Ben Lippen School
Monticello Road Campus (Pre-K through 12th grade)
7401 Monticello Road, Columbia, S.C. 29203
St. Andrews Road Campus (Pre-K through fifth grade)
500 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, S.C. 29210
(803) 807-4000 • www.VisitBenLippen.com
Rising to the Peaks of Christian Scholarship. Ben Lippen School is a Pre-K to 12th grade Christian school of nearly 800 students offering challenging academics, a wide variety of co-curricular activities, and the spiritual and social training required to graduate Christian scholars. It is also a college and “calling” preparatory school that trains students for God’s call on their lives in college and beyond. Ben Lippen programs are comparable to those of larger schools, but also foster a community experience where students and families are known by name.
Biblical Foundation. Ben Lippen believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis of knowledge and wisdom. To prepare students to be critical thinkers, and to prepare them for God’s calling on their lives, the school integrates biblical truth into every discipline and activity.
Academic Excellence. The world that students will inherit is changing, and Ben Lippen is passionate about preparing Christian scholars for the 21st century. Beginning at the preschool level, students are challenged to become critical thinkers and problem solvers, while thinking creatively, working collaboratively and learning to effectively communicate. Honors, Advanced Placement and Dual (college) Enrollment classes are offered. One hundred percent of the school’s high school students are accepted into college. Over the past several years, Ben Lippen students have consistently earned over $3.5 million in renewable scholarships to some of the finest colleges and universities.
Multicultural. Perhaps a unique aspect of Ben Lippen is the enriching cross-cultural experience that comes with having high school students from around the world live on campus and attend classes with day students. Boarding students make up approximately 20 percent of the high school population and represent eight nations.
Faculty. Nearly 60 percent of the Ben Lippen faculty members have obtained or are working toward an advanced degree. The school’s teaching philosophy emphasizes mentoring and personal relationships. Faculty members serve as club sponsors, coaches and advisors, as well as classroom instructors. Most importantly, each teacher must make a personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ.
Activities. Confidence, personal interests and talents are developed through a wide array of co-curricular opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, leadership and service. Ben Lippen offers students many opportunities to develop spiritually, academically and socially outside the classroom. Athletics are also a big part of campus life. Student athletes are encouraged to utilize their God-given talents to the fullest while displaying Christian character both on and off the playing field. There are nearly 40 athletic teams at Ben Lippen, with many athletes annually recognized as All-State and All-Region players.
Cardinal Newman School
4701 Forest Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29206
(803) 782-2814 • www.cnhs.org
Forming Lives of Excellence in the Catholic Tradition for More than 150 Years Spiritually, Academically, Athletically
Cardinal Newman School strives to make sure every day is a day to witness amazing transformations as the school helps children grow into remarkable young adults, great intellectuals and conscientious citizens of the world. The dedicated faculty members are committed to providing an exceptional academic and spiritually-based curriculum, enhanced by dynamic athletic and arts programs, to students in grades seven through 12.
Spiritual Excellence. Students learn that God is present in every aspect of life, both inside the classroom and out. In addition, community service and education that emphasizes strong social justice teaching, beliefs and actions are at the core of the theology program.
Academic Excellence. Cardinal Newman School offers College-credit, Advanced Placement, Honors and College-preparatory classes. In 2012, 98 percent of graduates went on to post-secondary education in some of the most highly-selective U.S. colleges and universities; 78 percent of those graduates received merit-based college scholarships totaling approximately $4.3 million; 10 percent of the class were named Palmetto Fellows; and three students received National Merit Scholarship Commendations.
Athletic Excellence. Student athletes have won both team and individual state championships in numerous sports. In addition, many student athletes are All-Region and All-State players. In the class of 2012, two student athletes signed to play their sports on the collegiate level.
Covenant Classical Christian School
3120 Covenant Road, Columbia, S.C. 29204
(803) 787-0225 • www.covenantcs.org
Covenant Classical Christian School is a K5 to 12th grade coeducational private school located in the city of Columbia near Forest Acres. The faculty and staff seek to provide a safe educational environment for those families who desire to “nurture their children in the Lord.” Their mission is to infuse a Biblical worldview in all academics, fine arts and athletics to prepare students to glorify Jesus Christ in all their endeavors. The school uses a classical curriculum and instructional model that cultivates well-read, well-spoken students of faith who are prepared to think critically about the challenges of the modern world.
