High School (Grades 10–12)
Classical Christian High School in Tehachapi, California
A Christ-Centered Education Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation
The High School (Grades 10–12) at Heritage Oak School represents the final stage of a K–12 Classical Christian education rooted in biblical truth, academic rigor, and intentional discipleship.
Founded in 1994 and serving families in Tehachapi, California and Kern County, Heritage Oak School is a dual-accredited private Christian school (ACCS and WASC) committed to discipling students with passionate hearts and strong minds for Christ.
The Rhetoric stage focuses on helping students mature into responsible, thoughtful, and articulate young adults who can engage the world through a biblical worldview.
What Is the Rhetoric School?
The Rhetoric School is the final stage of the Classical Christian Trivium, where students build upon the foundational learning of Grammar and Logic stages.
At this level, students are guided to:
- Develop clear and thoughtful communication
- Strengthen reasoning and analytical skills
- Engage deeply with ideas through discussion and writing
- Grow in personal responsibility and self-governance
- Apply a biblical worldview to all areas of life
This stage prepares students for life after graduation through a structured and faith-centered educational environment.
Academic Program Overview
Heritage Oak School’s high school program continues the school’s classical liberal arts approach, emphasizing literature, history, writing, and Bible integrated throughout instruction.
Students in the Rhetoric School participate in:
- Integrated humanities learning
- Classical literature and writing instruction
- Bible-based worldview formation
- Structured academic coursework across core disciplines
- Discussion-based and writing-centered learning methods
Instruction is designed to develop students who think clearly, communicate effectively, and reason from a biblical foundation.
Biblical Worldview & Discipleship
A defining characteristic of Heritage Oak School is its commitment to biblical worldview education across all grade levels.
In the Rhetoric School, students are guided to:
- Understand and apply Scripture to life decisions
- Grow in spiritual maturity and character
- Develop discernment in cultural and philosophical issues
- Live out their faith with integrity and purpose
- Participate in intentional discipleship within the school community
The school’s mission is to disciple passionate hearts and strong minds to be all for Christ.
Student Life & Leadership Development
High school students are given opportunities to grow in leadership, responsibility, and service.
The Rhetoric School emphasizes:
Self-governance and personal responsibility
Leadership within the school community
Service to others through structured service requirements
Participation in school culture and community life
Development of discipline, character, and maturity
According to the school’s handbook, Rhetoric students complete 30 service hours annually, including both school/church and community service involvement.
Service & Community Engagement
Heritage Oak School intentionally integrates service into student development.
Rhetoric students participate in service opportunities such as:
School-related service activities
Church involvement and ministry support
Community outreach programs
Service to local organizations and events
This structure is designed to develop students who actively serve their communities and live out their faith in practical ways.
College, Career, and Life Preparation
The Rhetoric School prepares students for a variety of post-graduation pathways, including:
College and university education
Vocational and trade pathways
Ministry and missions work
Gap year or service-based experiences
The goal is not only academic readiness, but also spiritual and personal preparation for life beyond high school.
Academic Accountability
Heritage Oak School maintains structured academic and behavioral expectations across all grade levels, including:
Classroom-based academic evaluation
Ongoing teacher assessment and feedback
Participation in standardized and benchmark testing across the school system
Service-hour requirements for student development and accountability
These systems ensure students remain engaged, accountable, and prepared for advancement.
School Identity & Accreditation
Heritage Oak School is:
- ACCS Accredited (Association of Classical Christian Schools)
- WASC Accredited (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
- A private K–12 Classical Christian school
- Founded in 1994 as a ministry of Country Oaks Baptist Church
- Located in Tehachapi, California, serving Kern County families
The school is committed to academic excellence, Christian discipleship, and classical education rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty.
Serving Tehachapi & Kern County Families
Families searching for private high school Tehachapi CA, Christian high school Kern County, classical Christian high school and accredited private K–12 school California will find a structured, faith-centered educational environment at Heritage Oak School.
Schedule a Visit
We invite families to experience the Rhetoric School firsthand and see how Heritage Oak School prepares students for life beyond graduation through a classical Christian education rooted in biblical truth.