Reviews of Heritage Christian School (School)

Kimberly Verwoerd

Our family loves the community of Heritage School - we feel as though our kids have found their “fit” here. The staff are kind & helpful, and it’s clear that the teachers are truly invested in each child.

TheMighty trex5

I enjoyed the Student vote held in October because I learned to use “Google slides” and used it to make a presentation on a political candidate. We also had a Student election in the Learning Commons. I enjoyed having the role of Deputy Returning Officer and I hope this Student vote will make more students confident to vote when they are older because I sure feel more confident when voting now!

Mike Cooper

Both of my kids have gone to this school since pre-school (now grade 2 and 5). Growing up I moved a lot and went to 4 different elementary schools and 3 high schools. Being in the public schools I never felt connected to my teachers and classes were over crowded. This is where Heritage Christian School shines. My kids always have great things to say about their teachers and for the most part love going to school (as much as any kid can at least). The attention they get from their teachers because of the smaller class sizes is very beneficial to their learning and growing. The care they get from the community they build within the school is inspiring and will pay off as they get into higher grades. All around the staff are very professional at what they do, but also show a level of caring for your child and their future that you just wont get from a public school. The building is a little old (the bad reviews below are very dramatic) but it's kept in decent repair. The facility is kept up and cleaner than any public school I've been in. I believe they have plans to replace the building soon though. Overall, if you're looking for a Christian focused private school that you can feel confident about your kids going to, you will not go wrong with heritage. This is a solid investment in your childs future.

Jesse Traas

Amazing Place!

Laurie Jolicoeur

Warm and caring environment. Excellent education. We are so happy we chose Heritage for our family.

Richard Bitgood

I just met with all of our kids teachers over the past two weeks, and I have to say, I am blown away by the incredible teaching staff at Heritage: They know my kids! And they care so deeply. First of all, I’m so blessed that they took extra time out of their lunches, or stayed late after school to meet with us because we were out of town during the scheduled parent teacher interviews. We talked about their academics, which are fantastic, but I was struck how in every conversation we quickly went deeper, talking about our children’s emotional landscape and spiritual journeys. The grade 6 teacher Chris asked us about specific situations that happened with classmates, and him asking if what was happening at school was affecting our daughter at home. We talked about the character trait of going beyond simply “tolerance” and actively pursuing “kindness”. This is helping us use similar language so we can reinforce the same character growth at home. That is an example of what is so fantastic about HCS: the teachers truly care about my children developing an authentic relationship with Christ, wrestling with their faith questions, and helping reaffirm the character and academic growth our children need. Both at home and at school. If you want a school where teachers are partners with you in an authentic whole-person-education, this is your school.

Rachel Collins

Love HCS. Answer to prayers for my son!

Annie Robideau

I spent 10 years at HCS (grades 3-12) and had an incredible experience; I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about Christian Education. The teachers and staff care not only about the student's academics, but also for their personal and spiritual well-being. Smaller classes meant that I was seen and heard by my teachers, which meant that I could not hide in the background. It also meant that I had more opportunities to grow and flourish in areas that I wouldn't have had in a larger, secular school setting. It is because of these extra-mile teachers that I had throughout elementary, middle-school, and secondary that have inspired me to go into the education field myself. I cannot say enough great things about this school!

Ava Birtwistle

Best school ive been to. I have an IEP and was hesitant for online school as previous ones I had been to had poor course material (old, not in depth) and felt like they were not for learning and only for grades. HCOS had so many resources for me to help with my IEP (counselling, ADHD coaching). I got into an engineering program and received 2 scholarships after going here. I have also found that my physics and pre calc courses went further in depth than most other schools and covered concepts outside of the curriculum sometimes being grade 12 or things I am currently doing in university. The physics 11 well prepared me for the physics course im in and I do not regret not taking physics 12 as I feel physics 11 here prepared me better. I have even repurchased the textbook as it explained and taught you concepts specifically for university prep. 11/10 recommend if you are academic, looking for a private school type course experience (i went to smus before this), or have a learning disability not being accommodated in public school, you can meet with teachers, TA and tutors for free via skype. Also would recommend if you are concerned with typical online school being not adequate preparation for post secondary. I believe it may cost a fee for this school now but I would say it is the same experience as I had at SMUS for less. I am also not Christian however when Christianity was mentioned in the material it was more so about how some famous scientists wanted to explore gods creation and used science to do so (was actually quite interesting).