Covenant offers students a variety of educational experiences through field trips, mission trips, fine arts presentations, SCISA athletics and more. Covenant is accredited through Christian Schools International, South Carolina Independent School Association and is a member of the Association of Classical Schools.
Glenforest School
1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7622 • glenforest.org
Glenforest School is a kindergarten to 12th grade nonprofit school committed to educating students of average to above-average intelligence with learning differences and focusing issues. Founded in 1983, the school offers college preparatory and general diploma programs that are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was recognized as a “School of Honor” for 2011-12 by the South Carolina Independent School Association.
Glenforest understands that although being a “non-traditional” learner can be a challenge in a “traditional” classroom setting, a learning difference is not called a “disability” at Glenforest – kids who learn differently aren’t disabled from anything. The classes are adapted to the child, not the child to the program.
Glenforest has spent 30 years cultivating a creative and comprehensive curriculum and school environment that supports students with a full-spectrum of unique learning styles and differences including: ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Asperger’s, Central auditory processing disorder and non-verbal LDs.
The Glenforest faculty believes all children deserve a quality education – their dedicated mission.
Hammond School
854 Galway Lane, Columbia, S.C. 29209
(803) 776-0295 • www.hammondschool.org
The fact that Hammond School is the largest independent school in the Columbia area comes as no surprise. The school takes academics seriously, and its track record proves it. Hammond prides itself on cultivating a lifelong love of learning while encouraging students to search for their unique gifts and talents. Hammond is proud of its progressive curriculum at all grade levels, always seeking to incorporate the best techniques of a traditional program and those supported thorough research. This year, Hammond became the first independent school in South Carolina to incorporate a one-to-one iPad initiative into its curriculum across all grades.
The hallmark of Hammond’s curriculum is its global emphasis. To that end, the school not only offers expansive community service opportunities, but also engages students in multi-cultural study. Hammond is successful in bringing the world to its students and its students to the world.
• The average SAT score is 1234.
• 19 percent of the class of 2012 was named Palmetto Fellows.
• 2012 academic scholarship offerings topped $5 million, with over 86 percent offered academic scholarships.
• The class of 2012 was extended offers of acceptance to 81 institutions in 24 states.
• Hammond’s football team made South Carolina history as the only school, regardless of division, to ever achieve six consecutive state championship titles.
• The drama department was selected to perform at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• The Select Ensemble choir regularly performs at home and abroad, most recently performing for Pope Benedict XVI at the 2013 New Year’s Day Mass.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
3000 S. Beltline Blvd., Columbia, S.C. 29201
(803) 765-2309 • www.heathwood.org
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School offers a comprehensive college preparatory program for students age 3 through 12th grade where each child is known, valued and challenged. With a 61-year tradition of scholastic excellence, inclusivity and character formation, Heathwood Hall is a place where academics come alive, where faith matters and where futures begin.
Where academics come alive … Heathwood Hall is committed to developing the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Heathwood Hall separates itself by challenging all students to meet the highest standards of scholarship, citizenship and servant leadership. The rigorous academic program is complemented by excellent comprehensive athletic and arts programs and a nationally recognized outdoor education program.
Heathwood Hall is known for its tradition of innovation, programmatic excellence, lauded faculty and its child-centered approach to education. Student-centered classrooms are characterized by hands-on experiences, active learning and small class sizes. The curriculum is uniquely enriched by international experiences, outdoor education, interdisciplinary studies, laboratory-based research science and integration of the latest technology.
Where faith matters … Heathwood Hall is committed to its Christian identity and its Episcopal heritage. This community strives for justice and peace among all people and respects the dignity of every human being. Heathwood Hall encourages people of all religious backgrounds and practices to become a part of its community, and the school welcomes and embraces the richness of such diversity.
The school culture allows all students to grow in their faith and deepen their spirituality. The Episcopal tradition motivates a community committed to service. As the first independent school in the Midlands to require community service for graduation, students learn directly about their community and the role they can play in changing the world. Heathwood Hall students graduate having learned from and helped a wide range of diverse people, cultures, beliefs and practices.
