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.
We’re so excited to have you as part of Ben Lippen School!
With over 1,200 students, we’re a Christ-centered community where faith and learning go hand in hand. Since 1940, we’ve been committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and developing servant leaders. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through the arts, we encourage students to use their God-given talents for His glory.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (ESV).
Every moment—big or small—is a chance to reflect His goodness. Challenges will come, but how we respond can point others to Christ.
At Ben Lippen, we walk alongside students in their faith journeys, helping them see God’s blessings even in life’s burdens. Our prayer is that every student grows in faith, academic understanding, and recognizing every action, choice, and challenge can glorify Him.
We’re grateful to have you here.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Porter, Ph.D Head of School
A Scottish phrase meaning “Mountain of Trust,” Ben Lippen School was founded in 1940 by the Columbia Bible College (CBC) (now Columbia International University) under the guidance of CBC’s first president, Robert C. McQuilkin. The evangelical boarding school for boys was located at CBC’s Ben Lippen Conference Center on a mountain near Asheville, NC.
The school became co-educational in 1952 and flourished as a school for missionary children. After a fire destroyed the main building in 1980, Ben Lippen moved its high school program to its current location in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1988 to be on the campus of CBC. An elementary program was started in 1990 and Ben Lippen School currently boasts three campuses. The third lower school campus, located in Northeast Columbia, opened in the Fall of 2021.
Today, Ben Lippen School has more than 1200 students in grades Pre-K3 through 12th, with approximately 40 of them being international students who live on campus and attend our high school. Ben Lippen School is accredited by the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), Cognia (formerly AdvancED), and the Small Boarding School Association (SBSA).
As our students move from pre-school to grade 12, we have an end goal in mind: to fully prepare students for college and beyond, ready to impact and influence the world according to his or her unique gifts.
Our philosophy of learning includes well-designed curriculum (constructed with the end in mind); learnercentered instruction; proven, effective teaching methodologies and an attitude of life-long learning add up to authentic learning and a well-educated child.
As a National Blue Ribbon School, our curriculum, culture, and community all support our biblical worldview and focus on making sure our students are prepared academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually during their formative elementary years.
Ben Lippen provides Christ-centered instruction in all subject areas, helping students develop a biblical worldview as they grow intellectually. Through small group instruction and one-on-one conferencing, teachers lovingly guide and mentor each student, recognizing their unique strengths and helping them navigate any challenges they may encounter along their educational journey. Our three academic specialists provide one-on-one and small group intervention sessions that focus on reading and math skills.
We are excited to introduce The Ridge at Ben Lippen, a multi-phase specialized program to increase our ability to serve students with dyslexia in a Christ-centered environment. We understand and utilize research-based approaches to meet the unique needs of learners with dyslexia using the Orton-Gillingham approach.
“We consider it an honor to partner with your family during their lower school years. We foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students can form lasting friendships, develop a sense of belonging, and thrive.”
— Kelli Larsen, PhD Lower School Principal
After-school clubs and activities:
Whether it’s making new friends or balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, students need a strong support system to navigate these uncharted waters. The culture at Ben Lippen Middle School is one where students feel safe, seen, and supported. Middle schoolers crave a sense of security and safety and our cottage-style campus feels like a second home.
Our faculty and staff focus on teaching our students to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Our teachers have utilized our small class sizes to build authentic relationships with students, discipling them daily through intentional teaching and small group discussions.
Students can tailor their education to their interests, choosing a world language, fine arts electives, and honors classes if eligible. There are numerous Spiritual Growth Opportunities in Chapel, Bible classes, small group discussions, and spiritual life activities to ensure our middle schoolers are consistently hearing the gospel, living by truth, and being equipped to share that truth with the world. Their like minded classmates lead to healthy friendships due to the standards we’ve established to stop bullying and help students recognize and seek out healthy relationships.
“By choosing Christian education for your family, you are making a valuable investment of your resources that will have an impact on the hearts, souls, and minds of your children. It is our sincere belief that you will see an immediate return on that investment through their success in the classroom, on the stage, and on the field, as they maximize their God-given talents through the opportunities they have here at Ben Lippen School.”
— Corey Thompson, Middle School Principal
• Robotics and programming clubs and additional after-school activities
• Student Leadership
• Middle School Newspaper
• Middle School “Spirit (of Giving) Week” activities and service projects
• Field trips for all grade levels
• 8th Grade class trip to Washington, D.C.
Within a culturally diverse learning community, Ben Lippen High School prepares young adults to be stewards of the gifts God has given them. We aid in preparation for the calling of God on their lives by training them as independent Christian scholars who seek God, love all people, demonstrate a zeal for learning, think analytically, and communicate effectively. Families love Ben Lippen School because we offer:
Small class sizes — We work with our teachers to find the optimal class size for each course, allowing teachers the capacity to provide individualized attention while still creating a meaningful environment for discussion and group work.
Academic tracks — We offer AP courses, dual-credit (early college) opportunities, a College Prep diploma, and an Honors diploma, so that each student may tailor their education to their future goals.
Grade-specific counseling — As your teen moves from his or her freshman year to senior year, he or she will be counseled to explore different career fields, identify college goals and options, and create an academic plan with appropriate rigor to meet these goals.
