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THREE

TODAY

FOUR

for 

FUTURE

forTheir

Creating Lasting Impact Through Education

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Lighting the Way for the Next Generation

For more than 55 years, Heritage Christian School has stood as a beacon of hope and truth in Northeast Ohio. The school is a light in the lives of children and families, even those facing hardship. Founded in 1968 by parents who believed that Christ-centered education could transform not just individual lives but our entire culture, that vision continues today—stronger than ever.

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Each year, our dedicated teachers and staff pour more than 1,000 hours into every child. But what we offer is more than excellent academics. It’s a whole-person approach that helps students discover and fulfill their God-given purpose.

 

We serve families of deep faith and those still searching. We serve children from wonderful homes and those facing brokenness. We proudly serve students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face financial challenges that could otherwise keep them from accessing a quality, Christ-centered education. And yet—under the banner of a Christian worldview—these students flourish together, succeed academically, and grow into young men and women equipped to lead, love, and serve.

This is Kingdom work. And today, you have a powerful opportunity to be part of it.

As we look to the future, we stand at the threshold of an exciting new chapter. With your support, we can expand our reach, strengthen our mission, and ensure that generations to come have access to the life-changing education Heritage Christian School provides.

 

We invite you to join us—to invest not just in education, but in transformation, redemption, and legacy. Together, we can light the way for every child who walks through our doors.

 

With gratitude and hope,

Sharla Elton, MBA, CMA, CSCA

Superintendent

Sharla Elton

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Mission

Heritage Christian School provides a life-changing education experience grounded in Christian values, academic excellence, and family.

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We are excited to launch Three for Today, Four for Their Futures, a bold campaign that reflects our commitment to both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Three for Today focuses on raising $300,000 in gifts that will strengthen our school right now—helping us to fulfill the current need for tuition assistance for children this year.

 

At the same time, Four for Their Futures aims to build a $4 million Scholarship Endowment Fund. This visionary fund will provide perpetual tuition assistance, ensuring cost is never a barrier for a child with a calling. By collecting rather than waiving these funds, Heritage can attract and retain passionate teachers with competitive salaries, invest in vital building improvements, and expand enriching experiences for every student.

 

Your partnership in this campaign is an investment not only in students today but also in the future of our entire community. Together, we can continue Heritage’s legacy of excellence and faith—lighting the way for generations to come.

“I go to Heritage Christian School because I like the lunch and breakfast. I also like the Art and Music class. This school is awesome and I learn about God and heaven. My favorite subject is math because I like multiplication and fractions. I am also in French Club.”

- Grade 4 Student

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“I go to Heritage Christian School. It is fun. This school is the best! It is a good school.”

- Jacob, Grade 1

Three for Today: $300,000 to supply the current tuition assistance annual need

$300,000 for Today to provide tuition assistance for students this year:

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Four for their Futures:

The $4 Million Scholarship Endowment

For many of our families, the desire for a Christ-centered education is deep, but the financial means are limited. At Heritage Christian School, we’ve always worked to make sure cost is not a barrier. But in the absence of a scholarship endowment, we’ve often had to waive or absorb tuition costs—stretching limited resources and placing added pressure on our teachers, programs, and facilities.

 

We are launching a $4 million scholarship endowment fund—a permanent source of funding that will provide tuition assistance for generations to come. Every dollar given will be invested, with the earnings used year after year to gift students a life-changing education.

 

But the impact goes even further.

Your gift to the Heritage Christian Scholarship Endowment Fund creates a ripple effect: a student receives a future, a teacher receives support, and the Kingdom is built through every life touched.

Most students do receive Ohio scholarship support, but the payment is less than tuition, and far less than public schools receive to educate students. By meeting financial need through an endowment, we unlock new possibilities:

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  • We can invest in the teachers who invest in our students - offering fair, competitive salaries that reflect their calling and excellence.

  • We can care for our campus - updating buildings and classrooms to match the quality of the education we provide.

  • We can enrich student experiences - with new field trips, extracurriculars, technology, and other programs that form the whole child.

This isn’t just a financial strategy. It’s a vision for long-term mission strength - a way to ensure we can welcome students from every background, without compromise, for decades to come.

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The need is great.
The opportunity is greater.

Breakdown of $10,000 Expense per Child

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Join us. Let’s build a foundation that lifts generations.

Present State:

We waive $200,000-
$300,000 on average in
tuition assistance each year
that we do NOT collect
from any source. We live
within our means and
operate based on what we
actually receive. But, with an
endowment to supply these
funds that are waived today
will allow us to do SO much
more.

Future State:

The $4 million endowment will provide an estimated $280,000 or more each year in real tuition assistance scholarships without needing to use any of the principal funds! (Investment returns may vary over time.) This will supply new funds to our school to further our mission.

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61.7%

EdChoice Scholarship

($6,166)

17.5%

15.8%

5%

Remaining Financial Gap

($1,750 - $2,150)

Annual Tuition Assistance

($1,750 - $2,150)

Annual Tuition Assistance

($1,750 - $2,150)

Giving Levels – Three for Today, Four for Their Futures

Every gift helps light the way for a child in need. Your generosity makes a lasting difference.

