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American Classical Education Priorities
In his book, Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch argues that for Americans to achieve our best as a society, we have to share a view of the world, knowledge about that world, and a sufficient vocabulary to express both.
At Heart of Ohio Classical Academy have built our program in agreement with Dr. Hirsch’s view. We start with the conviction that humans thrive when we are free and fully equipped to govern our own affairs. We don’t need a king. We do, however, need to take our responsibilities to ourselves, our families and our communities seriously. That’s where we get the idea of participation. We all have an important part to play in making our society livable.
Secondly, we must know as much as we can about us and our world. We need knowledge so that we can tackle questions like, “What are humans like? What is good for them? What is the world in which humans live? How should they act in order to thrive?” We study the literature, history, philosophy, math, science, art and music of Western Civilization to find the answers to these questions. In every grade, we waste no time in beginning our exploration. We progress from ancient to modern history every four years, and we dig into the other subjects according to those time periods. Knowledge should not be compartmentalized, so reasoned Dr. Hirsch, and our Hillsdale curriculum smartly integrates it so that our children have a connected understanding of their world and can answer the questions above even in the earliest grades.
Thirdly, we must master the words we need to express our answers to the big questions and the little details. This is a process that begins in kindergarten with our orthography program and progresses through the study of literature, Latin, logic, mathematics, and rhetoric in middle and high school. Your children will learn to write well and to speak well. They will stand apart from students in other schools by the time they graduate because they will be able to convince us of why we should value the things that help us thrive.
You should want this from any school. You should expect it from ours.
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Learn more:
What is the Benefit of Classical Education
Mike Terry, National Director of Classical Education and Ohio State Superintendent for ResponsiveEd, discusses why we run classical schools in this short video (click here).
By Mike Terry
National Director of Classical Education
ResponsiveEd
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Message from Headmaster
Nurturing the Whole Human Being: Lessons from the Round Table
As we continue the academic year, our faculty is focused on intentionality and diligence in every lesson, ensuring we not only impart knowledge but also nourish the entire human being—mind, body, and soul.
This commitment to the whole human being is what truly sets classical education apart. While many educational systems primarily measure test scores and professional readiness, we seek to cultivate good human beings. Our fourth graders are currently immersed in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. These classical texts, like so many others in our curriculum, challenge our students to reflect on the nature of courage, justice, and integrity, the very foundations of a strong moral compass.
We believe that children deserve an education that asks, "How should one act in order to thrive?" A question often overlooked when curriculum is fragmented or politicized. Our mission is to restore this essential focus.
To give you a window into the richness your children experience daily, I encourage you to visit the Core Knowledge Foundation website. You can explore the history, geography, and science content, along with the King Arthur unit, that guides our grammar school program. The wealth of knowledge available for free viewing reinforces our shared commitment to a robust, coherent education.
Thank you for partnering with us in this vital work. Your involvement is the foundation of our success.
Angel Hennig
Headmaster
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THANK YOU for our Campus Beautification
This past weekend, we had a wonderful show of support with over 60 people coming together for a Campus Beautification Day!
Weeds were pulled, hedges were trimmed, books were sorted and added to our library, lockers were installed for our middle school students, and bathrooms were scrubbed! Everyone who attended demonstrated the epitome of contributing to the well-being of a community! We are so proud and grateful of each and every family and faculty member that donated their supplies, time, and/or services!
Please enjoy this brief video of pictures taken from our Campus Beautification gathering.
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Picture Retake
October 27
Picture Day was Monday, September 8th. Make-up day is Monday, October 27th. Students who were absent on picture day, new to our school, or would like to have their picture retaken can do so on Monday, October 27th
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Parent Volunteers Needed
We’d love your help on campus!
As a classical school, we believe in the strength of our community and the partnership between our staff, families, and students. Parent volunteers are a vital part of what makes our school special, and we're currently looking for some extra hands to help with daily operations.
