ABOUT
Information isn’t the goal, Transformation is…
Core PRINCIPLES
Creating a comprehensive educational foundation for a Christian private school that aims to teach biblical principles, core curriculum, life skills, and Socratic thinking involves integrating spiritual, academic, and practical elements.
Here are five foundational pillars that can support this vision:
1. Biblical Foundation
- Purpose: Instill a deep understanding of Christian values and biblical teachings.
- Components: Regular Bible study, prayer, and integration of Christian perspectives into all subjects.
- Goal: Help students develop a strong moral compass and understand their faith in the context of everyday life.
2. Core Curriculum Excellence
- Purpose: Provide an age appropriate, Need to Know academic foundation that prepares students for future educational and career opportunities.
- Components: Comprehensive education in subjects like mathematics, science, literature, and history, all integrated with Christian values.
- Goal: Ensure students achieve academic excellence while understanding how their learning connects to their faith and future goals.
3. Life Skills Development
- Purpose: Equip students with practical skills necessary for personal and professional success.
- Components: Financial literacy, time management, communication skills, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
- Goal: Prepare students to navigate life’s challenges confidently and responsibly, guided by Christian principles.
4. Socratic Thinking and Critical Analysis
- Purpose: Foster critical thinking and encourage students to engage in thoughtful dialogue.
- Components: Socratic seminars, debate, and reflective questioning that challenge students to think deeply and articulate their beliefs.
- Goal: Develop well-rounded individuals who can reason logically, ask meaningful questions, and defend their views respectfully.
5. Vocational and Purpose-Driven Guidance
- Purpose: Help students discover and pursue their unique calling and purpose.
- Components: Career exploration, mentorship programs, and opportunities for service and leadership within the community.
- Goal: Guide students in identifying their passions and talents, and align these with their faith to find a fulfilling vocation and life purpose.
Each pillar supports the holistic development of students, blending spiritual growth with academic achievement and practical skills. This approach aims to prepare students not only for their future careers but also for a life of meaningful and purpose-driven service.
Vision
At HWCA, we envision a nurturing community where each child discovers their purpose through a strong Christian foundation. We focus on developing well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills and entrepreneurial thinking, fostering personal growth and a lifelong love of learning.
Mission
We aim to equip the next generation through a Christ-centered education that encourages students to discover and develop their unique gifts and talents. Our commitment to academic excellence, character development, and essential life skills is fostered within a supportive community that actively promotes parental and community involvement.
Experts In Giving Your Child The Best Start
Meet The Staff

Amy Howe
Amy Howe grew up in Texas and married her high school sweetheart, Justin, twenty-five years ago. Together, they have three children: Jaret (20), Ashton (17), and Audrey (9). The Howe Family attends HighRidge Church. In addition to their strong faith, they have a vast entrepreneurial background, a tendency for breaking norms, and a passion for life-long learning that extends beyond the traditional school setting.
As a child, Amy loved school and was an exceptional student. This resulted in her completing high school in just three years, one of many unconventional paths Amy’s life has taken. Her refreshing perspective to do things dierently has played out in unique ways and is a testament to her desire to follow God’s plan for her life.
Those positive experiences in school led Amy to dream of her children having similar experiences, but that has not always been the case. Over time, she has observed students become standardized rather than individualized, and has watched as children have fallen between the cracks in a cookie-cutter public school system.
In 2015, the Howe Family felt a divine call to make Aledo their new home. At the time, Amy didn’t know why, but she now believes it was her destiny to build something dierent academically for our community. Almost a decade after moving here, her visions, dreams, and prayers for creating a school are coming to fruition in HeartWood Life Skills Academy.
Amy’s strong educational background has become the blueprint for what she still believes is possible for every child. Through a Christ-focused lens, she envisions students at HeartWood Life Skills Academy reaching their full potential and discovering their true calling. It is her heart’s desire to make the students feel seen and known, for them to believe that they were created on purpose, for a purpose.
As a child, Amy loved school and was an exceptional student. This resulted in her completing high school in just three years, one of many unconventional paths Amy’s life has taken. Her refreshing perspective to do things dierently has played out in unique ways and is a testament to her desire to follow God’s plan for her life.
Those positive experiences in school led Amy to dream of her children having similar experiences, but that has not always been the case. Over time, she has observed students become standardized rather than individualized, and has watched as children have fallen between the cracks in a cookie-cutter public school system.
In 2015, the Howe Family felt a divine call to make Aledo their new home. At the time, Amy didn’t know why, but she now believes it was her destiny to build something dierent academically for our community. Almost a decade after moving here, her visions, dreams, and prayers for creating a school are coming to fruition in HeartWood Life Skills Academy.
Amy’s strong educational background has become the blueprint for what she still believes is possible for every child. Through a Christ-focused lens, she envisions students at HeartWood Life Skills Academy reaching their full potential and discovering their true calling. It is her heart’s desire to make the students feel seen and known, for them to believe that they were created on purpose, for a purpose.
- Phone:817-880-9192

