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In their own words
Columbia's independent schools introduce themselves
Ben Lippen School
Monticello Road Campus
(Pre-K through 12th grade)
7401 Monticello Road
St. Andrews Campus
(Pre-K through fifth grade)
500 St. Andrews Road
(803) 807-4110
www.benlippen.com
Rising to the Peaks of Christian Scholarship
Ben Lippen School is an interdenominational college and “calling” preparatory school of 800 students in grades pre-K through 12. Founded in 1940, Ben Lippen offers challenging academics, a wide variety of co-curricular activities and the spiritual and social training required to graduate Christian scholars who will be prepared for God’s calling on their life in college and beyond. Ben Lippen offers programs comparable to those of larger schools but fosters a community atmosphere where students and families are known by name.
Academic excellence begins at the earliest levels. Beginning in preschool, students are challenged to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. In the middle school, students continue to build the foundations crucial to succeeding in the challenging high school curriculum. High school students participate in honors-level classes, and some receive college credit through Advanced Placement and Dual (college) Enrollment courses, with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college. The 73 members of the class of 2009 were awarded more than $4.5 million in renewable scholarships to some of the finest colleges and universities.
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Ben Lippen is the enriching cross-cultural experience that comes with having students from around the world live on campus and attend classes side-by-side with day students. Both receive the benefit of experiencing other ways of life while forming lifelong relationships that transcend cultures. Resident students make up approximately 20 percent of the high school population.
Confidence, personal interests and talents are developed through a wide array of co-curricular opportunities in areas such as academics, art, leadership, and service. From the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to the math team, from yearbook to choir, Ben Lippen offers students many opportunities to develop outside of 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. Several teams competed for state championships in recent years.
Ben Lippen School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).
Cardinal Newman School
4701 Forest Drive
(803) 782-2814
www.cnhs.org
Forming Lives of Excellence in the Catholic Tradition: Spiritual Excellence, Academic Excellence, Athletic Excellence.
With a rich 150-year history, Cardinal Newman School continues to make sure every day is a day to witness amazing transformations as we help your 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 7 through 12. Students will experience the benefits of a Cardinal Newman education long after they’ve exited our halls.
Spiritual Excellence
Cardinal Newman School allows students to openly express their spirituality through courses in theology and participation in the KAIROS and class retreats. Through a full-time director of campus ministry, the school provides multiple opportunities for students to grow in an atmosphere focused on Christian gospel values. 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 a major part of the core of the school’s theology program.
Academic Excellence
In 2009, 100 percent of graduates went on to post-secondary education; 88 percent of graduates received merit-based college scholarships; one student was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.
Cardinal Newman’s 2010 graduating class is accomplishing great things, with 25 percent of the class achieving SAT composite scores above 1200 and 5 percent achieving SAT composite scores above 1450. One student is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, and more than 50 percent of the class is graduating with at least six semester hours of college credit.
Athletic Excellence
The school is committed to providing a well rounded experience for its students by providing a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Cardinal Newman student athletes have won both team and individual state championships in softball and swimming – with the wrestling team winning its second consecutive state championship and the competition cheerleading team winning its fifth consecutive state championship this year. In addition, many student athletes are All-Region and All-State players. This year, one player was named the SCISA State Women’s Basketball Player of the Year by The State newspaper. In addition, two Cardinal Newman female student athletes have committed to play collegiate level softball and soccer.
Accreditations and Associations
• National Catholic Educational Association
• Palmetto Association of Independent Schools
• South Carolina Independent Schools Association
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Hammond School
854 Galway Lane
(803) 776-0295
www.hammondschool.org
The fact that we are the largest independent school in the Columbia area comes as no surprise. We take academics seriously, and our track record proves it. We work hard, and we play hard as well. We pride ourselves on cultivating a lifelong love of learning while encouraging students to search for their unique gifts and talents.
Hammond School is proud of its progressive curriculum at all grade levels, always seeking to incorporate the best techniques of a traditional program and those supported by thorough research.
The hallmark of Hammond’s curriculum is its global emphasis. To that end, we not only offer expansive community service opportunities, but also engage students in multi-cultural study. We are successful in bringing the world to Hammond and its students to the world.
• The average SAT score is 1242.
• 20 percent of the class of 2009 were named Palmetto Fellows.
• Our 2009 academic scholarship offerings topped $4,000,000, with 88 percent of the class receiving money.
• In 2009, Hammond students received more academic scholarship money from Furman University than any other school.
• Our football team is the four-time, back-to-back SCISA State Champion.
• Our drama department was selected to perform at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• The Select Ensemble choir is regularly invited to perform at home and abroad.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
3000 South Beltline Boulevard
(803) 231-7720
www.heathwood.org
Our Mission
A college preparatory school with a strong Episcopal heritage of stewardship, inclusivity and respect for the dignity of every human being, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School walks with students, challenging them to balance the highest standards of scholarship, citizenship and servant leadership. Through the richness of community we learn, grow and worship as we cultivate and celebrate the power of the individual mind, the soundness of body and the value of a joyful and spiritual life.
