At the Grove

At the end of this week, our Class of 2026 will walk across the stage and leave the Nest, beginning their next chapter in college and beyond. But their journey to get here didn’t begin this year. From choosing a potential major to preparing for the college admissions process, this work begins in 9th grade and builds steadily through senior year, culminating in official applications, decisions, and acceptances.The college process can feel complex, but Heritage College Counselor Ms. Kalen Brandenburg is here to guide students and families every step of the way. In this episode, we talk with Ms. Brandenburg about Heritage’s College and Career program, the steps involved in the application process, common misconceptions, and practical tips for students and families navigating it all.She is joined by AJ Oliveira, Class of 2026, who shares his perspective as a student in the program and reflects on his own college application journey. Take a listen to learn more about the process and gain insight into what the journey really looks like from start to finish.Episode Chapters0:00–1:36 | Welcome and Introductions1:37–7:07 | The College Application Process Overview7:08–8:45 | What Colleges Are Looking for in Applications8:46–14:11 | Challenges Students Face in the Application Process14:12–15:17 | Common Mistakes in the Application Process15:18–23:17 | Heritage College Counseling Process and Courses23:18–28:32 | Shifts in College Admissions Today28:33–33:08 | Advice for Students Starting the Process33:09–36:30 | How Families Can Support Students36:31–40:03 | A Heritage Success Story and Closing

We’re raising the curtain on a year of growth in The Grove Theatre and Heritage’s performing arts programs. In this episode of At the Grove, we go behind the scenes to celebrate a year of creativity, learning, and student achievement in both theatre and music.  We sit down with theatre director Loren Castro, music teacher Ms. Jojo, and Grove Theatre students Savannah and Kyler to talk about this year’s Literary competition, the momentum building in the performing arts, and what it’s been like for students to be part of that growth. The conversation also looks ahead to the opening of Junie B. Jones the Musical, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into rehearsals, student experiences, and the energy surrounding this production.    Episode Chapters0:00 – 1:50 | About the Growing Music & Theatre Programs1:51 – 4:59 | Welcome & Introductions5:00 – 9:30 | Teacher & Student Takeaways 9:30 – 11:59 | Junie B. Jones & Rehearsals12:00 – 23:00 | Being on the Literary Team23:01 – 24:54 | How Literary & Theatre Complement Each Other24:55 – 28:00 | Lessons Learned: Teachers & Students Reflect28:01 – 29:12 | Advice for Students Wanting to Get Involved29:13 – 32:59 | Funny or Memorable Moments from Rehearsal33:00 – End | Junie B. Jones Dates, Literary Results & Sign-Off

With reenrollment season now underway, it’s the perfect time to hear how The Heritage School plans for the year ahead under our motto, Imagine the Possibilities. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Board President Mike Thompson, Finance Chair Sally Love Connally, and Head of School Kristin Skelly to give families a behind-the-scenes look at how governance, leadership, and thoughtful planning come together during this important season.We cover everything from the role of the Board at Heritage and why strong governance matters during reenrollment, to how tuition is set, what it means to be a no-debt school, and why early reenrollment is critical to effective planning. The conversation also touches on strategic planning, parent feedback from the SAIS survey, and how our reenrollment motto reflects the possibilities ahead for students, programs, and the future of the school.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 4:38 | Welcome & Bios4:39 – 7:55 | Role of the Board at THS7:56 – 9:10 | Why Strong Board Governance Matters During Reenrollment9:11 – 14:00 | How Tuition is Set14:01 – 15:55 | Being a No-Debt School15:56 – 18:10 | Importance of Reenrolling Early in the Planning Process18:11 – 24:08 | Strategic Planning, Board Feedback, & SAIS Survey Insights24:09 – 26:25 | Our Reenrollment Motto: Imagine the Possibilities & Reflections

At Heritage, service is at the heart of who we are. From our youngest learners to our seniors, students are encouraged to give back to their communities in meaningful ways, big and small. Every January, Heritage highlights this commitment through Drop Everything and Serve in honor of MLK Jr. Day, when middle and upper school students step away from the classroom to volunteer and make a difference.In this two-part interview episode of At the Grove, we first sit down with seniors AJ Oliveira and Maddie Brenan to hear about their experiences leading service projects, including Drop Everything and Serve, and the impact these opportunities have on students and the community. In Part 2, we talk with Ms. Becca Springfield, 1st-grade teacher and Lower School SGA sponsor, along with Ruby, the 4th-grade SGA class president, about how even our youngest students get involved and learn the value of service.Part 1: 0:00 - 19:00Part 2: 19:00 - 33:28

