Christian Heritage Academy Lakeville, MN.

What Christian Heritage Academy Lakeville, MN. does

Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) is a private, inter-denominational Christian K-8 school founded in 1986 and operating from a single campus at 7320 175th Street West in Lakeville, Minnesota. The school is structured as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (Federal Tax ID 41-1558764), governed by a parent-and-community board chaired by Jon Boer, and led operationally by Head of School Terri Johnson and Principal Joel Koski. CHA serves 156 enrolled families representing 25+ area churches across multiple denominations, with a 91-92%+ family retention rate. The institution is accredited through the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accreditation Association (MNSAA) and the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Association, and is affiliated with ACSI and MISF.

CHA's core product is a Christ-centered academic program split into Elementary School (Kindergarten through Grade 4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8), featuring small class sizes, licensed and certified teachers, differentiated reading instruction, a Singapore-based math curriculum in middle school, and weekly chapel worship. The technology stack is deliberately lightweight: Google Chromebook-based 1:1 program for middle school with shared elementary access, Blackbaud enrollment and financial aid management, My Hot Lunchbox for meal ordering, and the 3D Response multi-layered security system (ballistic protection, fortified doors, mass communication, instant 911). Support services include Extended School Day after-school care ($10/hour or $8/hour guaranteed), Learning Support with IEP screening via Lakeville School District 194 and Individual Learning Plans, athletics across soccer/volleyball/basketball/cross country/golf/cheer/pickleball, performing arts, and the SALT student leadership program.

The business model is tuition-driven with fundraising supplementing operations. Tuition covers approximately 90% of per-student education costs, with the remaining ~10% funded through donations and fundraising. Need-based scholarships (reviewed by third-party Community Brands School & Student Services) reduce tuition by 5-40% for 20% of families. Additional revenue streams include a $250 non-refundable application fee, $55 financial aid application fee, Extended School Day fees, facility rentals, My Hot Lunchbox commissions, and fundraising channels (Loaves and Fishes Annual Fund, Annual Gala at Brackett's Crossing Country Club, Gerten's fundraiser, Chick-fil-A Spirit Nights, Build a Brick, Thrivent Choice Dollars, and United Way workplace giving). Go-to-market is community-based: top-of-funnel demand comes from referrals through 25+ church partnerships and parent networks, with mid-funnel conversion through the Blackbaud admissions portal, campus tours, and Preview Days. A $1.2M Phase 1 capital campaign (May 2023-December 2024) is funding facility expansion to add two classes per grade through 8th grade, with completion targeted for late 2024.

Name

Christian Heritage Academy Lakeville, MN.

Legal name

Christian Heritage Academy

Website

https://chacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Christian Heritage Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private Christian K-8 school in Lakeville, Minnesota, serving 156 families from 25+ area churches with a 91%+ retention rate, accredited through MNSAA and funded primarily by tuition plus donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-8 Christian Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAJABAC

Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/Private & Independent K–12 Schools

Keywords

• Private Christian education
• K-8 elementary school
• Middle school education
• Faith-based schooling
• Extended school day care

Headquarters

HQ city

Lakeville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Primary revenue source covering approximately 90% of student education costs. Tuition rates are based on family financial situation with need-based scholarships available (5-40% reduction). Currently 20% of families receive reduced rates.
2. Application Fees: Non-refundable application fee of $250 per student for admission processing through Blackbaud system.
3. Extended School Day (After School Care): Fee-based after school care program for students Age 5 through 8th grade, operating 3:00-5:30 pm on school days. Hourly rate of $10/hour (billed in 15-minute increments) or $8/hour guaranteed rate for families committing to 5 days/week for school year.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Multiple donation channels including: Loaves and Fishes Annual Fund (tuition covers 90% so donations fund enhancements like technology, staff development, facility upgrades), Scholarship Fund, Educational Support Center fund, 8th Grade Mission Trip fund, Build a Brick fundraiser, Capital Campaign for facility expansion ($1.2 million Phase 1), and annual Gala event.
5. Facility Rental: Rental of school facilities for events, managed through contact with Paula Yarnes. All reservations require advanced approval.
6. Hot Lunch Program: Online hot lunch ordering through My Hot Lunchbox vendor for daily meals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Christian Heritage Academy is a private inter-denominational Christian K-8 school offering accredited elementary (K-4) and middle school (5-8) education that integrates faith with academics through licensed/certified teachers, small class sizes, a Singapore-based math curriculum, and a 1:1 Chromebook program. Beyond core academics, the school delivers ancillary paid services including Extended School Day after-school care, athletics, performing arts, creative arts, learning support, weekly chapel, and a peanut-aware lunch program, with need-based scholarships lowering tuition for 20% of families. The school supplements tuition and fees with donations, fundraising events, and a $1.2M capital campaign for facility expansion.