Where futures begin … Nurturing all students with the opportunities, tools and resources they need to lead enriched and purposeful lives, Heathwood Hall has for generations cultivated children into exceptional young adults with boundless potential. From age 3 through 12th grade, students grow in their academic knowledge and skill while developing their character in a way that prepares them for future success in the colleges in which they matriculate and, most importantly, in life.
A dedicated college counseling staff works closely with families and students throughout the high school years. The goal is for the senior to gain admission to the school of best fit: that is, the college or university where the student is most likely to experience the greatest personal development, academic success and strong grounding for the future. Seniors have been accepted to 237 different colleges across the United States and abroad within the past five years.
Learn more about Heathwood Hall by visiting its website or by visiting the campus to meet with faculty and talk with students and families. Please contact the Admission Office – admissions@heathwood.org – to schedule a visit or to obtain more information.
Saint Joseph Catholic School
3700 Devine Street, Columbia, S.C. 29205
(803) 254-6736 • www.stjosdevine.com
At Saint Joseph Catholic School, children of parishioners and the non-Catholic community are offered a challenging curriculum of academic study and spiritual formation in a safe and loving environment for K4 through 6th grades.
Highly-qualified teachers combined with low student-teacher ratios allow Saint Joseph’s students to thrive. The faculty goes beyond traditional textbook and lecture instruction to be sure their students are taught in an environment that meets the needs of their individual learning styles.
Building character.
Woven into each school day are chances for students to grow from leadership and service opportunities. Saint Joseph’s strives to ensure that their students are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges they will face in the future.
Living faith.
The school provides an atmosphere of tolerance, trust and love. The faiths of all students are acknowledged and celebrated. The goal is to make every family feel welcome in their church and in the school.
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29209
(803) 695-1400 • www.sandhillsschool.org
When Sandhills School prepared to break ground this past fall for its new high school building, students of all ages each were given a South Carolina river rock on which to write a message; the rocks were to be used to create the cornerstone for the new facility. The messages said a lot about the pride and self-confidence of these young people, many of whom had struggled in the traditional classroom: “Sandhills made me take the extra step;” “I came, I saw, I conquered;” “On the road to success;” “Sandhills is awesome.” These are the words of students with average to superior intelligence who know that, given the right tools, they can excel.
Since 1970, Sandhills School has changed the lives of young people diagnosed with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD. Now serving students in grades one through 12, Sandhills is the only Orton-Gillingham accredited college preparatory school in the Midlands and one of only nine in the nation. Sandhills is led by a team of highly-qualified teachers who develop the potential of each student through individualized learning. Offering an advanced curriculum and using a multisensory approach to teaching, the faculty helps students to rediscover the joy of learning and to prepare themselves for college and beyond.
The school’s first high school class graduated in May 2012 with 100 percent acceptance to the four-year colleges of their choice. The completion in April of the new high school, the Faulds Building, will enable Sandhills School not only the opportunity to serve more high school students, but also will free current space for the addition of more children in the elementary and middle school levels.
Timmerman School
2219 Atascadero Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29206
(803) 787-4241 • timmermanschool.com
Founded in 1954, Timmerman School has provided thousands of Columbia-area children with the city’s finest educational experience. The school offers a phonics-based reading curriculum for the pre-school child and a literature-based reading curriculum for elementary and middle school students. In addition to the core curriculum and advanced academic subjects, the school also provides courses in foreign language, computer, music theory and physical education as well as an innovative national math computer program. Highly-qualified students may earn high school credits in math, science, English and computer. Also, Timmerman features an extensive fine arts program including all genres of dance, music and drama. The students engage in dance productions, recitals, music competitions, dramatic plays and chorus concerts.
Timmerman provides an on-campus, after-school care program during the academic year. During the summer months, an exciting, full-day care program is offered along with academic and athletic opportunities for all students. Receiving the highest accreditation granted by the South Carolina Independent School Association, Timmerman School is recognized as one of South Carolina’s top academic environments where progress is measured by the Stanford Achievement Test.
