With 137 students in grades kindergarten through 12, Heritage Christian School features a Christian-based curriculum, as well as clubs, sports and a full line of music and art programs. The private school is the educational choice for families from throughout Harrison County and well beyond. 

 

In addition to county outskirts such as Jane Lew and Lost Creek, students come from as far as Lewis, Doddridge, Taylor and Marion counties. The reason, Administrator Linda Simms said, is the Christian foundation. Some also like the smaller class size. 

 

To give interested families an up-close-and-personal look, Heritage Christian School is hosting an open house next Tuesday and Wednesday. 

 

On Tues., March 3, the school will be open from 6:30-8 pm. The open house continues 8:30-11 a.m. Wed., March 4.

 

The two dates provide parents with various schedules a window of opportunity to visit the school and see what it has to offer, said a member of the school’s office staff. 

 

“Tuesday evening gives families with working schedules an opportunity to come to the school, talk with teachers and administration and pick up application packets if they are interested. Then on Wednesday morning, parents and students will have a chance to see what’s happening here during the day.” 

 

From year to year, enrollment is pretty consistent with between 125 and 150 students attending the school on Newton Street, which before housing Heritage Christian was the former Bridgeport Junior High.

 

It is typical for the lower grades to have a higher enrollment as many students attend Heritage Christian, then switch over to public schools for their middle school and high school years. Administrators are told by parents that this provides students with a God-centered foundation with an extra perk - smaller class sizes. Most classes average about 12 students and no more than 18 for the current school year. 

 

Students at Heritage Christian School participate in county-wide social studies, science, spelling and speech competitions. They also are offered a full music program, eligible for strings in third grade and band in fourth grade. 

“The band is involved in ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) competition and a select ensemble, chosen by our music teacher Mrs. (Judy) Gerwig, goes to state competition in Charleston," said the school representative. "That’s coming up here pretty soon.” 

 

Athletics include a girls’ volleyball team and boys’ basketball team; the latter winding up the season this week. 

 

At Heritage Christian School, students get involved by participating in various clubs, including student council. Those students raise funds for end-of-the-year field trips, including those to parks and museums. Heritage Christian School also hosts a retreat at the onset of the school year, providing a chance for students and parents to get to know each other. 

 

For more information about Heritage Christian School, call 304-842-1740.