Contribute to Heart of Ohio Classical Academy
Your gift will support the formation of wise and virtuous American citizens, right here in Central Ohio.
What is a Classical Education?
Classical education is, above all, the teaching of virtue. It was the prevailing philosophy of education in the West for over 2000 years, from Plato and Aristotle and continuing through the American founding until around the turn of the twentieth century. Classical education values knowledge for its own sake; maintains that truth, beauty and goodness are objective; upholds standards of correctness and excellence; develops moral virtue in its students; and prepares them to be responsible citizens in their political community. For more information, click here.
What is a Community School?
Community schools, often called charter schools in other states, are public nonprofit, nonsectarian schools that operate independently of any school district but under a contract with an authorized sponsoring entity that is established by statute or approved by the State Board of Education. Community schools are public schools of choice and are state and federally funded.
What will students be taught?
HOCA will use the Hillsdale College K-12 classical curriculum, which includes:
- Core Knowledge history and geography
- Classical literature and philosophy from the Western canon
- Singapore math
- Core Knowledge science
- Explicit grammar and phonics
- American civics
- Latin
- Music and the arts
- Physical education
A more complete curriculum guide overview is available here.
When will the school open?
HOCA is on track to open in the fall of 2024.
Who can attend?
Any student who resides in Ohio is eligible to enroll in a public community school, including HOCA, space permitting.
What will it cost?
HOCA is a public school and will be tuition free.
Where will the school be located?
The school will be located in the Columbus metro area. The founders are in the process of identifying possible sites for the school, based on facility size and suitability, acreage, safety, accessibility and desirability of location, as well as cost.
Who will be the Principal, Teachers, and Staff?
The founders are currently in the process of hiring a headmaster. Once the principal is hired, that individual will be responsible for the recruitment and hiring of teachers and staff for the school.
If you have any interest in a position with HOCA and are qualified to teach or serve in an administrative capacity, please feel free to contact us here.
How Can I Help?
There are at least three ways that you can help:
1. Donate – opening a new school requires significant, up-front capital to pay for:
Facility lease or purchase and renovations
Desks, classroom supplies, and administrative office needs
Legal, consulting, and marketing fees
Principal and teacher salaries prior to opening
If you are willing and able to donate or pledge your financial support for the school, please visit the Contribute page.
2. Spread the word – let your friends, neighbors and colleagues know about HOCA, including by sending an email to them with a link to our website, so that they can learn more about the school and how to support it.
3. Volunteer – if you have time and expertise in the field(s) of education, marketing, real estate, finance, or are just a concerned parent or citizen who would like to be more involved in the founding effort, be sure to Contact us and include in your message that you would like to explore ways to become more actively involved.
How much money needs to be raised in order for the school to open?
Our goal is to raise $2 million in funds and pledges by the time the school opens in the fall of 2024. Although HOCA likely could open its doors on a smaller budget, a strong fundraising campaign will expand the facility options and position the school especially well to grow significantly as it serves more grades each year. However, whatever amount we are able to raise, HOCA is committed to opening in 2024.
Is HOCA a tax exempt 501(C)(3) organization?
Heart of Ohio Classical Academy is incorporated as a non-profit entity in the State of Ohio. Pending approval by the IRS, donations are tax-deductible through Community Shares of Ohio