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 continues to redefine excellence; in the classroom, on the field, in the community, for our students’ futures. We are proud to be the only private school in the Midlands offering the AP Capstone Program, with 25 Advanced Placement courses from which to choose. Our seniors not only leave here well prepared for college but often with college credit hours and scholarship funds.
Our most recent graduating class (2021) earned more than $10 million in state-funded, talent and merit scholarships, which equates to an average of more than $100,000 per student. Ninety-five percent of graduates qualified for the State Academic Scholarships. A testament to the demanding academic curriculum we provide, students from this class were accepted into esteemed universities such as Notre Dame, Duke, Sewanee, and William and Mary, just to name a few.
Students at Cardinal Newman can try out for more than 20 different athletic teams; join one of nearly 30 clubs, including both middle and high school; or participate in one of our award-winning performing arts programs. Cardinal Newman is the only private school in the Midlands with a marching band! There is truly a place for everyone here at Cardinal Newman. Find yours by visiting CNHS.org today to schedule a tour!
By the numbers:
• 50 percent of faculty have advanced degrees.
• Cardinal Newman offers 25 advanced placement courses.
• The student body consists of 59 percent Catholics, 41 percent non-Catholics.
• Teacher to student ratio is 1:11.
• Minimum community service hours performed each school year: 1,500+
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 Suzuki 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.”
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 1262, and the average ACT score is 29.
• 26 percent of the class of 2021 were named Palmetto Fellows.
• 2021 academic scholarship offerings topped $9.4 million.
• 93 percent of students in middle and upper grades participate on an athletic team.
• Hammond boasts 155 state championship athletic teams.
• Athletics received the SCISA President’s Cup for three consecutive years.
• Award-winning drama department.
• The Select Ensemble choir performs at home and abroad and has sung before the pope at New Year’s Day mass.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
3000 S. Beltline Boulevard, 29201
(803) 765-2309
Heathwood.org
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School has been an educational leader in South Carolina since 1951. From age 2 through 12th grade, Heathwood students go beyond the basics of a traditional education by learning to think critically and creatively, to ask and answer challenging questions, to solve problems, and to self-advocate. We believe authentic learning is the result of a supportive environment, inspired inquiry, and the hands-on connection between curriculum and practical application.
In keeping with our Episcopal tradition, we seek to educate the whole child in mind, body, and spirit and believe deeply that students’ experiences beyond the classroom, on the playing field, in chapel, in the theater or art studio, and in service to others, are essential to their academic and personal growth.
Heathwood students are supported by a strong and caring community, anchored by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty. Our teachers have an average of 18 years experience, and more than two-thirds hold advanced degrees. They bring to their teaching intelligence, creativity, and a deep respect for students as co-creators of the classroom experience. That’s why, since 2001, 13 members of the Heathwood faculty have been named SCISA Teachers of the Year.
Heathwood’s resources include a 122-acre campus with five distinct habitats, a Makerspace, a thriving fine arts program, outstanding athletic facilities, and a natural learning environment playground. Distinctive Heathwood programs such as PEAK, our signature outdoor and leadership development experience; Winterim, which provides experiential learning through short courses, internships, and domestic and international travel; and Senior Exhibition, a yearlong scholarly research project completed by all members of the senior class, create opportunities for multifaceted, applied learning. A Heathwood education prepares students to become engaged, empathetic leaders, ready not only to take on a dynamic world but to transform it.
Heathwood by the numbers:
• 825 students, age 2 – 12th grade
• Average SAT score of 1498, Class of 2022 top quartile
• 88 percent AP Exam pass rate in 2021
• 47 percent of 2021 graduates named AP Scholars
• Heathwood students have visited more than 45 countries through our annual Winterim program.
• Upper School students complete more than 7,500 hours of community service each year.
