Why Heritage Christian Academy Offers More Than Just Academics

If you’re searching for the best private school in Kootenai County, chances are you're looking for more than just high test scores. You want your child to grow in wisdom, character, and faith—guided by teachers who care deeply about both their academic development and spiritual formation.

At Heritage Christian Academy in Spirit Lake, Idaho, we believe education is more than a transfer of knowledge—it's a transformation of the heart and mind. That’s why our curriculum is intentionally designed to integrate rigorous academics with biblical Truth in every subject we teach. Our use of Bob Jones University Press (BJU Press) materials, along with supplemental technology such as Type to Learn, ensures that our students are both intellectually-challenged and spiritually-grounded.

In this blog, we’ll take you inside our curriculum philosophy, the benefits of BJU Press, how we equip students with 21st-century skills, and why families throughout Spirit Lake, Coeur d’Alene, and neighboring towns are choosing Heritage Christian Academy as the best private school.

A Curriculum That Grounds Students in Truth

At the heart of Heritage Christian Academy is a conviction: Truth is not just taught—it’s lived. That’s why our curriculum is centered on a biblical worldview that threads God’s Truth through every subject, from history to science to language arts.

We want our students to see math as a reflection of God’s order, history as a record of His hand in human events, and literature as a mirror into the human condition shaped by His redemptive plan. This kind of integration doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional curriculum choices.

That’s where BJU Press comes in.

Why BJU Press?

When looking for curriculum providers that matched our mission, BJU Press stood out for three core reasons: biblical worldview, academic excellence, and character development.

1. Biblical Worldview in Every Subject

Every lesson is rooted in Scripture, not just as a devotional add-on, but as the lens through which learning takes place. For example:

In science, students are taught about the natural world through the lens of God's intelligent design.
In history, lessons focus on how God has worked through civilizations and individuals to accomplish His purposes.
In literature, students analyze themes and characters from a Christian moral perspective.

This biblical integration is one of the reasons why Heritage Christian Academy believes it is one of the best private schools that many families in Northern Idaho choose for their children.

2. Academic Excellence

BJU Press curriculum is academically rigorous, consistently ranking above national standards. It develops critical thinking skills—not just rote memorization—so that students can analyze, evaluate, and apply their learning in real-world contexts.

Our students are challenged to go deeper:

They engage with complex texts.
They master foundational math and language skills earlier than many peers.
They learn how to articulate their beliefs with clarity and confidence.

3. Character and Citizenship

Through stories, historical examples, and reflective exercises, students are encouraged to cultivate godly character, respect for authority, and civic responsibility. The curriculum emphasizes how Christian principles have shaped the United States and how students can be faithful citizens in today’s world.

Enhancing Digital Literacy with “Type to Learn”

In today’s world, digital literacy is almost as important as reading comprehension or math fluency. That’s why we integrate Type To Learn into our curriculum starting at the elementary level.

Type To Learn is more than a typing program—it’s a gamified, research-based platform that teaches keyboarding while reinforcing spelling, grammar, and digital communication skills.

Why does Type To Learn matter?

Students gain typing speed and accuracy early, which supports smoother transitions into essay writing, research projects, and online testing environments.
They develop confidence with technology—an essential skill for both academic and workplace success.
It’s another way we prepare students not just to thrive today, but to lead tomorrow.

When parents look up the “best private school near me”, they’re often hoping to find a school that balances traditional values with modern readiness. That balance is precisely what Heritage Christian Academy delivers.

Preparing Students for Life—Not Just the Next Test

While we care deeply about academics, our ultimate goal is to equip students to fulfill God’s calling on their lives. This means giving them tools to discern Truth, lead with integrity, and think for themselves—because tomorrow’s leaders will need more than head knowledge; they’ll need heart and conviction.

Our curriculum helps develop:

Confidence – because students know who they are in Christ.
Curiosity – because learning is seen as a lifelong pursuit of truth.
Compassion – because every subject points back to loving God and loving others.

A Private School That Feels Like Family

One of the greatest advantages of choosing Heritage Christian Academy isn’t just what we teach—it’s how we teach it. In a small-school setting, your child is known, seen, and supported. We aren’t a one-size-fits-all enterprise. We partner with parents and tailor instruction in ways that foster personal growth and spiritual development.

Each teacher at Heritage is a committed follower of Christ and a trained educator who values:

Individual learning styles
Encouragement over comparison
Relationship-based classroom environments

This nurturing approach to education is what compels so many families to describe us as the best private school near me when recommending schools to others.

What Grades Are Served?

We currently offer instruction for grades 1–6, with a vision of expanding our educational ministry as God leads. Each grade level receives:

A structured academic foundation
Daily Bible integration
Enrichment in typing, art, and music
Small group instruction and personalized attention

Whether your child is entering first grade or preparing for middle school, you’ll find that Heritage Christian Academy offers a strong academic and spiritual foundation.

Why Families Are Choosing Heritage Christian Academy

Here’s what sets us apart in the Spirit Lake and Coeur d’Alene area:

Faith-first education that doesn’t compromise on academic quality
Safe, structured environment where students flourish emotionally and socially
Small class sizes and individualized support
Affordable private education with a mission-driven purpose

When parents search for the best private school near me, they often find us—and stay with us—because we offer something far beyond, a school: we offer a Christ-centered community committed to their child’s growth.

Take the Next Step

Whether you live in Spirit Lake, Coeur d’Alene, Athol, Rathdrum, or another nearby community, we invite you to visit our campus, meet our staff, and view the curriculum.

At Heritage Christian Academy, we’re committed to shaping the next generation of Christian leaders through Truth-filled academics and intentional discipleship.

Contact us today to schedule a tour or speak with our admissions team. You’ll quickly see why so many families searching for the “best private school near me” are proud to call Heritage Christian Academy home.

Christ-Centered Curriculum That Builds Brilliance