Sara Hanington

Everyday our daughter asks to stay 'just a little bit longer'. She is so happy in the full time Pre-K program!

Jordan Dubie

Almost completely ruined my childhood.

Rylan

I attended heritage from pre-k to graduation. My father taught at heritage for 17 years and my brother currently works there. This is a quality institution which focuses is not only on the education of students but also their well-being and spirituality. The school makes a multitude of efforts to help students. I've never seen a school in my post-secondary life that cares as much about students as this school does. This can be seen in my own life as I am good friends with faculty members hear after graduation. If you are looking for a quality school that cares about the students spirituality along with academics, this is the school.

sheila larsson

Has been a fantastic school for both my kids. They have amazing supports and kids really enjoy everything.

Jeremy Simonson

I can’t imagine a better place for our boys. We love the class sizes, character of staff, and the quality Christ centred education. Truly one big happy family.

Adam Hadford

Decent place and friendly people

Dr Alana Berg

I have 2 kids attending here for the past 6 years. This school has such amazing heart, and the teachers have been outstanding and supportive to my kids. It takes a village to raise a child, and this school is a true testament of this through it's community spirit, character development, and supportive education team.

Timothy Bilodeau

Good old HCS. It has changed over the years and is definitely not what it used to be... many fun memories as a kid attending K through 10 on campus and 11-12 online.

Craig Kwiatkowski

My kids are in Grade 8 and 5 and have gone to HCS all of their school years except one year in the public system (Gr 5 & 2). While that year was still good, it did not compare to the years at HCOS before or after. The level of care from teachers and staff, along with broader sense of community, is the core of what makes HCS a special place. Does it have endless elective options? No. There is a trade-off sometimes between smaller community and a wide variety of options. Are the elementary facilities in need of being replaced? Yes. But they are maintained and planned on being replaced soon. For myself and my kids, the positives of teacher care, school community, strong academics and personal character development focus far outweigh options and facilities.

Craig Sloan

Both of our kids have gone to Heritage Christian School for the past five years. Heritage offers a very good Christian based education. The school is very welcoming and it is a very nurturing atmosphere. I want to share this review with a true story that speaks volumes about the school. Our teenage son was diagnosed with Cancer in 2018. All of the treatment was done in Vancouver at BC Children's Hospital. This split our family up. One parent stayed with our daughter in Kelowna and the other parent went to Vancouver for over a year of hard cancer treatment. Thanks to support and the Grace of God, our son is doing well. Heritage supported our family through this nightmare. The staff, parents and students gave so much to our family. The Vice Principal of the Secondary school is Matt Dorie. He has been a blessing to our family, and a guardian angel at the school for both of our children. He went so far beyond just his job to show Heritage's love and support to our family. The students and the families at Heritage matter to the staff. If you are looking for a quality Christian education for your child or children.. Check out Heritage... They have so much to offer.

Karin Hahn

HCS is a wonderful School! Two of our children attend HCS and in only one year it has become their home away from home. Teachers and staff are very caring and next to academics they try to instill character traits like respect, integrity, kindness and a willingness to serve. They lead by example.

sandra belin

I love everything about this program .... im really sad I didn't register my son sooner ... as its all full. Going to hold out for a spot????????☝️

Anthony Kuchma

Attended from Grade 4 to Graduation after moving from Manitoba. I absolutely love this school and it had a large part to play in developing me into the man I am today. Yes the teachers are excellent. Yes the basketball team is awesome. Yes the school play every year is fantastic. And yes there so many opportunities for your child to learn, grow, and TRAVEL! During my time at HCS I got to travel to Vancouver Island, to the Incomappleux Valley, to Silverwood Theme Park, and even Oaxaca, Mexico. I loved HCS so much I even came back after graduating from UBCO to teach there. HCS is where I met my wife: we were in the same class from Grade 5 to Grade 12, 2 of my best friends - I was the best man at both of their weddings, and where I cultivated lifelong friendships with teachers and staff. I look forward to the day when I can watch my old children graduate from HCS.

Laurie Bowen

The teachers are very caring and go out of their way to help students succeed. HCS fills a crucial need for Christian education as the public school system increasingly becomes more secular.

