A Legacy of Love:

The Christian Heritage Academy Story

As evidenced through the diverse perspectives shared in this video overview, the hand of God on Christian Heritage Academy is perceptible since the beginning. Our story truly is a legacy of love. Following the video are further details of our history which, in remembering, keep us mission-focused in the present, and guide our vision for the future.

God’s Guidance Through the Years

Inspired by the desire to provide children with an excellent education in Chicago’s northern suburbs 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 language arts, and also 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 its 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, IL, Christian Heritage Academy developed a quality K-8 academic program and matured as an institution, preparing for and achieving its first accreditation in 1992 from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Increasing enrollment brought the need for a larger facility and in 1994, CHA purchased the 15-acre Marillac High School campus in Northfield, IL, from the Daughters of Charity, which continues to be the current location. The expansive facility and its many amenities, including a gymnasium, fields, auditorium, music rooms, large student center and ample classrooms, allows 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 the school community and enhanced CHA’s 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.

Read more here:  CHA Founding History by Dr. Wayne Grudem

… that they may know… Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV), CHA Founding Verse

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Christian Heritage Academy's first home at its founding in 1984 prior to moving to our current campus in Northfield, IL, in 1994.
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