A group of five Augusta citizens respond to the plight of children in the inner city and begin planning a Christian school.
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They organize as the board of directors of Heritage Academy. They research urban education, visit other schools and present to the community a vision for an inner city Christian school that is accessible, affordable and sustainable.
The school opens in the fellowship hall of a small church in East Augusta with 10 children in kindergarten. The strategic plan calls for adding a grade each year up to eighth grade.
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The historic Houghton School building in Olde Town is purchased, and a capital campaign for 2.5 million dollars begins.
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History of Our Location
John W. Houghton was a successful leather merchant on Broad Street in Augusta. At his death in 1851, he bequeathed four thousand dollars and a plot of land to the City Council of Augusta for the purpose of building a school for “the poor children of Augusta.” The school was also to be open on Sundays for worship and prayer.
In 1853 the first Houghton School was opened. In the 1890’s it became the first public elementary school. The original structure was burned in the massive fire of downtown Augusta in 1916. The current school building was designed by prominent architect Lloyd Preacher, and erected for a cost of $65,000. From 1916 to 2000, thousands of children in Augusta were educated in the facility. The building was vacant until local businessman and philanthropist Clay Boardman purchased the historic property in 2005, adding a new roof, windows and otherwise bringing to a halt the decay inside the building. Heritage Academy purchased the building from Mr. Boardman and began a 190-day production schedule to completely renovate the first of two floors in the 50,000 square foot facility.
John Houghton cared deeply about his community and the children that are its future. He was a visionary. Heritage Academy is following in his steps to bring educational freedom to all children, especially children from low-income families. We believe it is fitting that the permanent home of our school should be this beautiful building that is historically significant to the city of Augusta. Not only have we returned the building to its original use as a school but also its original intent by its benefactor.
After a 190-day production schedule to renovate the first floor, Heritage Academy officially moves into its forever home.
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Heritage Academy celebrates its 10th year on mission. Kindergarten grows to a second class for the first time. Heritage Academy celebrates its first graduating class.
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With enrollment growing, half of the second floor is renovated and opened. This opens five additional classrooms and administrative offices. Kindergarten grows to three classes.
Heritage Academy continues to see massive growth. The "Open the Door" campaign begins with the goal of raising $1.5M to finish renovations and establish an endowment for maintenance and preservation of the building.
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The second floor is complete. Students and staff now have access to the full building.
We officially received our Cognia accreditation.
The board of directors sets a five million dollar capital campaign goal to build an early learning academy and gymnasium. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, within several months, the capital campaign was completed with a $500,000 anonymous gift and a 4.4 million dollar gift from the estate of W. Rodger Giles.
Heritage broke ground on the early learning academy on October 14, 2020.
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The early learning academy ribbon cutting was held on August 3, 2021, with school starting days later.
The gymnasium broke ground in November 2021.
The Eric and Laura Smith Gymnasium had its ribbon-cutting, paving the way to host athletic events for the first time in school history.
School leadership succession continues with the retirement of Linda Tucciarone and the appointment of Tana Watson as executive director.
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