Traci Cottrell
Teacher

Traci Cottrell
Teacher
Traci Cottrell moved to Aledo when she was just five years old, so she has seen the area grow from a true small town into a thriving community with unprecedented growth. She attended Aledo schools from kindergarten through high school graduation.
In college, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington and graduated with degrees in English and Elementary Education. Upon completing her degrees, she was oered her first teaching position with Aledo ISD twenty-eight years ago.
In her teaching career at Aledo, Ms. Cottrell has taught second and third grade, substituted at nearly every grade level, worked with students at The Learning Center, taught summer school, and more. She spent the majority of her teaching career working closely with Aledo ISD’s home-bound students while they recovered from accidents, surgeries, or serious illnesses.
During a four-year hiatus from teaching, Traci worked at the Cowtown Marathon as the director of its non-profit fitness program for children.
For nearly four years, Ms. Cottrell worked as a third grade teacher at Stuard Elementary in Aledo.
She is a mother of two children—a daughter who is a senior at Abilene Christian and a son who is an electrical engineer. In her spare time, Traci enjoys being in nature, spending time with family (including her pets!), gardening, fitness, cooking, and church.
She is eager to begin this new adventure at Heartwood Academy!
In college, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington and graduated with degrees in English and Elementary Education. Upon completing her degrees, she was oered her first teaching position with Aledo ISD twenty-eight years ago.
In her teaching career at Aledo, Ms. Cottrell has taught second and third grade, substituted at nearly every grade level, worked with students at The Learning Center, taught summer school, and more. She spent the majority of her teaching career working closely with Aledo ISD’s home-bound students while they recovered from accidents, surgeries, or serious illnesses.
During a four-year hiatus from teaching, Traci worked at the Cowtown Marathon as the director of its non-profit fitness program for children.
For nearly four years, Ms. Cottrell worked as a third grade teacher at Stuard Elementary in Aledo.
She is a mother of two children—a daughter who is a senior at Abilene Christian and a son who is an electrical engineer. In her spare time, Traci enjoys being in nature, spending time with family (including her pets!), gardening, fitness, cooking, and church.
She is eager to begin this new adventure at Heartwood Academy!
- Phone:817-880-9192

Carolyn McCallum
Teacher

Carolyn McCallum
Teacher
Born and raised in Texas in a Christian home . Had a strong Christian family who put the Lord first . . At a young age began following Jesus Christ. Music and education was a big part of growing up . Played piano and organ for church worship. Attended the University of Durham in Northern England and graduated from Mary Harden Baylor University in Texas. Taught Science ( life, earth, biology ) and Social Studies ( World History and US History) in secondary education public school system in Texas for 25 years while also tutoring homeschool students Traveled and participated in numerous mission trips to Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan . Traveled extensively in Europe, Middle East, South, Central and North America . Want to be used by the Lord to tell others about the love of Jesus and the transforming effects of knowing Him personally ; have a strong desire to build up others in the faith and encourage youth to be diligent in their walk with Christ in all areas of their life , and hold fast to scripture while eagerly awaiting His appearance.
- Phone:817-880-9192