Exciting Changes Coming to Ridgeland’s Newest School!
Ridgeland is buzzing with excitement as a local school makes a big announcement! Meeting Street Jasper & Beaufort, which opened just last year for kindergarten and first-grade students, will be unveiling a fresh new name for the upcoming school year. Say hello to Heartwood Community School! That’s right, folks! Get ready for a new chapter in education designed to support young minds and foster connections within the community.
A Commitment To Excellence
Located at 8575 East Argent Parkway, Heartwood Community School has kept the same fantastic location as it transitions into its new name. According to Kelley Marsh, a spokesperson for the school, “While the school’s name has changed, its commitment to students and families has not.” Marsh emphasizes that the school will continue to offer dynamic and innovative educational programs that are aimed at achieving both academic and personal excellence.
Inspired by Nature
The name “Heartwood” comes from the core of a tree, known for its firmness, resilience, and supportive nature. This symbol perfectly aligns with the school’s mission, which is all about fostering a stable, strong environment, allowing students to thrive both academically and personally. As Marsh puts it, “This mirrors the school’s mission of fostering stability, strength, and nurturing a vibrant community.” It sounds like a place where kids can truly grow!
A Vision From Experience
Any Dungan, a member of the Heartwood Community School Board of Directors, played a significant role in choosing the new name. With years of experience in teaching and training as a Master Naturalist, Dungan knew that the heartwood’s purpose resonates with the school’s goals. “I knew that the core of the tree was called the heartwood, and its purpose parallels that of the school,” she shared.
Small Class Sizes for Individual Attention
At Heartwood Community School, the mission goes beyond just academics— the school champions emotional well-being and individual attention. Marsh explained that they continue to provide small class sizes with two teachers in every room, ensuring every child gets the personalized support they deserve. Plus, students can look forward to enriching opportunities such as music programs and after-school activities!
Building for the Future
Currently, Heartwood Community School is in the midst of an exciting construction project. A brand-new, state-of-the-art facility is set to open its doors in Fall 2025, promising to revolutionize the learning experience! The school will feature classrooms for elementary and middle school students, creative arts spaces, and tech-enabled environments. There’s even going to be a commercial-size kitchen, a gymnasium, and outdoor spaces including an interactive nature trail and playgrounds!
Community Connections and Wellness Initiatives
Heartwood Community School Nurse Sydney Lubkin is eager to connect health and wellness into the program. She also shared plans to expand the school garden to promote a healthy lifestyle for the students. What a fantastic idea! This way, students can learn not just in the classroom, but also about healthy living in practical ways.
Excitement in the Air
Physical Education teacher and coach Jeremy Hardy echoed the excitement, saying that Heartwood Community School will be a great asset to Ridgeland. “It’s going to provide life-changing experiences and opportunities like no other school in this area,” he said enthusiastically.
Creating Future Leaders
With its new name and vision, Heartwood Community School isn’t just looking to educate; it aims to nurture the next generation of leaders and creators. “We’re excited to continue making a lasting impact in the Jasper and Beaufort communities, building a brighter future together,” Marsh concluded.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about enrollment or want to find out more about what Heartwood Community School has to offer, you can visit heartwoodcommunityschool.org. This is an exciting time for the community, and Heartwood is forging ahead, ready to grow strong roots!
