Heart Lake has two SHSM programs: Arts & Culture and Information & Communication technology,.

In 2003, grade nine student Eric Levack, 14, was murdered in the wooded area behind the school during lunch break.

[2] Morton pleaded guilty to first degree murder and in 2004 was sentenced as an adult to life in prison,[3] with no eligibility of parole for seven years.

[2][4][5] Morton anonymously appeared in the 2007 documentary film In the Shadow of Feeling, which focused on psychopathic personalities, and spoke about the murder.

[6] A lilac tree, planted in memory of Levack, stands on the lawn in front of Heart Lake Secondary School.