Ben Lippen School
7401 Monticello Road, 29203
(803) 807-4110
BenLippen.com
“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.”
A biblical worldview is the foundational perspective from which all subjects are taught and applied for students pre-K3 through 12th grade at Ben Lippen School. Our goal is to promote and help our students develop faith in Jesus Christ through rigorous academics, cocurricular activities, leadership development, and personal relationships. These are accomplished through committed faculty and staff who love Christ, love students, and love to teach a biblically permeated curriculum.
You may be wondering, who is “Ben Lippen?” Ben Lippen is not a person, but a way of life. In 1940, Columbia Bible College founded a conference center and boarding school in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The college chose a Scottish phrase, “Ben Lippen” meaning “Mountain of Trust,” as the name of the site. Today, as we look back through Ben Lippen’s history, it remains our desire to trust the Lord and to impart that trust to our students.
Our desire at Ben Lippen School is to glorify God in all that we do. We believe this sets us apart from most schools. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or the stage, we want to do everything from a biblical perspective and with such quality that the Lord is pleased. Our students are exposed to high-quality academics, the latest technology, skills development through our athletics and arts programs, and other cultures from around the world, all of which prepare our students to go on to higher education and adulthood ready to impact the world for Christ.
Cardinal Newman School
2945 Alpine Road, 29223
(803) 782-2814
CNHS.org
Cardinal Newman is a place where every day starts and ends with prayer. It’s where students are challenged, but supported, academically. It’s where students try their hand at different sports, participate in school clubs, and serve in their community. They perform on stage for their peers and for the public. They create masterpieces and win awards for them. Cardinal Newman is the only private school in the Midlands with a marching band! It’s a place where every student’s hidden talents can be uncovered, and opportunities to get involved are limitless.
Our most recent graduating class (2022) earned more than $12 million in state-funded talent and merit scholarships, which equates to an average of more than $137,000 per student. Ninety-six percent of graduates qualified for the State Academic Scholarships. Our students were accepted to schools like Duke, Sewanee, Washington & Lee, and the University of South Carolina’s Honors College.
When students leave Cardinal Newman, they are better prepared for college and for the road ahead. They leave with countless memories and lifelong friendships. This place isn’t just a school, it’s a home. And we welcome everyone. Come see why so many have decided to make Cardinal Newman their school home! Now enrolling grades 7-12 to begin in the fall of 2023. It all starts here.
2022–2023 School Population, Grades 7-12
Student enrollment: 506
Catholic / Non-Catholic: 57 percent / 43 percent
Faculty with advanced degrees: 51 percent
Teacher to student ratio: 1:10
Covenant Classical Christian School
6515 North Trenholm Road, 29206
(803) 790-5100
CovenantCS.org
Education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty so the student may glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
What does it mean to be “Distinctly Christ-Centered and Classical?” First and foremost, Covenant Classical Christian School is a Kindergarten through 12th grade Christian school that incorporates the methods and content unique to a classical education. As a distinctly Christ-centered school, we place the Word of God at the center of all learning by boldly acknowledging that all things come from our Creator and that every area of life must be subject to glorifying Him.
A classical education includes the methods for teaching children as God has created them by recognizing the developmental stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. A classical education at Covenant includes a distinguished curricular program that includes violin, phonics, and cursive penmanship beginning in Kindergarten, Latin, formal logic, rhetoric, philosophy, hermeneutics, and apologetics, in addition to an advanced course of study in literature, history, math, and science.
We serve Christian parents in educating their children by providing a distinctly Christ-centered and classical education designed to cultivate discipleship, scholarship, and citizenship in the life of the students, so they are equipped to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, “in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
East Point Academy Elementary
1043 Chris Drive, 29169
(803) 926-5180
EastPointSC.org
East Point Academy is a tuition free public charter school that serves 5k - eighth grade in West Columbia. We also offer a tuition based 4-year-old kindergarten. We are globally minded and provide a rich and rigorous education to the students we serve. East Point Academy offers personalized learning through small classes, bilingual language instruction by certified teachers, civic engagement, cultural and social awareness activities, and parental involvement, giving students the individualized attention and extra help they need to succeed in the classroom and in life. As a charter school, we accept students from any school district in South Carolina. Our open enrollment for the following year took place in January and February, but applications are accepted on a year-round basis.
Hammond School
854 Galway Lane, 29209
(803) 776-0295
HammondSchool.org
Hammond realizes students of today will inherit a world scarcely imagined. To that end, the school ensures students are well prepared for whatever the future holds, and it is committed to teaching students to think ahead. Hammond’s innovation center features a planetarium, makerspace, state-of-the-art labs, and a unique student center for collaborative learning. Beginning in the earliest grades, Hammond nurtures innate curiosity and inquisitiveness. The Wonder Lab provides Lower School students ample space to design, create, and collaborate — the perfect place to learn both hard and soft skills at an early age. In addition to a naturalist-in-residence who leads field studies across the 110-acre campus, young learners explore everything from Spanish to writing computer code.
