Individual NHA schools seek to reinforce the importance of moral focus through community building efforts. For example, over the years, Eagle Crest Charter Academy (http://eaglecrest.heritageacademies.com/) students have participated in a variety of virtue-building programs, including collecting pink yogurt lids to raise money for local families struggling with breast cancer and writing letters to Marines overseas thanking them for their dedication to protecting our country. Just this past year, students, parents and the school community helped raise over $5,000 for the purchase of school and medical supplies, toiletries, food, backpacks, shoes and clothing for children in Haiti.

The school community was moved to lend support to Haiti through the efforts of two Eagle Crest teachers, Kim Chapin and Marie Mell, who are currently in Haiti on a mission trip. Students and parents have been keeping track of their efforts via Ms. Chapin’s blog – http://www.bringinghopetohaiti.blogspot.com/. Ms. Chapin had been on a similar mission trip to Haiti last year and shared tales of the struggles the children and families face with her students. Shortly after, Ms. Chapin was approached by students expressing a desire to assist the children of Haiti.  

Educators at National Heritage Academies believe it is imperative to equip students with both the moral and academic foundations necessary to successfully interact in today’s society. Students, such as those at Eagle Crest Charter Academy, are exposed to moral focus directly through a specified curriculum that outlines virtues, their definitions, and heroes who exemplify those virtues.