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Heritage Academy
October 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Heritage Academy completes $2.5 million capital campaign, surpasses goal
Augusta, GA – Many area families have good things to say about Heritage Academy. The urban school located in Augusta’s Olde Town district provides children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to attend a private school and receive a quality Christian education.
LaToya Ward could be considered an expert on the school’s opportunities— all three of her children currently attend Heritage Academy. Like many parents whose children attend Heritage, Ward is grateful for the opportunity. “My children are learning to make better decisions—they look to please God rather than please themselves,” Ward said. “That has happened because of the personal contact they have had with their teachers. I love that they have chapel once a week and the school really has a family-like atmosphere. I’m a firm believer in Heritage Academy and their mission,” Ward said. “I couldn’t wait to get all three of my children there. Now they are, and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
It is evident the community also believes in the mission. Heritage Academy’s “Continue the Heritage” Capital Campaign reached $2.65 million in pledges and gifts during a whirlwind 18-month effort. The campaign wrapped up recently, surpassing the original goal of $2.5 million. Professional fund-raiser Charlie Bellman stated that “in over twenty years of experience as a fund-raiser in the CSRA, this campaign has met its goal faster than any other campaign of this size.”
Funding from the capital campaign was used to purchase the historic Houghton School building located on Greene Street and to renovate the first floor and grounds. The renovation included eight classrooms, offices, an auditorium, media center, cafeteria and playground. The second floor is currently sealed off pending funding from the next campaign, which is anticipated to begin in about two years. Students have occupied the building since August 2007.
The renovation provided much-needed space and contributed greatly to the community. Several organizations in the area have held events in the school auditorium already. The renovation included the preservation of the original aesthetics, which contributes to the look of the community. Nicholas Dickinson and Associates served as the architectural firm and R.W. Allen and Associates, Inc. was the contractor. Both companies are based in Augusta.
“I know I speak for the entire campaign steering committee when I say that it was an honor to be a part of this effort," said Charlie Knox, an Augusta businessman who served as chairman of the committee. “The new facilities at the Houghton School will not only touch the lives of the children at Heritage Academy, but will also be a tangible example of renewal in one of Augusta's most important neighborhoods.”
“In the end, this school is about what a community can do together,” said Linda Tucciarone, founder and Executive Director of Heritage Academy. In addition to the money raised for the capital campaign, the school has continued to raise 75 percent of their operating costs. More than 2,500 in volunteer hours worth approximately $470,000 were provided by various organizations.
“That tells me this community really believes in what we do,” Tucciarone said. “I think it also helps that our donors can see quantifiable results. Our students are outstanding in their character and test scores.” The past year has brought major milestones for the academy. The busy schedule has included the building’s renovation, completion of the first phase of the capital campaign, addition of the seventh grade and an evolving curriculum including academic amenities such as Singapore math and Suzuki violin lessons.
The current strategic plan for growth will be complete next year with the addition of the eighth grade. The school began with 10 students and now has close to 100, and a staff of 15. Because parents pay tuition based on their income, Heritage Academy is available to children from racially, ethnically, socially and economically diverse families.
Heritage Academy’s unique student body and community involvement provides an atmosphere that works to the advantage of students, teachers, and families associated with the school. "We're small enough to be family-like," Tucciarone said. "We know when families are going through hardships. We also celebrate achievements." Heritage Academy boasts more than 75 years of experience within its teaching staff. "Every teacher is drawn to the mission of the school," Tucciarone said. "We want to maximize every opportunity that is available for our students. A unique feature of our school is that parents and students are stakeholders here. There are many students whose lives have been changed because of the opportunity to attend Heritage Academy.”
The renovation and completion of the capital campaign has provided a home for Heritage Academy, which was established in 2001. Heritage has changed locations twice before finding a permanent home at the Houghton School.
The Houghton School building initially opened in 1853 after John W. Houghton left the deed to the land and funds to Augusta City Council. His goal was to provide a quality education for children of lower income families. The original structure burned in 1916 and was replaced with the present structure.
Clay Boardman, from whom Heritage Academy purchased the building, said, “I am not surprised to learn they've reached their Capital Campaign goal. From its students to their families, from its faculty to its board, Heritage is an excellent model for community partnership in education."
