The traditions at National Heritage Academies (NHA) may not be that old, but they are already a part of many families' heritage. The company operates charter schools, which are state-funded public schools operated by government-approved independent entities; charter schools are given operational automony while being held accountable to state and local regulations. NHA operates some 57 charter schools that enroll some 35,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grades. The schools offer a rigorous curriculum, character development, and strong parental involvement. NHA was founded in 1995 by J.C. Huizenga, a cousin of Wayne Huizenga, founder of Waste Management and Blockbuster.