Ben Lippen School
Monticello Road Campus
(Pre-K through 12th grade)
7401 Monticello Rd, 29203
St. Andrews Rd Campus
(Pre-K through fifth grade)
500 St. Andrews Rd, 29210
(803) 807-4000
www.benlippen.com
Ben Lippen School is a Pre-K to 12th grade Christian school with more than 700 students enrolled in a rigorous academic program built on a solid foundation of biblical truth that prepares 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 communicate effectively. Typically, 100 percent of the senior class enters post-secondary education.
Our teaching philosophy emphasizes mentoring and personal relationships with faculty members serving as club sponsors, coaches and advisors in addition to being classroom instructors. Most importantly, each teacher must make a personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ. The faculty also fosters a community experience in which students and families are known by name.
Ben Lippen offers a diverse campus with international students from 10 countries composing approximately 20 percent of the high school population. With so many nationalities represented, students have the opportunity to learn from other cultures and celebrate our global diversity.
Confidence, personal interests and talents are developed through a wide array of co-curricular opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, leadership and service. Both inside and outside the classroom, students are encouraged to develop spiritually, academically and socially as they utilize their God-given talents while displaying Christian character.
Cardinal Newman School
4701 Forest Dr, 29206
(803) 782-2814 www.cnhs.org
Forming Lives of Excellence in the Catholic Tradition for More Than 150 Years Spiritually, Academically and Athletically
We strive to make sure every day is a day to witness amazing transformations as we help children grow into remarkable young adults, great intellectuals and conscientious citizens of the world. Our 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 our theology program.
Academic Excellence
We offer college-credit, advanced placement, honors and college-preparatory classes. In 2014, 96 percent of our graduates went on to post-secondary education in some of the most highly-selective U.S. colleges and universities; 89 percent of those graduates received merit-based college scholarships totaling more than $6.1 million; eight students were named Palmetto Fellows; one student was named a National Merit Scholar and one was awarded a Commendation.
Athletic Excellence
Our 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 2014, two students athletes signed to play their sports on the collegiate level.
Glenforest School
1041 Harbor Dr, 29169
(803) 796-7622
www.glenforest.org
Glenforest is a kindergarten through grade 12 school providing specially designed instruction of the state standards along with instruction in social skills to students with learning differences. Our mission is to meet the academic and social needs of students who require a positive, supportive learning environment to achieve their individual post-secondary goals. We have a clear vision, which is to empower and equip our students to be successful in a highly competitive world. The goal of Glenforest is to increase the academic skills and social competence of students to enable them to become productive citizens in their communities. Students reach their potential through not only our instructional program, but also through our athletic and co-curricular activities.
Hammond School
854 Galway Ln, 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. First and foremost, we take academics seriously, and our track record proves it. But that’s only half the story. Our athletic department, art department, experiential learning programs and commitment to community service help round out the Hammond experience to develop the whole child. We believe learning should extend past the classroom. Field studies and overnight trips find our students exploring new environments, local and abroad, in addition to the ample opportunities that exist on our 200-acre plus campus. Hammond is the first independent school in South Carolina to incorporate a one-to-one iPad initiative into its curriculum across all grades, and was recognized by Apple, Inc. as a Distinguished School for its classroom use of technology. We believe in five imperatives that form the basis of the Hammond experience:
Rigorous academic standards that prepare and push
• Average SAT score is 1234
• 13 percent of the Class of 2014 was named Palmetto Fellows
• 2014 academic scholarship offerings totaled $5.3 million for a class of 64 students
• Class of 2014 boasted appointments to two U.S. Service Academies and several Ivy League schools.
Challenges that build the mind, body and spirit
• Recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Youth Group Fundraiser Award for community service.
• Recipient of the 2014 SCISA President’s Cup for best Athletic Department
• Named 2013-2014 Apple, Inc. Distinguished School for technology
• Select Ensemble sang before Pope Benedict XVI at the 2013 New Year’s Day Mass
A culture of high expectation
• At Hammond, we expect more of our students and we create an environment that helps prepare them for the journey ahead. Our faculty members and coaches serve as mentors and teachers, always expecting nothing less than a student’s personal best. Whether students are in the classroom, on the playing field, the stage, or performing service in the community, excellence is the norm.
A meaningful connection to the larger global community
• Beginning in pre-kindergarten, every student is exposed to one or more foreign languages and will have traveled internationally by graduation.
• Annually, the school sends three teachers, one from each division, to a chosen “country of study” for in-depth exposure to the culture, language, and landscape of that particular country. This forms the basis for the school’s immersion into year-long global study.