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available, including:
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Dismissal Car Line: Help us ensure a smooth and safe process for students arriving and leaving each day.
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Lunch Volunteers: Assist our staff during lunchtime to keep things running efficiently.
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Receptionist/Office Assistance: Lend your support to our front office with various administrative tasks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Mrs. Urbancic. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of our students and the entire school community.
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School Uniforms
A school uniform is crucial to decorum in a successful classical school, accomplishing three key goals. First, it diminishes the burden of fashion’s importance. This removes distractions in the classroom and maintains focus on the task at hand. Second, it helps students take school more seriously by acknowledging that, through dress, we respect classmates, teachers, and the common enterprise of education. Third, it develops school identity and pride. All students are therefore expected to adhere to the School Uniform Policy.
We began sending notices home on October 6th for students who are not in dress code. Please review our handbook or view our school uniform visual guide for a detailed description of our school uniform policy.
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Coffee with the Headmaster
You are invited to join our Headmaster for coffee and conversation!
On Wednesday, October 15th, at 8:30am, we will host our next coffee chat.
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Upcoming Events
10/13-10/15 3rd Grade ELA OST
10/16 End of Grading Quarter 1
10/17 Faculty Professional Development Day (No school for students)
10/20 No School
10/27 Lifetouch Picture Retakes
10/28-10/29 Vision Screening
10/31 Literature Parade (K-1) & Character Museum (2-3)
11/3 Parent Conferences (No school for students)
11/11 Veterans Day Luncheon
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Important PSO Dates
10/21 Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Begins (Goal is $1500)
10/25 HOCA Movie Matinee (Date has been updated!)
11/3 Parent-Teacher Conferences
11/5 Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Ends
11/6 General PSO Meeting @ 5:30PM Art Room – All are welcome!
12/12 Charles Dickens Event
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PSO Forum Update
~Where voices gather, ideas flourish, and community leads~
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It’s a bear necessity kind of day!
HOCA MOVIE DAY – Saturday, October 25th at 1PM
Swing into the jungle with us for our 2nd Annual Movie Day at HOCA!
Bring the whole family and enjoy Disney’s The Jungle Book on the big screen.
The PSO will be selling popcorn and water—every bite supports our school’s general fund!
Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come celebrate community, cinema, and a little wild fun.
Interested in helping plan the event? Reach out to Liz Darr – lizziedarr@gmail.com
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THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Mum Sale, and a huge shoutout to the volunteers that made delivery day a success!
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Winter Fundraiser
October 21st-November 5th
We’re excited to launch a brand-new initiative to support our amazing HOCA staff this Christmas!
This year, we’re partnering with Charleston Wrap—a one-stop shop for holiday gifts, wrapping paper, home goods, and more. With so many beautiful options, it’s the perfect way to get your holiday shopping started early! Plus, everything ships to the customer!
Here’s the best part:
100% of proceeds will go toward staff gifts and a festive holiday lunch, replacing the traditional room parent collections. It’s a simple, meaningful way to show our appreciation for the teachers and staff who make HOCA so special.
Shop. Share. Support.
Let’s make this season bright—together!
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We know you are out there...
The PSO seeks a visionary to help lead the charge on a large-scale event. If you’re ready to step into the spotlight, reach out—we’d be thrilled to join forces.
Contact: kate.koren@outlook.com
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“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives—choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
— Aristotle
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Parent Info Events
Discover how our tuition-free classical school fosters academic excellence, moral character, and a love of learning. Meet school leaders, explore our curriculum, and learn why families are choosing HOCA.
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New Family Tours
Schedule a time for an in-person tour of the school to see the school and ask questions about all things Heart of Ohio Classical Academy.
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Know someone who might be interested in HOCA?
Many families are looking for something different—something better—for their child’s education. Your recommendation could lead them to a joyful, formative experience at HOCA. Let’s grow the Heart of Ohio Classical Academy community—together!
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