Product overview

Christian Heritage Academy is a private Christian school offering Kindergarten through 8th grade education, serving 156 families from 25+ area churches with a 92%+ retention rate. The school's core educational program comprises Elementary School (K–4) and Middle School (5–8) divisions, both accredited through the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accreditation Association (MNSAA) and affiliated with ACSI and MISF. Small class sizes, licensed/certified teachers, and Christ-centered values permeate the academic experience. Beyond core academics, the school offers a comprehensive extracurricular portfolio including Athletic Endeavors (soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, cheer, golf, pickleball), Performing Arts (drama, music, Christmas Concert, Spring Musical), and Creative Arts (general music, private instrument lessons via Heritage Harmonies, speech and drama). Support services include Extended School Day (after-school care), Learning Support (IEP/Individual Learning Plans, assistive technology including Read and Write and Co-Writer), Chapel (weekly worship services), and a Google Chromebook 1:1 program for middle school. Financial accessibility is addressed through a Need-Based Scholarship program reviewed by Community Brands, serving 20% of families with 5%–40% tuition reductions. The school operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with multiple fundraising programs including Annual Gala, Build a Brick fundraiser, Simple Fundraisers (Gertens greens, Chick-fil-A Spirit Nights), Online Giving, and a Capital Campaign for facility expansion (Phase 1: $1.2 million).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 4) Core academic program for Kindergarten through fourth grade featuring differentiated reading instruction, English language arts, physical education, daily outdoor recess, and specialists in music and Spanish. Faith development through weekly chapel and Bible classes woven into everyday learning.
• Middle School (Grades 5–8) Middle school program featuring specialists in core subjects, Singapore-based math curriculum, developing STEM program, integrated curriculum examining history/geography/science through God's redemptive story, 8th grade Capstone Project, and SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team) leadership program.
• Extended School Day (ESD) After-school care program for students age 5 years through 8th grade, operating 3:00-5:30 pm on school days. Provides homework help, games, crafts, and supervised fun in a safe environment. Offered at $10/hour or $8/hour guaranteed rate for families committing to 5 days/week.
• Athletic Endeavors Athletic program offering fall sports (soccer grades 5-8, volleyball grades 6-8, cross country grades 4-8, golf K-5 via TGA Premier Sports, pickleball), winter sports (basketball grades 5-8, cheer grades K-4), and spring sports (coed grades 6-8).
• Performing Arts Performing arts program including Christmas Concert (K-4), Spring Musical theater productions (past productions include Peter Pan, Cinderella, Journey to Oz, Frozen Jr., Mary Poppins), Drama Club for grades 4-8, and Stick Ministry.
• Creative Arts Creative arts program featuring general music education, recorder instruction, private lessons (violin, piano, guitar, ukulele) through Heritage Harmonies private music program, and Creative Communication classes developing speech and drama skills.
• Learning Support Educational support services including IEP screening through Lakeville School District, Individual Learning Plans for students without IEPs, and digital learning programs (Read and Write Chromebook extension, Co-Writer, and other assistive technology).
• Chapel Weekly chapel services bringing the school community together for worship and biblical teaching. Includes special chapels for Veterans Day, Christmas Sing-a-long, Christian Motorcyclists Association visit, and Easter celebration.
• Need-Based Scholarships (Variable Tuition) Need-based tuition scholarship program making Christian education accessible to families. Scholarships reviewed by third-party Community Brands School & Student Services; 20% of existing families receive reduced rates, with awards ranging from 5% to 40% off tuition.
• Google Chromebook Program Technology program with middle school students in 1:1 Chromebook program; elementary students have shared Chromebook access as part of coursework. Students must sign technology use and digital citizenship forms.
• Facility Rental School facility rental program for community events. Rentals require advance approval; contact Paula Yarnes at [email protected] or 952-953-4155.
• Hot Lunch Program Online hot lunch ordering through My Hot Lunchbox vendor for daily meal distribution to students in a peanut-aware school environment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92%+ retention rate demonstrates family satisfaction
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 3D ResponsecoreTechnology or IntegrationSecurity technology partner providing multi-layered security system including ballistic protection, fortified classroom doors, shatter resistant glass, mass communication technology, intruder identification system, internal dispatching, and instant 911 technology. Described as making CHA one of the safest schools in the nation.
