The Value of Small Schools with Big Purpose

In a time when education often feels like a numbers game, small schools with a focused mission are more necessary than ever. When we emphasize intimate campuses and traditional instruction, we’re not resisting progress; we’re recovering purpose. A K-5 model rooted in classical education isn’t nostalgic. It’s strategic. It builds foundational skills and instills civic character in the years when children are most impressionable.

Small campuses allow for meaningful relationships between educators and families. With class sizes capped near 25 students and a dedicated instructional assistant in foundational grades, no child becomes a statistic. Instead, each is known, taught, and guided. This structure not only supports individual academic growth, it preserves the sacred partnership between parent and teacher that lies at the heart of every successful school.

Character First, Always

The heart of classical education is virtue. At Heritage Academy, our youngest scholars begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and the preamble to the Constitution. These aren’t performative acts; they’re the scaffolding of citizenship. Through monthly values and daily lessons in integrity, responsibility, and courage, children learn that the same principles that built the Republic can also build a life.

Principal Tera Nelson, a veteran and educator, understands this deeply. Her leadership reflects a return to foundational truths. Under her guidance, the new Maricopa campus models its program after the successful Gateway K-8 campus, combining a rigorous back-to-basics curriculum with daily character education. The goal? Not just academic success, but the cultivation of America’s next generation of heroes—young men and women grounded in truth, ready to serve and lead.

A Curriculum that Honors the Mind

In the early grades, the form of instruction matters. Heritage Academy relies on proven methods such as the Spalding Education system and Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), both approved by the state of Arizona for dyslexia support. These tools don’t rely on screens or gimmicks. They rely on trained teachers, structured routines, and the conviction that children thrive with clarity and consistency.

This classical approach echoes the principles espoused by Founding-era thinkers. As James Madison wrote, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” Literacy is not just a skill. It is the foundation of self-government.

School Choice and Local Roots

Arizona leads the nation in school choice. That freedom places an important responsibility on school leaders: to offer programs of substance, not style. Principal Nelson embraces that charge. She sees the new K-5 campus not merely as a school, but as a community partner. From Veterans Day parades to local volunteer efforts, the campus aims to enrich Maricopa beyond its walls.

Building from scratch offers a unique advantage: the chance to get it right from the beginning. A clear culture. A tight-knit team. Traditions that reflect the values of the town, not just the trends of the moment. In Principal Nelson’s words, a successful first year means family retention, teacher satisfaction, and student growth. Those metrics reflect something deeper: trust earned and a mission fulfilled.

Educating the Whole Child

Despite operating on a four-day week, the school provides a robust academic experience. Core subjects are supplemented with music, PE, library, and computer classes. Monthly enrichment through a gifted and talented program teaches problem-solving and critical thinking. Citizenship instruction rounds out the model, equipping students with social and emotional tools for life.

This whole-child approach aligns with enduring conservative educational thought: that schools should form character, not just confer credentials. As education scholar E.D. Hirsch notes, cultural literacy enables full participation in democratic society. To that end, Heritage Academy instills both content knowledge and civic virtue.

Looking Ahead: A Pillar in a Growing Community

Maricopa is a city on the rise, and so is the need for strong elementary schools. Research from the Arizona Department of Education projects substantial enrollment increases over the next decade. Heritage Academy’s new K-5 campus will be more than a school; it will be a long-term investment in the city’s moral and intellectual capital.

Five years from now, Principal Nelson envisions a campus rich in afterschool clubs, community partnerships, and local mentorship. The goal is to be a hub where scholars are taught by teachers and inspired by neighbors. When schools align with their communities, education becomes more than preparation for life. It becomes a shared way of life.