How did your school begin?

From the Scottish phrase meaning “Mountain of Trust,” Ben Lippen School was founded in 1940 by the Columbia International University board of trustees under the guidance of CIU’s first president, Robert C. McQuilkin. The evangelical boarding school for boys was located at CIU’s Ben Lippen Conference Center on a mountain near Asheville, North Carolina. The school became co-educational in 1952 and flourished as a school for missionary children. After a fire destroyed the main building in 1980, Ben Lippen moved its high school program to its current location in Columbia in 1988 to be on the campus of CIU. An elementary program was begun in 1990 and currently boasts two campuses, one at the Monticello Road location and another on St. Andrews Road in Columbia.

What is the mission of your school?

Ben Lippen School seeks to glorify God by educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ and by assisting the family and church in equipping students spiritually, academically, socially, and physically under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

What differentiates your school from others?

It is our desire at Ben Lippen to do all that we do to glorify God, and we believe this sets us apart from most schools. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or on the stage, we want to do everything we do from a biblical perspective and with such quality that the Lord is pleased.

What inspires you daily?

At Ben Lippen, we prioritize Jesus’ charge to make disciples. Discipleship, put simply, is following Jesus and intentionally helping others to do the same.

What do you like best about your line of work?

I love to see the life changing impact of teachers in the hearts and minds of students. Our students are reaping blessings being a part of Ben Lippen School. Our teachers are daily pouring into them more than just knowledge and academic material. They are modeling and sharing examples from their personal walks with the Lord. I love seeing the childrens’ faces light up as they share stories they have heard in the classroom. Ben Lippen School is reinforcing a Christ-centered lifestyle both at home and at school.