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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 Road Campus
(Pre-K through 5th Grade)
500 St. Andrews Road
(803) 807-4110
www.benlippen.com
Ben Lippen School is a non-denominational Christian school serving students in pre-K through 12th grades. Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Ben Lippen has a 69-year tradition of graduating Christian scholars who are prepared for God's calling on their lives in college and beyond. Ben Lippen School seeks to glorify God by assisting the family and church in equipping students spiritually, academically and socially under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Equipping Students Spiritually
Ben Lippen equips students to develop a biblical worldview so they are prepared for the challenges of life. World events are discussed in light of God's Word, and interacting and serving people in the community and around the world is a priority.
Equipping Students Academically
Ben Lippen offers a challenging, college preparatory curriculum. The faculty recognizes that each student is a unique person with an individual learning style. The school's educational approach provides the necessary rigor while encouraging individual success. A Ben Lippen education provides a strong foundation for students to move on to college as evidenced by test scores, scholarships awarded and the caliber of institutions that Ben Lippen graduates attend.
Equipping Students Socially
Ben Lippen's goal is for its students to be equipped to influence the culture rather than being influenced by it. A full complement of co-curricular activities provides numerous opportunities for students to develop leadership, character and to apply biblical truths to everyday activities.
Cardinal Newman School
4701 Forest Drive
www.cnhs.org
(803) 782-2814
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 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 to 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. By providing a full-time Campus Ministry program, 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 the core of the school's Theology program.
Academic Excellence
Our students are excelling. In 2008, 100 percent of our graduates went on to post-secondary education; 82 percent of our graduates received merit-based college scholarships; one student was a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and one student scored a perfect score on the SAT. Cardinal Newman's 2009 graduating class is accomplishing great things, with 33 percent of the class achieving SAT composite scores above 1250 and five 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, wrestling and swimming, and the competition cheerleading team won its fourth consecutive State Championship this year. In addition, many student athletes are All-Region and All-State players. This year, three players from the varsity girls basketball team were All-Region, and two of those students were freshmen. Several Cardinal Newman student athletes have gone on to play their sports on the collegiate level.
Accreditations & 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
Growing up on the campus of Hammond School is an exciting and evolving production. The beginning of a lifetime of learning is cultivated as the school encourages students to search for the gifts and talents that are unique to him or her. As a result of the guidance and direction of committed and loving teachers, Hammond students are magically transformed into roles ranging from scholar to artist to athlete to actor. Hammond is a place that allows students to explore and to discover who they are and what they can become.
Honor
The Honor System reinforces the school's belief in its responsibility to the development of strong character in its students. An Honor Council is governed by elected upper school students and the Honor Code is an integral part of every facet of the school. In addition to the National Junior Honor Society and the Beta Club, Hammond is a member of the Cum Laude Society, a national secondary school honor society organized by members of Phi Beta Kappa.
Statistically Speaking
Hammond students rank among the top students in the nation. All Hammond graduates attend college. In 2008, 91 percent of graduates were awarded scholarships and 10 percent scored 1500 or better on SATs. Six members of the class of 2008 were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and 15 were named Palmetto Fellows. 77 percent of the class of 2008 qualified for college credit via the Advanced Placement Program. Members of the Class of 2008 are attending Clemson University/Honors, College of Charleston/Honors, Cornell University, Davidson College, Furman University, Southern Methodist University, University of Florida/Honors, University of Georgia/Honors, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina/Honors, University of the South, Washington and Lee University, Washington University/St. Louis and Wofford College, among others.
Curriculum
Hammond's child-centered cur-riculum is tailored to the individual. Early learners are encouraged to advance when they are ready rather than remaining within the limitations of grade-level expectations. The result of this customized teaching approach not only contributes to the high academic achievement of Hammond students but also to the development of students who view learning as an adventure. As students mature and are confronted by a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, they are prepared for the challenge.
Global Program
The value of understanding one's world is immeasurable. To that end, Hammond not only offers expansive community service opportunities in all grades but also engages students in multi-cultural study. The Global Studies Program includes the in-depth study of a specific country each year, international travel for faculty and upper school students, the admission of qualified international students and a conscientious effort to employ a diverse faculty from a variety of locations and backgrounds.