GIVING LEVEL

GIFT RANGE

YOUR IMPACT & RECOGNITION

​LIGHT BEARERS​​

$250,000+​​

  • Create a named scholarship fund that supports students year after year

  • Be honored on our Legacy Wall—with your story shared as an inspiration

  • Receive personal updates and the opportunity to meet a family impacted by your gift

  • And items at lower giving levels

FOUNDATION PARTNERS

$100,000​​​

  • ​​See your gift in action with a featured story in our annual report

  • Attend a special lunch and school tour with students and leadership

  • Receive a framed thank-you from a student or class your gift supports

  • And items at lower giving levels​

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STORY BUILDERS​

$50,000​

  • Receive a heartfelt “impact snapshot” showing the lives touched by your generosity

  • Enjoy a handwritten thank-you from a student or teacher

  • Be listed in our digital Donor Honor Roll

  • And items at lower giving levels

HOPE

GIVERS

$25,000​

  • Join us for a Student Showcase and see your impact firsthand

  • Receive a photo and prayer card from a student supported by your gift

  • Be recognized in our annual giving report

  • And items at lower giving levels

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LIFT A LIFE SPONSORS

$10,000​​​

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  • See below for details on this sponsorship program!

  • Be listed in our campaign materials with gratitude

  • And items at lower giving levels

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OPPORTUNITY

CHAMPIONS​

$5,000​​

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  • Get quarterly email updates with real stories of transformation

  • Receive a personal thank-you letter from a teacher or staff member

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Giving Levels: Sponsor a student and shape a future with a $10,000 gift

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Life-changing education experience:

At Heritage Christian School, education is a powerful catalyst for transformation — empowering each child to break barriers, discover purpose, and step boldly into the future God has planned for them.

At Heritage Christian School, many of our students come from families who deeply desire a better education—but simply can’t afford it. Through Lift A Life, you can become the bridge between a child’s need and their achievement with a donation to our scholarship fund.

 

When you sponsor a student, you’re doing more than funding education—you’re lifting a life. You’re opening the door to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a community where every child is known, loved, and equipped for their God-given purpose.

As a Lift A Life Sponsor, you’ll be personally connected to a student.

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You’ll receive the student’s first name and grade, along with an update from the student or teacher each grading period. Every year, you’ll also have the special opportunity to meet your student in person—a meaningful moment to witness the impact of your generosity firsthand.

Christian values:

Rooted deeply in Biblical truth, our community ignites hearts with faith, courage, and compassion—equipping students to be lights in their world and agents of God’s love.

Academic excellence

We set the highest standards, unlocking extraordinary potential so every student can excel, lead, and impact their generation with wisdom and confidence.

Your gift doesn't just change one year. It changes everything.

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Join us in this life-transforming work. Together, let’s lift up the next generation.

“I never thought Heritage would be so lovely and I never thought that I would have the best teacher ever. When I first came here I thought I would be shy. But I was not shy. When I came the next day I felt like this was my home. And I love this school and that will never change.”
- Chloe, Grade 4

Family environment:

Here, every child belongs to our nurturing family where love, encouragement, and responsibility shape resilient leaders who will change their communities and the world.

Financial Snapshot of Key Revenue & Expense Areas

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Donor FAQ

Q: What is a scholarship endowment?

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An endowment is a permanent fund where the principal (the original gift amount) is invested to generate earnings. Those earnings are used each year to provide tuition scholarships to students in need—ensuring financial assistance is available now and forever.

Q: Why does Heritage Christian School need a scholarship endowment?

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Currently, we give Heritage tuition assistance (that we don’t collect) and rely on annual fundraising to support families who cannot afford full tuition. Establishing a $4 million scholarship endowment creates a sustainable, long-term source of funding that will grow over time and provide consistent financial aid without depleting the principal endowment funds donated.

Q: How will the endowment funds be invested?

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We have partnered with two trusted organizations to manage the investments:

  • Stark Community Foundation — a respected local foundation

with a strong track record of stewardship and community impact.

  • The Christ Foundation — a faith-based investment foundation that aligns closely with our Christian mission and values.

Donors can be confident that funds will be prudently invested with transparency and accountability.

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Q: How much can the endowment generate annually?

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Based on a spending rate of about 7% per year, a $4 million endowment could provide approximately $280,000 annually in scholarship funds—in perpetuity. This means that each year, without touching the original $4 million gift, these earnings will help hundreds of students access a Christian education.

Q: Can donors specify how their gift is used?

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Yes! Donors may choose to designate their gift toward general scholarships or, in some cases, support specific programs or grade levels. We are happy to discuss giving preferences to align with your passions.

Q: What impact will this endowment have on Heritage Christian School?

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Beyond directly helping students afford tuition, the endowment stabilizes our financial foundation. This allows us to better compensate our teachers, invest in campus improvements, and enhance the educational experiences that shape each child’s future.