• BlackbaudcoreTechnology or IntegrationEnrollment management and financial aid processing platform. CHA uses Blackbaud for admissions process, tuition contracts, application management, and need-based financial aid applications through Community Brands School & Student Services.
• Lakeville School District (194)coreTechnology or IntegrationIEP screening administered through the local school district. Students receive funded support services only when scores meet state and federal criteria. CHA also receives learning support through this partnership.
• Foursquare DaycareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBefore and after school-age care provider located at 17750 Glasgow Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044. Children are escorted to and from CHA campus for daycare services at a flat rate.
• TGA Premier SportsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGolf program provider for students Kindergarten through 5th grade during fall season, offering introductory golf instruction.
• Gerten'scoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGarden center partner for Fall Holiday Greens and Spring Floral fundraisers. 30% of plant and greens sales and 15% of gift card proceeds donated back to CHA.
• Chick-fil-A Apple ValleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMonthly Spirit Night/Community Care Night host where portion of mobile order proceeds (4pm-8pm) donated to Christian Heritage Academy.
• Thrivent FinancialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThrivent Choice Dollars program allows eligible benefit members to recommend charitable grants to CHA through Thrivent's charitable outreach program.
• United WayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonation channel through workplace United Way campaigns. Employers can direct donations to CHA using Federal Tax ID 41-1558764.
• Community Brands School & Student ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-party reviewer for need-based tuition scholarship applications. Reviews family financial information including income, family circumstances, and cost of living to make scholarship recommendations to CHA.
• Minnesota Nonpublic School Accreditation Association (MNSAA)coreOthersPrimary accreditation body for CHA. MNSAA establishes framework for best possible program and validates high standards. CHA is fully accredited through MNSAA and National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Association.
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)minorOthersProfessional association affiliation supporting faith-based schools with resources and standards.
• Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF)minorOthersProfessional association affiliation supporting independent private schools in Minnesota.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Providence Academy: Larger Catholic/Christian K-12 school in Plymouth, MN with extensive athletics, arts, and academic programs. A broad incumbent that competes for the same Christian-family demographic in the west metro.
• Minnehaha Academy: Large, well-established Christian school in Minneapolis spanning preschool through 12th grade. A broad incumbent offering end-to-end faith-based education that competes for families across the entire metro.
• Southwest Christian High School: Larger Christian school in Chaska, MN offering a fuller K-12 pathway and broader athletics/arts programs. A broader incumbent in the Twin Cities Christian-school market, attracting families CHA may lose at 8th grade.

Direct peers

• Chesterton Academy of the Twin Cities: Small classical Christian high school in Hopkins, MN. Comparable faith-based private school in the Twin Cities market, though focused on high school grades rather than K-8.
• Crown of Life Lutheran School: K-8 faith-based private school in nearby Burnsville, MN serving Christian families in the south-metro. Closest geographic and size peer to CHA with a similar Lutheran-affiliated, small-school model.
• Legacy Christian Academy: K-12 Christian school in Andover, MN with similar faith-based academic program, athletics, and arts offerings. Comparable small-to-mid sized faith-based private school serving Twin Cities families.
• Maranatha Christian Academy: K-12 Christian school in Brooklyn Park, MN offering faith-integrated academics, athletics, and arts. Comparable faith-based private school model in the broader Twin Cities metro.
• Trinity School at River Ridge: K-12 inter-denominational Christian school in Eagan, MN (adjacent to Lakeville). Similar academic-plus-faith integration model and comparable scale to CHA, with an extended K-12 pathway.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ChristianHeritageAcademyLakeville
• Instagraminstagram.com/chacademy_lions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/christian-heritage-academy-lakeville-mn

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Christian Heritage Academy Lakeville, MN.