NHA School Year Begins with Variety of Activities

The 2026-27 academic year has begun, and National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) schools are teeming with activities. Staff and students celebrated the start of the new school year in many ways, making the first month of school special for all.

Incoming seniors at Oakside Prep Academy and Taylor Preparatory High School gathered for senior sunrise events to start their year strong. Oakside Prep students wore jeans they had decorated with special messages and their graduation year painted on them.

The students all faced east as the sun broke the horizon with its orange glow. Classmates embraced each other and held their arms aloft in celebration for the start of a new school year. Taylor Prep Dean of Instruction Jenna Ekulona helped organize the event for her school, which created an opportunity for camaraderie for the seniors.

Here are some of the many ways NHA schools celebrated the start of the academic year.

Taylor Preparatory High School seniors celebrated Senior Sunrise.

Sweet Greetings and Ribbon Cuttings

Metro Charter Academy Principal Josh Rhoad got the year started by sharing a sweet treat with families during arrival. The first-year principal greeted families with a smile and candy bars to introduce himself, which prompted laughter for all. Small acts of kindness like this create connections between families and school leadership, which enriches the school experience for students.

First-year teachers at Canton Charter Academy celebrated the start of school with ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the threshold of their classrooms. This special moment added another memory for new teachers as they began their careers.

First-year teachers at Canton performed a ribbon-cutting in the doorway of the classrooms to celebrate the start of the school year.

New Family Events

Several schools created special events to welcome their newest families. Apex Academy had an incredible turnout at their New Family Breakfast. The gathering was held in the gymnasium where families and staff shared a meal, made connections, and started the school year strong by building community.

Bennett Venture Academy also hosted breakfast for new families, where they had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Principal Eunice Alvarez-Lopez. Staff stated they loved talking to families and look forward to partnering with parents throughout the school year.

Back to School Parties

Burton Glen Charter Academy and Linden Charter Academy both hosted back-to-school parties to welcome their families.

Burton Glen’s bash featured a bounce house, ice cream, dancing, and exotic animals. Linden families were also treated to experiences with exotic animals, while enjoying face painting, a bounce house, video games, and cotton candy.

Students at both events enjoyed spending time with old and new friends and sharing experiences before the start of school.

Kindergarten Connections

Schools made sure to create special connections with kindergarten students to start the year. At Holly Park Academy, students attending Kindergarten Summer Camp were treated to a mobile zoo where they were able to sit on ponies and pet farm animals like bunnies, chickens, and ducks.

Capstone Academy kindergarten students had a very special visitor during their first month of school: Whiskers the Wildcat. The school’s mascot posed for photos with students who learned more about the mascot and the role it plays when promoting school events.

Tying it All Together

Incoming middle school families at Matthews Charter Academy had a great time tie-dyeing shirts and connecting with new friends at the start of the school year. Students used bright, colorful dyes to make creations they could take home safely in plastic bags.

Celebrating Wisdom

PreEminent Charter School third graders kicked off September by learning about the Moral Focus™ virtue of the month: Wisdom. Students made a promise to hold themselves accountable for making wise choices each day. And with Ollie the Owl keeping a watchful eye from their classroom wall, they know they’ve got an extra reminder to think before they act!

Great work encouraging community, school spirit, and a positive start to the 2026-27 school year, everyone!