Landon Hanington

Our daughter LOVES the full-time Pre-K program!

Raj Shrestha

Principal was rudely tell us we are not allowed their and said why not open our own school..

Leigh MacLennan

We have children in both the Early Learning Centre (Daycare/Pre-K) and Elementary School and cannot say enough about this loving school. Teachers and Admin are phenomenal at developing the "whole" child, taking time to communicate even small issues taking place. There is lots of integration with younger to older students; using programs such as big/little buddies to add to this caring community. The Early Learning Center is just a gem. Exceptional teachers, always bringing new ideas, outings and crafts to keep the little ones engaged. My child hates to miss even one day with her friends here! If you are looking for a school with HEART, you've found it here at HCS!

Karen C

This school is very very odd and just full on lazy. They never fix anything around the school, lots of things are broken there and barely anything gets cleaned. It's gross. The school is just a shack that needs serious intense fixing. You tell the main office the toilet is broken, a month later, the toilet ain't fixed, it's now leaking everywhere. HCS is also well known for being needy for money, now these days it seems like all they want is money money money. They'll surprise you with a bill, they dont warn you that you need to pay for something, it's just out of the blue, you need to pay a random bill that was months ago now now now. At first I thought it was just me getting these random Bill's but no lots of other people were telling me they were getting Bill's without any notice. The discipline at HCS is very strange and just full on abnormal, I dont know how else to describe it. They will rarely suspend those who deserve getting suspended. Like for one instance, there was this one bully who would bully younger children. I spoke to the teacher of the bully and told him what his student has been doing. A week later and this bully broke a girls toe. And no suspension was involved, all the bully had to do was apologize. I can go on and on about how this school has a lack of discipline. Oh yeah and HCS's school handbook it says you can get a student in trouble off campus out of school hours. So if a teacher sees a student do something wrong in public on a weekend or holiday, the student can still get in trouble by the school. In the beginning of school of 2017 the principal tried to suspend a student for something they did in the summer. The school also has limited elective choices, theres no music program/course, no physical education/course, no foods course, no French course no mechanics course, no drama course, etc. In this coming new year of school HCS is adding new electives but there's one thing. Only certain grades can get certain electives. For an example the 12th grade I'd the only grade that can only take the foods course an no other grades can take that course. The teachers and faculty are caring and hope for the best in their students future. All the teachers are great, but the school is just falling apart. Students are not getting what they fully deserve at HCS so they treat it with disrespect. Lots of students are leaving because of this schools lack of abilities.

Grace Koopman

Mr. Hayden is a really great teacher and I really enjoy his Christian Studies 12 course! Christian Studies is a very thought provoking and super interesting course that has really helped me grow my faith and figure out my beliefs. Mr. Hayden is so wise and really cares about each and every student!

Nataliia Marandyuk

class of 2015

James R

Teachers are pretty good mostly at the time, they can have their moments. But if we're talking about the building of the school that's a different story. Let's just say the school is very very far from being up to code.

Melody Duncan

HCS is a very inclusive and supportive school. We are so thankful that our son is able to attend a school where we know he is not just accepted but loved. We can't imagine a better place for him.

Trevor Burger

Love this school! We have all three of our children enrolled, and are very happy with the teachers, atmosphere, and programs! All three have been enrolled since they started in preschool.

Cameron Pinder

My son started at HCOS this last year. What an amazing experience we have had in the first year. For anyone that knows reading levels he was in grade 3 and still sitting at level D which was hurting his confidence and creating major anxiety for him in school. With learning disabilities involved we were feeling overwhelmed with how to improve his reading abilities. I must say Wow!!! it is January and he is a few books away from level J! We are so proud of his hard work but not only that the staff have been nothing but helpful since day one. They put their soul into their work and heart into encouraging students to do better. We feel so blessed and from my family's hearts we say Thank You HCOS!

