About Us

Learn About Our History

HERITAGE ACADEMY, founded in 1990, is an independent, co-educational, evangelical, non-denominational Christian school offering education from Grade R to Grade 12. The medium of instruction is English, and the school is officially registered with the Department of Education of KwaZulu-Natal. We are an active member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI).

Heritage Academy places a strong emphasis on missions and community service. Learners are encouraged to participate in mission teams both overseas and within Africa. Locally, our learners are regularly involved in projects such as collecting food, clothes, and gifts for orphanages and disadvantaged preschools, as well as ministering to old-age homes. Countries visited include Germany, Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Indonesia, Singapore, and Kenya. These experiences foster personal growth and provide opportunities for learners to develop into leaders who can make a meaningful impact in our changing world.

We set and maintain high academic standards, but more than that, we aim to instill a genuine curiosity and a desire to engage deeply with both academic material and the world around them. At Heritage Academy, every learner is known and supported to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically through a balanced emphasis on academics, leadership, service, and community involvement.

Our Vision

Heritage Academy exists to educate children with excellence, rooted in Biblical truth, and to develop them holistically to reflect Christ's love. We aim to train servant leaders who are strong in faith, confident, responsible, and passionate about life. Our learners are encouraged to impact their communities and nations, equipped to face challenges, and prepared to bring about meaningful change in society. Academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership are at the heart of all we do.

Mission statement

Our mission is simple: To grow children big on the inside. At Heritage Academy, we provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where we:

  • Encourage children to grow internally, developing character, faith, and resilience.
  • Strive for excellence in teaching, equipping, and releasing children to make an impact in every sphere of society.
  • Present the love and expectations of Jesus to guide children into a saving relationship with Him.
  • Ignite a vision for missions and service in the heart of every child.
  • Prepare children for confident, proactive ministry, partnering with the Holy Spirit to have a meaningful impact on the world.
  • Deliver a high-quality academic education that combines knowledge, purpose, and spiritual insight.

Our Heritage

The name "Heritage Academy" reflects our purpose: a place of special training and learning, where children grow in both knowledge and faith. At Heritage Academy, we honour the inheritance God gives to those who walk by faith – to inherit the earth for His Kingdom.

Psalm 127:4 reminds us that children are a "heritage from the Lord," and through our school, we aim to help both parents and children recognise how precious this heritage is. We guide our learners toward maturing in Christ and becoming Christian leaders who will make a lasting impact on the world.

Our teachings are rooted in the rich doctrines of the Protestant and evangelical faith, handed down through generations and exemplified by the Reformation. These form a foundation that directs us in the present and inspires us for the future. Heritage Academy is more than just a school; it is a place where children grow strong in faith and acknowledge Jesus as King.

Each learner will receive instruction in all areas of the school curriculum, incorporating the principles described in the above documents.

No family will intentionally attempt to change or challenge the school’s teachings.

Every child will be guided to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but participation will not be forced.

The school will honour all parents, including those with beliefs differing from the school’s, provided these beliefs do not conflict with the school’s code of conduct. This covers, but is not limited to, religious and cultural clothing, jewellery, tattoos, and head coverings.

Although learners may be exploring their gender identity, those attending MCS are expected to wear the uniform corresponding to their biological gender at birth, and school facilities, including bathrooms, will not be modified to accommodate variations.

Our History

In November 1989, a group of parents felt strongly that their children's Christian education should continue into high school. Motivated by faith and conviction, they set out to establish an independent evangelical high school for the Christian community in Pietermaritzburg and beyond – an adventure in faith.

Heritage Academy became a reality in early 1990, opening its doors on January 29 with 14 pioneering pupils and educators, just weeks before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. The first premises were at 82 Boom Street, Pietermaritzburg, before moving later that year to St Nicholas Diocesan School, and finally to 8 Stott Road, Prestbury, at the beginning of 1992.

From these humble beginnings, Heritage Academy has grown steadily, demonstrating parents’ continued desire for an education grounded in moral absolutes, delivered by educators personally committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, guiding learners to realise their dreams under God.

Our Faith

Heritage Academy is grounded on sound Christian principles. We aim to break the misconception that Christianity is boring or irrelevant, and instead inspire learners to believe in their significance and ability to make a difference – in their own lives, homes, communities, and the world. The school upholds both academic excellence and genuine concern for all people.

Through missions and community involvement, learners grow spiritually and emotionally, gaining broader perspectives and experiencing other cultures and communities.

Heritage Academy embraces the major tenets of the historical Christian faith, including:

  • The unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the triune Godhead.
  • The sovereignty of God in creation, revelation, redemption, and final judgement.
  • The divine inspiration and trustworthiness of the Bible, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice.
  • The universal sinfulness and guilt of all people since the Fall, making them subject to God's judgment.
  • Redemption from sin solely through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, our Representative and Substitute.
  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ascension to the right hand of God the Father.
  • The expectation of the personal return of Jesus Christ.
  • Justification of the sinner by God’s grace through faith alone.
  • The presence and power of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and in the believer’s life.
  • The reality of the one universal Church, the Body of Christ, to which all true believers belong.

Our People

Staff: Heritage Academy appoints Christian staff who can testify to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and who believe they are at the school out of obedience to God’s call. Our staff create nurturing, creative, and stable environments where learners can thrive academically and personally. Staff development is ongoing through regular training sessions.

Parental Responsibility: Parents and guardians carry the primary responsibility for their child's education. The school acts as an extension of the home, supporting parents in guiding their children. Heritage Academy encourages active parental involvement and provides enrichment seminars and workshops to strengthen this partnership.

The Board: Founded by individuals with strong convictions, vision, and a spirit of adventure, the Heritage Academy Board continues to guide the school with foresight. Board members maintain a hands-on relationship with the school, working closely with the principal and management team to ensure its continued growth and success.

Our Missions

Heritage Academy encourages learners to develop a heart for serving others, both locally and internationally. Learners participate in community projects such as collecting food, clothes, and gifts for orphanages and disadvantaged preschools, visiting old-age homes, and supporting local charities. These experiences instill a lifelong passion for helping others and sharing their faith.

Internationally, learners have shared the message of reconciliation with God through their Dumisani Ma-Africa dance and song productions, visiting countries including Madagascar, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Indonesia, Singapore, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Projects include partnerships with Love Mercy in Harare, Zimbabwe, providing food and clothing to those in need, and Classrooms for Africa in conjunction with Dunamis Education Society, Canada, building classrooms in Mokhotlong (Lesotho), Chidobe (Zimbabwe), and Harare.

Some facilities also serve as clinics to provide basic medication where needed. Locally, each class adopts a mission for the year, participating in feeding schemes, supporting preschools, visiting old-age homes, and assisting disadvantaged members of the community.