Episode Description:At Heritage, electives give students the chance to explore skills beyond the core curriculum. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Chadwick Moore, Martha Milam, and Catherine Hallman to dive into hands-on classes like woodworking, forensics, oceanography, and life skills. From cooking and budgeting to building projects and scientific investigations, students are learning practical skills, gaining confidence, and discovering abilities they didn’t know they had.Through engaging stories and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode highlights how electives inspire creativity, connect to core subjects, and even help students explore future careers—all while having fun along the way.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 2:18 – Introduction & Welcome2:18 – 6:36 – Overview of Electives and What They Cover6:36 – 11:36 – A Day in the Life of an Elective Class11:37 – 17:02 – Student Impact: Projects and Inspiration17:03 – 19:53 – Connections Between Electives and Core Classes19:54 – 23:23 – How Electives Help Students Explore Careers23:24 – 25:33 – Ending & Fun Question: Surviving on a Deserted Island

At Heritage, families are at the heart of our community. In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Frank and Beth Marchman, Presidents of the Grandparents Club, and Jeaneane Camp, President of the Parents Club. All three have deep roots at Heritage—Frank was a teacher here for 25 years, their son (Alden Marchman) graduated and now works here, and they currently have seven grandchildren attending the school. Jeaneane and her husband both attended Heritage as Middle/Upper School students and now have a 7th grader and a 2nd grader on campus.They share stories about their clubs, the projects and traditions they support, and how volunteering brings families together. With plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode shows the real impact parents and grandparents have in shaping life at Heritage.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 3:15 – Welcome & Meet Our Guests3:16 – 4:40 – How They Started Leading the Clubs4:41 – 10:35 – Parents & Grandparents Club: Projects & Life on Campus10:36 – 16:42 – Making an Impact in the Heritage Community16:43 – 19:53 – Parents & Grandparents Club: Exciting Projects This Year19:54 – 22:50 – Grandparents Day Highlights22:51 – 22:36 – How to Connect with the Clubs22:36 – 26:34 – Wrap Up & Why You'll Want to Get Involved

At Heritage, being ALL In means coming together to strengthen our community and support every part of school life. Join us as we chat with Head of School Kristin Skelly and Development Coordinator Walker Sandlin about the ALL In Campaign—what it is, how it supports the Heritage Fund, and why participation at every level matters.From completed projects funded by last year’s campaign to a look ahead at how this year’s Heritage Fund will be used, this episode breaks down the three levels of involvement—Give, Volunteer, and Invest—and how each helps The Heritage School continue to grow and thrive.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 1:26 – Welcome1:27 – 4:44 – What is the ALL IN Campaign?4:45 – 6:27 – Completed Projects from Last Year’s Campaign6:28 – 10:58 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Give10:59 – 12:44 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Volunteer12:45 – 19:05 – Breaking Down the Three Levels: Invest / Georgia GOAL19:06 – 24:00 – ALL In Rewards for Families24:01 – 32:00 – How the Heritage Fund Will Be Used This Year

At Heritage, students are stepping away from screens and reconnecting with the world around them. Join us as we chat with Upper School Director Matt Lage and AP Psychology Teacher Kristina Marchman about the inspiration behind the school’s new no-cell-phone policy, how students across divisions are adapting, and the creative ways they’re filling their phone-free time. From student reactions and surprising moments to the research and reasoning behind the policy, this episode explores how unplugging is helping students focus, socialize, and engage more fully in campus life.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 1:24 – Welcome & Introduction1:25 – 5:25 – What the New Cell Phone Policy Is and Why It Matters Now5:26 – 8:52 – Phones, Society, and the Impact on Mental Health8:53 – 14:16 – Social Skills and the Importance of Real-World Connection14:17 – 18:02 – Using Cell Phones and Tech as Positive Tools18:03 – 24:04 – Student Reactions, Challenges, and Funny Stories24:05 – 26:13 – How the Policy Reinforces Heritage’s Mission26:14 – 29:25 – Wrap Up and Phone-Free Challenges for Listeners

At the Chip Connally Center for Environmental Stewardship, students are getting outside, digging in, and discovering the wonders of the natural world. Join us as we chat with Elizabeth Lewis, Heritage’s Environmental Engagement Specialist, about the inspiration behind the Center, how students across every division are gardening, recycling, and exploring sustainability, and the creative ways this outdoor classroom brings science to life. From behind-the-scenes preparation to hands-on projects and future plans, this episode dives into how the Chip Connally Center is helping students connect with nature, think critically, and grow as stewards of the environment.Episode Chapters:0:00 – 2:35 – Welcome & Introduction2:35 – 11:05 – Meet the Chip Connally Center & Its Programs11:05 – 15:11 – Building the Garden: Behind the Scenes15:12 – 18:26 – Connecting Across Subjects: Recycling & the Monarch Project18:27 – 26:05 – Why These Programs Matter26:06 – 27:26 – Bringing Nature Home: Simple Tips for Families27:27 – 28:20 – Final Question & Reflection28:21 – 30:09 – Ode to the Chip Connally

