May 12, 2001

American Heritage Schools Inc. exists for the purpose of serving parents in assisting in developing the minds, the hearts and the bodies of students in order that they may:

1. be useful in the hands of the Lord in building the kingdom of God on Earth;

2. increase faith in and knowledge of the plan of salvation;

3. develop a love, understanding and appreciation for America and the Founding Fathers;

4. develop the basic academic knowledge and skills necessary to be able to make self-education a life-long pursuit;

5. learn to reason and discern between right and wrong, truth and error;

6. develop character and self-discipline of mind and body;

7. and conduct themselves in all aspects of life as Christians.

All activities, teaching, governance and administration is to be accomplished in light of the above objectives and in so far as it is possible in harmony with revealed principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the laws of the land.

All teachers, staff, administrators and trustees shall strive to be living examples of the values, principles and skills taught at the school.

Note: For those wanting to know more about American Heritage School or to donate funds to the new facility, call 785-4050.

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September 08, 2001

Work begins on American Heritage School

By DEBRA JANDREAU

The Daily Herald

AMERICAN FORK -- Construction began Friday for a new American Heritage School being built on a 10-acre lot east of the Mount Timpanogos LDS Temple.

"This school is an answer to our prayers," said Shirley Andersen, founder of the American Heritage School .

Andersen said the American Heritage School began 32 years ago in connection with BYU Academy. After the Academy closed, students were forced to find a new home.

"We still wanted a place where we could be taught the gospel and have our children feel safe," Andersen said.

After putting down a $1,000 downpayment in January 1970, students began meeting in a 100-year-old former LDS Church building at the foot of Mt. Timpanogos.

Two years ago, school officials added a temporary modular building on the playground because of growth; a year ago they added another.

Eventually, the church couldn't hold the continuously growing school.

About three years ago, board members began approaching individuals and foundations seeking help in building a new school. The first designs of the new school would have cost $10 million. The board was able to bring the figure down to $6 million.

"This whole thing started out as one little miracle," Andersen said.

House Representative Martin Stephens also attended the groundbreaking. Stephens said the American Heritage School has been a success because the curriculum sticks to what is most important.

"Morals are the foundation we build our society on, and these are the things that need to be taught," Stephens said.

The American Heritage School also does whatever it takes to include parents in their children's lives, Stephens said.

"We as a society need to encourage more parental support with our children," he said.

The new school will contain several classrooms, a library, school offices, two large playground areas, an athletic playing field and a large water feature in the southwest corner of the campus.

Thousands of students and adults will attend in the next few years, said Gaylord Swim, chairman of the board of trustees for the school.

"If you teach a child you've done a wonderful thing," Swim said. "If you teach a parent, you've taught a family, and if you teach a teacher, you've taught a generation."