OUR LEADERS
We are truly excited about the potential of our program’s unique offering. Families now have more freedom than ever before through Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funding to align with that which is properly suited for the wellbeing of their child. We are on a mission to return to a more classical and holistic approach to education, We believe the student experience should be deeply engaging, restful, purposeful, and relational; highly captivating and self-directed, teaching autonomy; and it should not only be led by but entirely saturated with the heart of Christ. Our students know that they are image-bearers of God’s great glory and are treated as such, and every aspect of their daily learning and activities capture this truth. We aim to inspire families to gather together in different spaces both indoors and outdoors, explore a variety of educational offerings, experience encounters with God through unforgettable moments, and build lasting friendships along the way. We also believe students should be offered the same post-secondary college-entrance opportunities as those attending government-run public or charter schools, and we have developed a path for students seeking accredited college degree programs at a fraction of the cost. See our “Accreditation and Higher Learning” page for more details on this unique offering.
Who are we? We are a community of professional educators, parents, teachers, pastors, friends, and other similar organizations partnering with families to reimagine educational atmospheres for the youth of this generation and those to follow. From our hearts to yours, we ask Christ’s blessing upon your family, and that you bear much fruit in all your chilren’s educational endeavors. We hope to see you in our community!
Deniese Brewer, Founder & Director of Education
Head of School & Instructor, Grades 7-12
Education: Bachelor of Divinity (B.Div). & Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership & Administration, Cairn University, Candidate
Postgraduate Diploma CEUs in Charlotte Mason Education & Leadership, Graduate-Level Program, Charlotte Mason Institute, 2023–Current
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Head of School & Secondary Teacher Certifications
Ricki Trejo, Co-Director of Education
Board of Directors & Community Development Liaison
Education: Elementary Education A.A., Special Ed. Concentration
Certifications: Charlotte Mason Institute CORE Trained™ Teacher
25+ Years Leading Student Education in Arizona
EDUCAtional PARTNERS
Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Funding
Hearthside Academy (formerly Solus Christus Classical Academy) is an approved vendor for the Arizona Department of Education’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). Empowerment Scholarships expand educational opportunities for eligible students outside of the public school system, provides funding that can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses, and pays for private school tuition, educational therapies, tutoring, and more. Families interested in this funding are encouraged to apply directly at the Arizona Department of Education ESA homepage.