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Nest—or what all those acronyms and numbers mean? In At the Grove: Heritage 101, Emily Kimbell, Director of Communications, welcomes Kristin Skelly, Head of School, and Trevor Hamaker, Director of Admissions, to share first-week highlights, campus updates like the Garden, Treehouse, and Student Life Center, new roles and faces, insights into Heritage lingo, and discuss Heritage by the Numbers.Episode Chapters:0:00 - 1:40 – Introduction1:40–6:50 – Student Life Center Renovation & SAGE Lunches6:51–10:59 – Playground, Treehouse, & Garden Updates11:00–17:06 – New Faces & Roles17:07–25:52 – Decoding Heritage Lingo25:52–36:06 – Heritage by the Numbers36:07–38:04 – Wrap-Up: Your Number for the Year

Get a taste of what’s cooking with SAGE Dining at The Heritage School! In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Henderson, our new Food Service Director, and Anna English, SAGE’s Registered Dietitian, to talk through exciting updates to campus dining. From fresh new offerings and weekly menus to the deeper food philosophy that guides every meal, you'll hear how the partnership with SAGE supports student wellness, community, and connection—one bite at a time. Whether you’re curious about the day-to-day dining experience or want to know more about what fuels our Nest, this episode serves it all.Curious about something in particular? Check out the chapters and jump straight to the part you’re most interested in.Episode Chapters:1:18 – Partnership & Why the Switch to SAGE4:05 – Meet Tammy Henderson & Anna English9:53 – How the Day-to-Day Will Work12:36 – Typical Weekly Menu & Choices18:08 – The SAGE Food Philosophy18:45 – Snack Policy Explained20:30 – Accessing the Weekly Menu21:50 – Parent Lunch Visits22:21 – Adventures in Trying New Foods25:25 – Handling Food Allergies28:33 – Working with Students: What They Love29:38 – Wrap-Up & Fun Facts30:55 – New Food Policy with Kristin*At the Grove is hosted by Emily Kimbell, Director of Communications

In this episode of At The Grove, we talk with Tina Abbott, Director of Technology, and Eleanor Durrance, Computer Science & STEM Teacher, about the exciting progress of the science, robotics, and technology department—from where it started to where it is now. Plus, get a sneak peek at the brand-new Innovation Center opening next school year and how it will empower students to explore, create, and prepare for the future.

In this episode of At the Grove, we’re joined by Kristina Marchman, AP Psychology teacher, and Cate Cofer, school counselor, for a conversation about how The Heritage School approaches mental health across all grade levels. We discuss the brain science behind student wellness, the importance of starting mental health education early, and the resources available on campus to support students. Plus, we take a closer look at how Mental Health Awareness Week helps normalize these conversations and connect students to tools for care and growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Alden Marchman, AP Physics teacher at The Heritage School, along with seniors and AP Physics students Robby Knight and Ethan Simmons. They share insights into the hands-on approach of our science department and what makes learning science at Heritage so engaging. We also dive into their excitement around the upcoming Coweta Grand Prix — a community soapbox derby where The Heritage School will be competing for the first time! The soapbox car was built by the AP Physics team in collaboration with Yamaha, giving students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world project. Stick around until the end of the episode to find out who won the raffle to be our official driver!

In this episode of The Grove Theatre Presents, we sit down with new theatre teacher Loren Castro to discuss the exciting future of the Grove Theatre and the vision for the department. We also dive into the upcoming Short Story Festival, featuring insight from student directors Jessica (11th grade) and Avi (8th grade). Plus, stay tuned for special performances by 8th graders Scarlett and Lucy, along with 7th grader Walker, to close out the episode!Hosted by Emily Kimbell, Director of Communications

In this episode of At the Grove, we sit down with Athletic Director Jake Copeland, Head Football Coach Levi Dunn, and Head Soccer Coach Josh Villalobos to discuss all things athletics at The Heritage School. From team culture and coaching philosophies to upcoming seasons and the vision for Hawks athletics, this conversation gives you an inside look at what’s happening on and off the field. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or sports fan, you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes discussion about the future of our athletic programs. Tune in and get ready for game time!*At the Grove is hosted by Director of Communications Emily Kimbell

Check out the very first episode of At the Grove! In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Skelly, Head of School, and Trevor Hamaker, Director of Admissions, to discuss what to expect for re-enrollment season. We cover all the exciting developments for next school year, including our new all-inclusive tuition model and food service changes.Hosted by Emily Kimbell, Director of Communications