pace, we do not accelerate students from Pre-K3 to Pre-K4 or from Pre-K to Kindergarten. At this stage, there is a significant emotional and social learning component that is just as important as academics. Research shows that skipping or rushing through this critical window can hinder a child’s long-term growth. While accelerating to a higher grade may seem impressive on paper, it can keep your student from learning valuable skills such as emotional regulation, social interaction, self-confidence, and the ability to collaborate with peers—foundations essential for long-term academic and personal success.
Our goal is to build a strong, joyful foundation that will serve each child for years to come.
Family Readiness to Engage
HLA's classical Pre-K program includes regular homework assignments, hands-on projects, and class celebrations that depend on family participation. The success of each child relies on involved, responsive families who are committed to building a trusting, open partnership with the instructor.
This includes answering emails, keeping Heritage in the loop about any changes at home that may affect your child’s day, and actively participating in classroom activities and events. If you are seeking a drop-off only experience, we are not the best fit—our model thrives when families and teachers work closely together.
​​​​​​What if my child isn't ready yet?
Every child develops on their own timeline. If your child is still working toward full potty training or building confidence with group settings, we encourage you to stay in touch. We’re here to partner with you, not pressure you, because we want every child’s first school experience to be one of success, joy, and belonging. If you are unsure if your child meets our requirements, please email info@heritageleadership.org detailing your inquiry.