Kayla Bergin

I attended HCS from Gr. 1 - Gr.12, graduating with a class of only 12 students. We knew each other very well as almost all of us had been together since elementary. With a small class, our graduation was a very special experience as the teachers took time with each student to speak a personal message of encouragement to us in this milestone moment of our lives. Without a doubt we felt known and cared for; we understood that these teachers were standing behind us as we were ready to venture off in life. Even after gradation, I have had many moments of seeing how these teachers truly care and are still there for me, even though I haven’t been their student for years. Overall, my education at HCS was full of wonderful friendships, excellent academic instruction, life changing trips, and teachers who went over and beyond on a daily basis in how they taught, but more importantly how they loved me and wanted to see me be all God has called me to be. I am so excited that my daughter has now begun her education here at HCS. In the time she has been here, we have already seen how the teachers, principals, and staff love and care deeply for her. There is nowhere else we would want her to be for her schooling as we know this is her second family; they truly see her potential, gifting and worth. I love how they are speaking into that and drawing it out even more. I so appreciate how they are are coming alongside us as parents to help develop her character and encourage her to RISE up. My daughter is learning the importance of Respect, Integrity, Service and Effort on a daily basis. What a gift this school has been to me and now our daughter!

Naomi Thomas

I met my husband there, so there's 5 stars right there, but more than that Heritage was more than just a school for me. I can honestly say I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for my Christian education in a school that valued having a personal relationship with Jesus and had a commitment to teaching not just academics but character building and values as well. The teachers are amazing.

Grace Dietrich

HCS is a fantastic place to learn, not because of the facility, but because of the faculty. They are the most supportive caring teachers you will ever find and I am so grateful to attend somewhere were I am so invested in, not just academically, but spiritually, athletically, and characterally.

Evee Parke

At HCS I have had so many fond memories. I have been going there since grade three and now I’m going into grade seven. This year I’m not going to HCS so I want to share with you my experience . I have made so many friends here and have had bully’s. HCS has always put me in my bully’s class even though there is two classes every year. I love the community and I think that’s why I stayed so long but the school didn’t have enough classes to choose from it was always the same old thing. But I will always think of this school as a nice place for elementary but not for graduating from.

brittany kittle

A lot of issues with taking charge of issues going on within the school such as bullying and physical abuse both by students and certain teachers. I personally had a teacher smack me in the back of the head in grade 10 telling me to move seats, and the schools “best” they could do was get the principal to ask me “how hard did he hit you? And can you slap my head to give an example?”. After that embarrassment the teacher was allowed to continue working there and my family was told “as brothers in Christ we tend to forgive, and will be sure to keep an eye on him.” Before this I was bullied by a single boy in my class for 4 years, starting in grade 5 until he left in grade 9. I brought this to the attention of both my parents and the school was contacted, how did they deal with it? They asked my bully of course, do you think he told the truth about bullying a girl? Nope. So the school told my parents that I was dramatic and seeking attention, because my bully denied all accusations. The bullying got worse and I was told multiple things from him like “yeah you NEED to eat a salad” to “why don’t you go home and cut yourself!” because I was reading a book about a girl who was depressed and struggling with self harm. Nothing was done so I tried to move on and in grade 12 I was a teachers assistant for grade 5 students. I had 2 incidents where kids were being bullied to the extreme for their clothes, weight and looks in general. I automatically took this to the principal of elementary and their teacher (who was also my fifth grade teacher) and was shocked to have my concerns belittled and told “they are just dramatic and this happens all the time”. I was angry when I realized they were trying to do the same thing they did to me when I was their age. So, I took matters into my own hands, and I helped those kids the best I could; Hoping maybe, their self esteem/self worth wouldn’t be destroyed so early on. I made a few good friends here, but by no means did this school feel safe, or have a better atmosphere than a public school which I attended for a year. All in all save your money and send your kids somewhere education matters and so does their well being.

Jessie Keith

My kids have been going to this school for the last 3 years and what I love about the school is that they teach the whole child.....mind, heart and soul. The staff truly love Jesus and desire to see their students walk in the fulness that God has for them. It takes a village to raise our kids and I'm so thankful for the heart of this school and the authenticity & vulnerability that comes from the staff and leadership. I work at the school as well and I have seen first hand the compassion and kindness that the staff have for the kids. I have seen and heard the prayers and giving that has taken place when a child/family is struggling and I have seen the celebration and joy that happens when a child/family succeeds. I'm beyond thankful for what HCS has done for my children.

Colin Haines

I can't say enough about how much we have loved this school for our kids. It mostly comes down to how amazing all the teachers and staff are. They all love Jesus and the kids they teach and it creates an environment where our kids have not only flourished academically but it has also helped them grow in their own relationships with Jesus.