Inspiring Generations One Life at a Time
Established in 1951, Heathwood Hall serves a unique role in the Midlands as an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school with a strong Episcopal heritage. Located on a scenic, 133-acre campus that borders the Congaree River, Heathwood Hall is committed to knowing every student and fostering his or her achievement and spiritual growth from nursery school (beginning at age three) through grade 12.
The Difference
Heathwood Hall continues to earn national recognition for pioneering educational initiatives. With a curriculum that includes international experiences, outdoor and environmental education, related arts, the integration of the latest technology and advanced skills in science, languages and problem solving, Heathwood Hall is leading students beyond personal and geographic boundaries and preparing them for global citizenship. With support from caring teachers who empower, encourage and discover the gifts in each child, our students are taught not what to think, but how to think.
Spiritual Foundation
Community service and spiritual life, including daily prayer and weekly worship in our Chapel of the Epiphany, challenge young people to act on their faith through service to neighbors and fellow students. Heathwood Hall was the first independent school in the Midlands to require community service for graduation. The Heathwood Hall Honor Code provides the foundation for campus life for all students.
Awards and Honors
No independent school in the area has had more students and teachers honored with regional, national and international distinctions. Heathwood Hall features the state’s most honored independent school faculty, including an unprecedented seven state Teachers of the Year and two finalists – all during the past nine years. At Heathwood Hall, 100 percent college acceptance and matriculation is an expectation. Since 2001, graduates have received more than $20 million in college scholarships. Members of the class of 2009 earned scholarships from Columbia University, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, The University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest, to name a few.
PEAK: Pursuit of Environmental Adventure and Knowledge
One of Heathwood Hall’s most unique programs, the PEAK Outdoor Center consistently offers high-quality experiential adventure-based education, wilderness exploration and leadership development while emphasizing environmental stewardship. The combination of abundant ecological habitats, adventure elements and technical equipment found on or near the Heathwood Hall campus creates an ideal outdoor learning environment. From outdoor education classes to experiences on the school’s Alpine Tower or Odyssey apparatus to canoeing and kayaking on its two-acre pond, Heathwood Hall is committed to promoting an understanding of – and appreciation for – the natural world.
Saint Joseph Catholic School
3700 Devine Street
(803) 254-6736
www.stjosdevine.com
For more than 50 years, we have “lived” our motto: Inspiring minds. Building character. Living faith. Saint Joseph Catholic School offers 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
Special projects, hands-on activities, public speaking opportunities and field trips are utilized on a regular basis to enhance the learning experience. Weekly music, band and art classes are taught by degreed professionals who are interested in enhancing academic instruction through their media. In addition to state-of-the-art video and voice projection technology, every classroom is equipped with a SMART board ™.
Building Character
Woven into each school day are chances for our students to grow from leadership and service opportunities. “Adopting” younger students, Peer Mediation, Junior Beta Club and sixth-grade leadership opportunities are just some of the ways in which we work with our students to ensure they 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 which helps facilitate our students’ growth into mature Christians. Our school year is marked with prayerful traditions, community service projects, weekly Masses and an Ecumenical Service.
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Drive
(803) 695-1400
www.sandhillsschool.org
Since 1970, Sandhills School has been providing a successful learning environment for students with an average to superior intelligence who have a diagnosed learning difference, such as dyslexia and/or ADHD. Today, Sandhills serves students in the first through 10th grades. Additional grades will be added each year to create a fully accredited high school program for the graduating class of 2012.
Sandhills is nationally recognized as one of 10 schools in the nation that is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) for using the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching students with learning differences. Sandhills is also one of 16 teacher training centers in the nation accredited by the AOGPE. Sandhills serves as an educational resource for the community on language-based learning differences and regularly hosts a speaker series.
St. Peter’s Catholic School
1035 Hampton Street
(803) 252-8285
www.stpeters-catholic-school.org
St. Peter’s Catholic School is the longest continuous running Catholic school in the state of South Carolina. A ministry of St. Peter’s Church since 1852, the school serves students in grades K4 through sixth grade. Our education is based on faith, family, diversity, compassion and academic excellence.
St. Peter’s has held its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for over 40 years. Our teachers are certified, and many hold master’s degrees. We serve as a lab school for USC’s School of Music. Our standardized test scores are consistently above the national average. The students benefit from the many resources within walking distance, including the Columbia Museum of Art, the Richland County Public Library, the State House, the Supreme Court, historical homes and USC.
St. Peter’s has always welcomed students of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Our faith teaches us to serve others, which is implemented with service projects.
We strive to develop students who are academically challenged, confident in their abilities and understand their God-given gifts and responsibilities.
Click here to see a chart comparing all independent schools in the Midlands. |