An environment that enhances, rather than impedes, possibility
We believe establishing an environment conducive to a child’s learning starts in the earliest grades. Hammond has been successful in creating a culture of emotional safety where students are comfortable trying their hand at new and different experiences whether on stage or on our athletic fields. It’s not unusual to see an athlete take center stage at a play or perform at a choral concert with ease.
Heathwood Hall
3000 S. Beltline Blvd, 29201
(803) 765-2309
www.heathwood.org
Ask parents why they chose Heathwood Hall for their children, and they will tell you about the immersive, respectful Heathwood experience that leads to meaningful and excellent outcomes.
Founded in 1951, Heathwood is an Episcopal school that welcomes students of all faiths. Weekly chapel services, classroom devotionals and regular prayer are formative for students of all ages. Community service is a hallmark of the Heathwood experience, as students participate in projects that benefit local and global communities.
Beyond generic definitions of “academic rigor” and “college prep,” Heathwood students work with expert faculty (60 percent hold advanced degrees) and experience a deep, collaborative learning process. The faculty motivates and challenges students by respecting their potential and expecting the most of them. Critical thinking and analysis take students deeper than mere memorization and fact finding, preparing them for the demands of college and life.
Our students attend such prominent institutions as Duke University, Tufts University, Princeton University, University of Virginia, St. Andrews, Scotland, and the honors programs at USC and Clemson. Thriving in college and beyond is the norm for our students, because “college prep” at Heathwood is about more than just getting into a school.
Our signature programs include PEAK outdoor leadership, SEED environmental education and Winterim immersive study. Award-winning athletics, arts and other engaging co-curricular programs encourage students’ interests and talents beyond the classroom.
Saint Joseph Catholic School
3700 Devine St, 29205
(803) 254-6736
www.stjosdevine.com
At Saint Joseph Catholic School, we offer children of parishioners and our non-Catholic community a challenging curriculum of academic study and spiritual formation in a safe and loving environment (K4 – sixth grades).
Inspiring minds
Highly qualified teachers combined with low student-teacher ratios allow our students to thrive. Our faculty goes beyond traditional textbook and lecture instruction to be sure our 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 our students to grow from leadership and service opportunities. We strive to ensure our students are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges they will face in the future.
Living faith
We provide an atmosphere of tolerance, trust and love. We acknowledge and celebrate the faiths of all of our students. Our goal is to make every family feel welcome in our church and in our school.
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Dr, 29209
(803) 695-1400
www.sandhillsschool.org
Sandhills students have brilliant minds with great intellectual capacity. At Sandhills, we know how to capture that brilliance and talent and turn challenges into success. Sandhills provides a first through 12th grade school community where the gifts of our students are celebrated and guided so that the student can thrive. The possibilities of our students are endless, and at Sandhills, students come to love learning once again with the confidence to make those possibilities a reality.
Think for a moment what our communities could look like if great minds were able to impact the world in spite of — and because of — our differences. At Sandhills, we find our purpose in creating the place where great minds can discover their true stride as leaders and givers in the world. For more than 40 years, Sandhills School has changed the lives of young people diagnosed with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD.
Sandhills is the only Orton-Gillingham accredited college preparatory school in the Midlands. We help prepare students to succeed in college and beyond. One hundred percent of Sandhills graduates have been accepted into the college of their choice. Our graduates have also been the recipients of thousands of dollars in scholarships.
Timmerman School
2219 Atascadero Dr, Columbia, 29206
(803) 787-4241
www.timmermanschool.org
Timmerman School was founded in 1954 by Mrs. June H. Timmerman. Mrs. Timmerman began her teaching career in Alabama’s public school system where she designed the 5-year-old kindergarten phonics program for her school district. After transferring to Columbia with her husband, John, she saw a need for pre-school education; therefore, she decided to start a school just to prepare 5 year olds for the rigors of first grade. The school quickly grew, adding grades and outgrowing three campuses.
Mrs. Timmerman hosted a daily live children’s educational television show through ETV for many years. She was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford for her contributions in educating students throughout the state of South Carolina. Today the school enjoys a beautiful campus in Forest Acres serving young 3 year olds through eighth grade students. The school completed construction of a brand new gymnasium last fall. A comprehensive and competitive sports’ program is available to students in K4 through middle school. A large auditorium enables students to enjoy drama, dance and music. Timmerman School prides itself on embracing traditional education while understanding the importance of technology all within a values-oriented environment. The mission of Timmerman School is to foster the three R’s: Respect, Resourcefulness and personal Responsibility.