Q: How can I contribute to the scholarship endowment?

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Gifts of any size are welcome and appreciated! You can give outright, pledge over time, or consider planned giving options. Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to this transformational goal.

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Ways to Give to the Campaign

Thank you​ for considering a gift to support Heritage Christian School’s campaign. Every gift matters and makes a difference in the lives of students today and for generations to come. There are many meaningful and flexible ways to give:

  1. Cash Gifts​
    One-time or recurring gifts by check, credit card, or cash are the most direct and immediate way to support the campaign. Whether mailed or online, giving is fast, easy and impactful.

  2. Pledges
    You may choose to make a larger gift over time by committing to a pledge. Pledges can be paid over 3 years, making it easier to give generously.

  3. Gifts of Stock or Securities
    Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds may offer significant tax benefits while making a powerful gift to the school.

  4. Gifts of Real Estate or Personal Property
    You can support the campaign through donations of land, homes, or valuable personal property. These gifts can be sold to fund the mission.

  5. Matching Gifts
    Many employers offer to match their employees’ charitable contributions. Check with your HR department to see if your gift can go twice as far.

  6. Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants
    You can recommend a gift from your Donor-Advised Fund to Heritage Christian School as part of your charitable giving.

  7. IRA Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
    If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA, which may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).

  8. Planned or Legacy Gifts
    Including Heritage Christian School in your will or estate plan is a meaningful way to support the mission for years to come. Options include bequests, charitable trusts, or naming the school as a beneficiary of life insurance or retirement plans.

  9. In-Kind Gifts
    Donations of services, materials, or equipment are also welcome and can support our campus and programs in practical ways.

For more information or to explore giving options, please contact us at 330-452-8271 Ext. 318 or Ext. 302. We sincerely appreciate each and every gift!

Proverbs 22:6​

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“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Reasons why Heritage Christian School is a great investment:

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Giving, as Henri Nouwen so beautifully teaches, is not merely about sharing resources. It is a sacred invitation to join in the ongoing work of God’s kingdom. It is a call to recognize that we are all stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us, invited to share those gifts in ways that shape futures and transform communities.

 

In this work, we embrace vulnerability and hope—recognizing that true transformation is a journey taken together, not a transaction. Your gift is not just charity; it is a prophetic act of faith, a declaration that every child deserves a future filled with promise and purpose. Join us in this vision. Together, we are not just raising funds—we are lighting a path forward, building a legacy of faith, hope, and love that will echo through generations.

  • Private school students tend to score higher​ on standardized tests compared to public school students, even after controlling for family background. (Source: NCES, NAEP Scores)

  • Elementary students in private schools score significantly higher in reading and math standardized tests compared to their public school peers. For example, 4th graders in private schools scored on average 15-20 points higher on the NAEP reading and math assessments than public school students. (Source: National Center for Education Statistics, NAEP Scores 2019)

  • The average private school class size is 17 students, compared to 22 students in public schools, allowing for more personalized instruction. (Source: National Center for Education Statistics)

  • According to the Cardus Education Survey (2018), parents of private Christian school students report higher satisfaction with their children’s character development, moral values, and engagement with faith compared to public school parents. (Source: Cardus Education Survey)

  • Private schools report fewer incidents of bullying and violence. According to a study published in the Journal of School Violence, students in private schools experience significantly lower rates of bullying than their public school peers. (Source: Journal of School Violence, 2017)

  • Private school students tend to have a greater understanding of civic processes and are more likely to vote and participate in community organizations as adults.

  • According to research published in the Journal of School Choice (2015), private school students often develop stronger civic habits, linked to the character and values education they receive. (Source: Journal of School Choice, 2015)

  • Private school attendance is associated with lower rates of risky behaviors (such as substance abuse and delinquency), which correlate with better community outcomes over time.

  • The Cardus Education Survey (2018) highlighted that Christian school students showed stronger character formation and ethical decision-making compared to public school students (Source: Cardus Education Survey)

  • The Brookings Institution has noted that students who complete private education programs tend to have higher earnings as adults, which reduces poverty risk. (Source: “School Choice and Economic Mobility,” Brookings, 2018)

  • Early educational achievement (elementary and middle school) strongly predicts high school graduation, college attendance, and adult earnings.

  • Investments in early education have a high return on investment, helping children avoid poverty before it starts. (Source: Harvard Center on the Developing Child)

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" I give to Heritage Christian School because I’ve seen what happens when a child is given not just an education, but a future full of hope.

 

These students are growing up in a world that too often overlooks them—but at Heritage, they are known, loved, and challenged to become all that God created them to be. When I give, I know I’m investing in more than buildings or books—I’m investing in lives, in legacies, and in the changing of our community.

 

I believe in this mission. And I believe the impact will echo for generations.”


- Rachelle Booher


Give:
Online at Heritagechristianschool.org
Mail: 2107 6th St. SW, Canton, Ohio 44706
Discuss other options: 330-452-8271, Ext. 318

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