Family
In December, the whole Hammond family comes together for a celebration of faith and friendship. As the youngest and oldest students walk hand-in-hand to the stage to trim the Christmas tree, a palpable pride can be felt. The strength of Hammond School is its families. Many Hammond alumni are looking forward to becoming Hammond grandparents. Hammond School is a life-long experience connecting generation to generation. The school will change and evolve, but the constant of family will remain.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
3000 South Beltline Boulevard
(803) 231-7720
www.heathwood.org
admissions@heathwood.org
Inspiring Generations One Life at a Time
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School serves a unique role as the Midlands' premiere college preparatory program dedicated to knowing every student and fostering his or her academic achievement as well as spiritual growth. No two children are alike. Each has distinct strengths, needs and passions. With these truths in mind, Heathwood Hall helps each student realize his or her potential.
Educating the whole child
Heathwood Hall has earned national recognition as a school that has pioneered educational initiatives. Heathwood Hall's comprehensive program addresses the mind, body and spirit of each student, focusing on educating the whole child. Offering a nursery school through 12th grade curriculum that includes international experiences, outdoor and environmental education 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. Community service and spiritual life, including daily prayer and weekly worship, challenge young people to act on their faith through service to neighbors and fellow students. 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. At Heathwood Hall, 100 percent college acceptance is a time-honored tradition. Since 2001, graduates have received more than $18 million in college scholarships. Heathwood Hall features the state's most honored independent school faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, regional and national educational lecturers, consultants on national standardized tests and an unprecedented seven state Teachers of the Year during the past eight years. The Heathwood Hall community supports the faculty's tradition of excellence by involving them in meaningful curriculum work and supporting ongoing initiatives that offer teachers the latest and best professional development opportunities available.
PEAK: Pursuit of Environmental Adventure and Knowledge
One of Heathwood Hall's most unique programs, the PEAK Outdoor Center consistently offers high-quality environmental 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.org
Saint Joseph Catholic School opened in 1954 to serve and educate students from its parish and local community. It offers a challenging curriculum of academic study and spiritual formation to students in 4-year-old kindergarten through sixth grade.
Central to the school's program is a dedication to spiritual development and academic excellence based on Gospel values. Through opportunities to worship, learn and grow in character, Saint Joseph students are prepared to be lifelong learners who practice and live their values in the Catholic, Christian tradition.
The school's spiritual program includes twice-daily prayer, Mass on Fridays and Holy Days, special liturgical celebrations, such as the Ecumenical Prayer Service each January, and community service projects. The school also offers a technology program that includes a computer lab, weekly computer classes for grades 5K through six, and an amplification system, Internet access and SMART Board in each classroom.
Regular testing to monitor progress begins in first grade. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), a nationally-normed standardized achievement test, is administered in grades 2 through 6, and Saint Joseph students consistently perform above the diocesan norms.
Saint Joseph students also perform exceptionally well at the regional Science Fair and in Junior Beta Club competitions such as Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl. Its students are the 2008 Beta Club Quiz Bowl Regional Champions and 2007 Midlands Regional Winners of the SC Middle School Mock Trial Competition.
Specialty subjects include: art, music, physical education, computer, library, small group and personal guidance counseling, Spanish, Introduction to Latin, drama and band.
Extra-curricular offerings include: choir, Art Club, soccer, basketball, baseball, Chess Club, Drama Club and karate.
Sandhills School
1500 Hallbrook Drive
(803) 695-1400
www.sandhillsschool.org
The Leader in Distinctive Research-Based Education
Sandhills School is a not-for-profit, independent school for children with diagnosed learning differences, such as dyslexia and/or ADHD. Since 1975, Sandhills has been providing a superior learning environment for students with an average to above-average intelligence who learn differently. Sandhills develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character and a commitment to serve. Today, Sandhills serves students in the first through ninth 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. The Orton-Gillingham approach is a renowned, research-based program that has proven to be the best approach to teaching students with dyslexia and/or ADHD. Sandhills serves as an educational resource for the community on language-based learning differences and regularly hosts open houses and a speaker series.
The school is situated on 22 acres of land on Hallbrook Drive. The pond, wilderness trails and outdoor classroom space are all used regularly as part of the curriculum. Sandhills School invites visitors to make an appointment to tour the school.
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