The middle years program begins to develop confident, independent learners by allowing them to take on new challenges, embrace new perspectives, and venture into other cultures. Hammond provides an emotionally secure environment where students are encouraged to explore and discover talents and interests.
By the time students reach the Upper School, they are prepared to dive deep into every subject from global issues to creative writing. Comfort zones are expanded through trips to Costa Rica and whitewater rafting down the Nantahala. The arts, athletics, and community service are cocurricular components that round out the school’s program.
Hammond boasts a unique experience that follows students throughout their lives. Its community is a nurturing family where faculty and coaches work alongside students in a small, caring environment. Lifelong friendships are forged, a love of learning is instilled, and talents are nurtured. Students of all ages and grades have opportunities to participate in experiential learning, and the school’s focus on a global curriculum is a hallmark of the Hammond experience.
In addition to an innovative academic program, the school boasts impressive athletic and arts programs. The small environment affords students the opportunity to participate in athletics, and the school’s teams have earned a reputation for success. Likewise, the varied palette of arts programs offers five tracts in the fine arts.
By the numbers:
• The average SAT score is 1269, and the average ACT score is 27.5.
• 30 percent of the class of 2022 were named Palmetto Fellows.
• 2022 academic scholarship offerings topped $10.7 million.
• 95 percent of students in middle and upper grades participate on an athletic team.
• Hammond boasts 156 state championship athletic teams.
• Athletics received the SCISA President’s Cup for three consecutive years.
• Award-winning drama department.
• The Select Ensemble choir performed at home and abroad and sang for Pope Francis in December 2022.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
3000 S. Beltline Boulevard, 29201
(803) 765-2309
Heathwood.org
Heathwood Hall was founded in 1951 as an inclusive Episcopal school. For over 70 years, the school has pursued its mission to educate the whole child through a classical curriculum reinforced with service and experiential learning. From two-year preschool through 12th grade, Heathwood students learn to think critically, ask and answer challenging questions, solve problems, and self-advocate.
In keeping with our Episcopal tradition, Heathwood recognizes the dignity and individualism of each child. We seek to educate each student as a whole person, in mind, body, and spirit. Beyond the classroom, the school provides experiences essential to students’ academic and personal growth, whether on the playing field; in the chapel, theater, or art studio; or in service to others.
Heathwood’s approach to education creates tangible outcomes. Heathwood consistently leads the Midlands in academic and athletic achievements. This would not be possible without the support provided by our strong and caring community. Heathwood teachers have an average of 14 years experience, and more than two-thirds hold advanced degrees. They bring their intelligence, creativity, and a deep respect for students as co-creators of the classroom experience. That’s why 14 members of the Heathwood faculty have been named SCISA Teachers of the Year since the award’s inception in 2001, more than any other school in South Carolina.
Heathwood’s resources include a 122-acre campus, a thriving fine arts program, outstanding athletic facilities, a Makerspace, and expansive outdoor learning spaces. Signature Heathwood programs include PEAK, our outdoor leadership development program; Winterim, which provides experiential learning through internships and domestic and international experiences; and Senior Exhibition, a year-long scholarly research project completed by each member of the senior class. Heathwood prepares students to become engaged, empathetic leaders, ready not only to take on a dynamic world, but to transform it.
Heathwood by the Numbers (Year-to-Date):
• 878 students enrolled between two-year-old preschool and 12th grade
• 8:1 student to teacher ratio
• 10 percent of seniors received National Merit recognition
• 42 percent of the senior and junior classes were honored as National Honor Society students
• 5 Seniors advanced as semi-finalists in the National Merit Competition, more than all other independent schools in Columbia combined for the second consecutive year
• 89 percent AP Exam pass rate
• More than 45 total countries visited through the annual Winterim program
• More than 7,500 hours of community service completed
• 100 percent college acceptance rate
Montessori School of Columbia
411 South Maple Street, 29205
(803) 783-8838
MontessoriColumbia.com
There’s a neighborhood in downtown Columbia that holds a secret treasure. It’s a school with a small urban footprint but a very large mandate: to remain true to the Montessori philosophy and to the educational excellence it requires.
The Montessori School of Columbia turns 40 this year. In its first years, MSC chose the Rosewood neighborhood for a small, intimate school. It was founded by parents who sought a genuine Montessori education for their children. Little did they know that they planted seeds that have grown into a remarkable educational opportunity.
MSC has three preschool classes, two lower-elementary classes, one upper-elementary class, and a new middle school, all of which are guided by trained, experienced, certified Montessori teachers. In addition to academic classes, the school offers music, art, Spanish, physical education, and after-school classes such as chess and soccer. Enrolled elementary students may choose up to eight weeks of summer camps.
Beginning in preschool, students use manipulative materials that reenforce a curriculum rich in language, math, and science, even at the youngest level. These manipulatives teach abstract ideas in a concrete form. “Nothing goes into the mind that does not first go through the hands,” Montessori said. Lessons are given to each child in sequence, layering difficulty as they go. Many perceive Montessori education to be free-form, but there is a structure that provides a logical and ordered progression for learning. New lessons are given as students master previous lessons.