Electives and clubs — Engineering, robotics, photography, forensics, yearbook, chorus and bluegrass band are just a few of the opportunities our students have to explore new hobbies, interests, and future career fields.
“A
Ben Lippen education prepares students for life and provides opportunities to develop their gifts to make a positive change in the world for Christ.”
— Max Russell, High School Principal
The International Student Program (ISP) at Ben Lippen School is open to middle school and high school-aged students from the United States and around the world, providing a safe environment for students in a boarding house setting on our beautiful 400-acre campus. We offer both home stay options with our Ben Lippen Family, and on campus housing, where full-time houseparents serve as mother and father away from home. Our International Student Program draws approximately 40 students from 11 nations who thrive and collaborate with fellow day students in our upper school program.
We provide a safe and secure campus—with 24/7 security officers patrolling our school, a challenging curriculum with dedicated faculty, and a fun experience where you will have the opportunity as an athlete, artist, musician, robotics designer, actor, or any number of other options in our co-curricular and extra-curricular clubs and activities.
“Ben Lippen School is a safe place to live and study, has a great academic program, and offers many opportunities to have fun outside of the classroom. We really can help you achieve your dreams!”
— Steve Sark, International Student Program Director
Our signature programs are specifically curated to provide more opportunities in areas that students might want to specialize in after their time at Ben Lippen School. We currently offer three signature programs: STEM, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Aviation.
Our standards-based STEM Program begins in lower school with problem-solving projects designed to enhance the student’s understanding of the standards. Our ultimate objective is to provide a comprehensive technological education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to flourish in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
The CNA Program focuses on instruction and practice of basic patient care skills required for Nursing Assistants. Through this program, students are able to practice supervised basic patient care in a clinical setting, earn their CPR certification, and become eligible to take the SC State certification exam to become Certified Nursing Assistants.
Partnering with Propel Aviation, Ben Lippen’s Aviation Program offers high school students the opportunity to learn about aviation and potentially earn a private pilot’s license by the time they graduate high school.
Ben Lippen has a vibrant Fine Arts Department featuring nationally-recognized instruction in guitar, bluegrass, worship arts, band, orchestra, choir, theater, visual art, and digital art.
Ben Lippen Fine Arts exists to help students reflect the image of the Creator by growing their artistic skills, building a creative community, and presenting superior products which we do Better Together.
Better meaning that we create music, art, and theater of the highest quality for the glory of God. Together meaning that we emphasize community in the creative process. We live out this philosophy by creating music, art, and theater for God, for others, and for fun.
We teach students that we create for three reasons – for God, for others, and for fun. For God, because we, as mini-creators, reflect the beauty of the Ultimate Creator when we generate music and art of the highest quality. For others, because we give away our music and art as a gift to others. For fun, because we enjoy the process and work intentionally to build relationships with each other.
— Taylor Nelson, Fine Arts Director
At Ben Lippen, we believe that Christian athletes can compete at the highest level. We prioritize creating a safe and exciting environment where our student-athletes can thrive. Our dynamic coaching staff, comprising of Christian mentors who deeply care about their players, offers top-notch instruction and guidance. Student athletes begin in Lower School with youth camps, and continue through middle school, junior varsity and varsity teams.
Equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment and uniforms, our teams are empowered to reach their full potential and achieve greatness. We also ensure access to the very best competition and training venues, fostering an environment where champions are made. Together, we are committed to shaping well-rounded athletes who live and play for God’s glory while becoming true team players.
At Ben Lippen, we define “Winning” a little bit differently than most schools. We believe in order for Ben Lippen School to say we have a “Win” in athletics, we must first “Win” in three distinct areas –scoreboard, life, and eternity.
Shannon Glenn,
Athletic Director
At Ben Lippen School, spiritual growth is more than just a comprehensive Bible curriculum. We aim to teach, coach, and live in a way where Christ is evident and made known. Our faculty and staff love and care for their students, and model what it means to follow Jesus. They help students to know Jesus and think biblically - equipping them to respond to other worldviews.
At Ben Lippen, we prioritize Jesus’ charge to make disciples. We do this by exploring relevant topics through a biblical worldview in chapel series, student assemblies, family group discussions, curriculum integration, and parent seminars.
Prayer holds a central place at Ben Lippen. Our faculty and staff are committed to praying for and alongside our students, fostering a caring and spiritually uplifting environment.
Ben Lippen’s Winterim program is a week-long immersion experience, which offers unique opportunities beyond the classroom that bring learning to life. Students may choose from a variety of Winterim programs that include serving others, discovering a new hobby, and experiencing other cultures. Winterim initiates, builds, and deepens relationships while providing a wide variety of educational enrichment and service learning experiences.
Ben Lippen offers Fine arts electives, interest-based clubs, and leadership organizations to suit every interest. Students participate in various events such as the Christmas Social, Prom, and post-football bonfires, bringing together the Ben Lippen community.
Kelly Adams
Admissions Director for Upper School
Kelly.Adams@BenLippen.com (803) 807-4110
Want to join the Falcon Family? We’d love for you to apply! Visit benlippen.com/admissions/day-students or scan the QR code to start the process. Our Admissions Team is happy to help you every step of the way.
Lil Mason
Admissions Director for Lower School
Lil.Mason@BenLippen.com (803) 807-4111
Steve Sark
International Student Program Director
Steve.Sark@BenLippen.com (803) 807-4113
