Abiqua Academy is an academically rigorous, college preparatory school located in Salem, the state capital of Oregon, 45 miles south of Portland. Founded as an independent private elementary school in 1993, Abiqua has grown and expanded. In 2005, a middle school was developed. With the recent addition of pre-kindergarten as well as a high school, Abiqua has realized the vision of offering a complete educational program. The school employs 35 professional teachers and staff members to educate approximately 180 students with an annual budget of about 2 million dollars. Throughout the school, Abiqua adheres to a social emotional learning program called HEART, which teaches students the concepts of Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. Staff members recognize that students have different gifts and talents, and encourage expression through Multiple Intelligences and cooperative learning opportunities Abiqua Academy challenges students to pursue excellence in academics and character, to marshal the courage to serve and lead, and to develop a lifelong desire to learn and achieve.