By the time a student is in middle school, most of the manipulatives have been replaced by abstract thinking. Students at this age are on the edge of adulthood, and their curriculum and class experiences reflect this. Students plan time away from the classroom in the environment, camping, hiking, and rafting. They run their own businesses to fund their explorations.
The Five Great Lessons, which are the foundation of the integrated humanities and science studies offered at the elementary and middle school levels, are perhaps the most fascinating part of Montessori curriculum. These are what Maria Montessori called the Cosmic Curriculum, designed to engage a child’s growing imagination while teaching basic science principles.
But perhaps the most constructive part of the curriculum at all levels is encouraging the independence, concentration, and problem-solving skills of each child. Independence is the framework upon which all is built. Students choose the work they will do, with the guidance of their teachers, and progress through it at a pace that matches the child’s abilities. This environment cannnot be duplicated in a traditional environment.
Northside Christian Academy
4347 Sunset Boulevard, 29072
(803) 520-5656
NorthsideChristianAcademy.org
WE ARE FAITHFUL
We promote a biblical world view — our teachers openly teach the truths of Scripture because their commitment compels an open, unashamed love and service to Jesus Christ.
WE ARE EXCELLENT
Academic instruction is exemplary and our teacher-pupil ratio is lower than other schools, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention and behavior reinforcement.
WE ARE FAMILY
Students are nurtured with biblical truth, values, and morals, empowering the lessons taught at home.
WE ARE LOVE
At Northside, we utilize the biblical standard of true friendship, which calls for love, forgiveness, and accountability; the positive influence of a child’s Christian peers has no substitute.
WE ARE NORTHSIDE!
We are not simply preparing children for the next test, rather we desire to partner with parents and establish a foundation that will serve your child throughout their lives and eternity. There is no way to place a price tag on a child’s heart and mind or calculate the worth of a young person who is doing the will of God from the heart. Our mission is simple: to lovingly lead and equip students to believe, defend, and proclaim the truth.
Interested in learning more about Northside Christian Academy for the 2023-2024 school year? Schedule your tour today at NorthsideChristianAcademy.org or email us at nca@ncak12.org. We can’t wait to welcome you home!
Come see why Northside is the #1 choice for private education 12 years in a row!
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Drive, 29209
(803) 695-1400
SandhillsSchool.org
If you’re concerned about your bright student’s progress in reading, writing, or math, trust your gut. Don’t delay. Call to speak to one of our dyslexia and learning difference experts about the next steps to finding success!
Sandhills School is a college preparatory school for bright students with dyslexia and related learning differences in grades first through 12th. Through individualized Orton-Gillingham instruction, our students gain the confidence, master the tools, and participate in the opportunities they need to realize their potential in academics and life.
Sandhills teachers are highly trained to provide research-based, individualized instruction tailored to each student’s academic needs. Students attain tremendous progress in reading, writing, math, study skills, organization, and college entrance test preparation. Our graduates are recognized by state and national scholarships and are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.
Sandhills School is one of only 10 schools in the U.S. accredited for both Orton-Gillingham student instruction and teacher training. Sandhills has a diverse student population serving 25 local zip codes and families who have relocated to Columbia from eight states for their child’s education. Sandhills is located on a 23-acre campus that hosts a new Boyd Foundation Building, providing nine additional classrooms, a flexible use community space, and a patio for outdoor classes overlooking our pond.
Timmerman School
2219 Atascadero Drive, 29206
(803) 782-2748
TimmermanSchool.org
Timmerman School is the Premier STEAM Certified and largest independent 2-year-old through eighth grade school in the Midlands. It was founded in 1954 by Mrs. June H. Timmerman. The school quickly grew, adding grades and outgrowing three campuses. She hosted a daily live children’s educational television show through ETV for many years and was awarded The Order of the Palmetto for her contributions in education.
Today the school enjoys a beautiful campus in Forest Acres serving 2-year-old children through eighth grade students. A highly qualified staff guides and instructs students through an advanced academic curriculum with an extremely small teacher/student ratio. If needed, Timmerman’s LOGIC Program, consisting of small groups and individualized instruction, enhances academic proficiency through an Orton-Gillingham based curriculum. Administrators at Timmerman have been recognized with the Dr. Charles Aimar Educational Leadership Award, the SCISA LEAD Award, the 2021 SCISA Administrative Assistant Award, and the SCISA Charles J. Beach Volunteer of the Year Award, all statewide recognitions.
The performing arts are an integral part of the total Timmerman experience. A comprehensive athletic program, including volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, sporting clays, track and field, golf, tennis, and cheerleading, builds character and teamwork. Timmerman school sponsors a very active 4-H club.
The staff and administration lead through a passion for and a commitment to a quality education. Embedded in the mission of Timmerman School is the fostering of compassion and respect to instill these life-changing virtues in our students. Come take “The Road to Success” at Timmerman School.