• College acceptances to date for the Class of 2022 include American, Brown, Clemson, Georgetown, Wake Forest, and Yale universities, Middlebury and Morehouse colleges, USC Honors College, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Heritage Christian Academy
649 Barr Road, 29072
(803) 951-3901
HeritageChristianSC.com
For more than 25 years, Heritage Christian Academy has been successfully educating students in the Midlands with a distinctively classical, Christ-centered education. We are located in a safe, residential area of Lexington on a beautiful 10-acre campus.
We are a classical, Christian school that is committed to the pursuit of truth, wisdom, academic excellence, and the love of learning. Due to our small class sizes, Heritage teachers are thoroughly invested in every student, thus encouraging academic success and spiritual growth.
Heritage students are confident, well-spoken, and self-disciplined in their studies. Through time-tested methods, debate, and logic, we seek to instill eloquence, honor, resourcefulness, discernment, and leadership skills in our students. Our students value and display a love of learning and of God’s creation, treating it responsibly and with dignity. They love their school family where friendships are made for life!
Heritage alumni are now leaders in their communities as teachers, nurses, accountants, businessmen, and medical professionals. We have alumni who have obtained advanced degrees in pharmacy, medicine, architecture, business, and law. We are proud of the remarkable academic success our alumni have achieved, but we are proudest of the refinement and character of these young men and women as they impact their communities for the glory of God.
Come grow with us! Call us today at (803) 951-3901 to schedule your tour.
Montessori School of Columbia
411 S. Maple Street, 29205
(803) 783-8838
MontessoriColumbia.com
The Montessori philosophy embraces the idea that every single child can achieve excellence through a school that promotes independent learning, personal motivation, and appropriate responsibility. Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment.
Our classroom communities are designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability. Students follow their own curiosity and move through the curriculum at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept and meet individualized learning goals. They are able to advance at their own pace, preventing boredom in the classroom.
Given the freedom and support to question, research, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community. They think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly and with integrity.
Research shows:
• Cognition is optimized when movement is consistent with thinking.
• We learn best when we are interested in what we are learning about.
• Extrinsic rewards reduce motivation and level of performance once the rewards are removed.
• People thrive when they feel a sense of choice and control.
• We learn best when our learning is situated in meaningful contexts.
• Children can learn very well from and with peers; after age 6 children respond well to collaborative learning situations.
• Children thrive on order, routine, and ritual.
• Certain adult ways (counseled by Montessori) are associated with better child outcomes.
— Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
A recently published paper in Frontiers in Psychology provides evidence that a Montessori education may be superior to traditional methods of education, especially on measures relating to students’ long-term psychological health and well-being. They found strong evidence of elevated psychological well-being among adults who attended Montessori schools as children. The researchers suggest that a Montessori curriculum boosts childhood and adult well-being by focusing on activities that promote self-determination (children in Montessori classrooms choose their own work most of the time and feel like they are in charge of their own educations), meaningful activities (children only take part in activities for which the underlying reasons are clear), and social stability and cohesion (classrooms span three years during which children have the same teacher and peer group).
Northside Christian Academy
4347 Sunset Blvd., 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 2022-2023 school year? Schedule your tour today at NorthsideChristianAcademy.com. Please sign up for only one time slot per family. If all of your preferred slots are full, please continue to the following month to sign-up or email nca@ncak12.org to set-up an individual tour. We can’t wait to welcome you home!
Come see why Northside is the #1 choice for private education 11 years in a row!
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, sporting clays, track and field, golf, tennis, and cheerleading, builds character and teamwork.
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 lifechanging virtues in our students. Come take “The Road to Success” at Timmerman School.
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Drive, 29209
(803) 695-1400
SandhillsSchool.org
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.
Started by parents in 1970, Sandhills is the only Orton-Gillingham accredited school in the Midlands and one of only 18 in the nation. 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.
This August, we opened the brand-new Boyd Foundation Building, providing nine additional classrooms, four reading intervention rooms, a flexible use community space, and a covered patio for outdoor classes overlooking our pond and athletic fields on our beautiful 23-acre Southeast Columbia campus. This generous gift from the Boyd Foundation will allow us to continue to change even more lives in our community.
