HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY est.1979
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
At-A-Glance
HHCA is a private, Christian K-12 college preparatory school located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It offers a vibrant campus community to nearly 700* students by blending hands-on-learning with a commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.
Campus Specs:
Size: 27.7 acres | 64,700 sf
Date opened: January 2021
Admissions Highlights:
Student Retention Rate (24-25 SY): 94%
Enrollment Growth (2017-2023): 40%
Campus Numbers:
Enrollment (2024-2025 SY): 660
Faculty/Staff Mentors: 102
Quick Facts
Forward-Thinking
"In education, the value of cannot be overstated. As the world evolves at an ever-increasing pace, we have to make certain that the educational system is preparing students appropriately for future
MENTOR
ToKnowChristandMake HimKnown At our founding in
1979, this simple statement was the vision for HHCA and it still drives us today. We desire to teach students about Jesus Christ and to see them enter into a life-transforming relationship with Him.
[ˈmenˌtôr, ˈ men ˌtər], NOUN; an experienced and trusted advisor. At HHCA, we refer to our teachers as mentors because the role they play in the lives of students far exceeds the role of a traditional classroom teacher. Building relationships is key in our community and our mentors work diligently to ensure that every HHCA student feels known
HHCA's hands-on learning model, in a distinctly Christian environment, means students grow in Christ-centered confidence and Christ-centered worth while becoming the problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators God created them to be.
Hands-on Learning. Distinctly Christian.
Hilton Head Christian Academy Academics
3088 BLUFFTON PARKWAY | BLUFFTON, SC 29910 | PH: 843 681 2878 | HHCA ORG | CEEB CODE: 411034
Established in 1979, HHCA now has a population of over 650 students, housed on an innovative campus that was built in 2021 in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina. HHCA is ranked among the top K-12 private schools in the state of South Carolina and was voted the #1 K-12 School in Bluffton in 2023 and the Best Private School in Beaufort County in 2024.
Hilton Head Christian Academy is led by:
Doug Langhals | Head of School
Shannon Smith | Upper School Principal
Jay Scarbro | Middle School Principal
Debbie Hammett | Lower School Principal
Tabatha DeWitt | Director of Academics & Technology
Our Guidance Team is led by:
Megan Robbins | Director of Guidance
Haley Artime | College & Career Advisor
Erin Caprielian | Registrar
Kayla Spangler | Middle School Counselor
2024-2025 by the numbers:
HHCA offers a hybrid yearlong schedule of 45-minute classes/2 days per week; 90-minute classes/2 days per week; and 50-minute classes on Fridays
Outcomes that Matter Culture that Empowers Teaching that Engages Technology that Enables Learning Model Focus
Academic Requirements
Twenty-Four and a half Credits are required for Graduation
English 4 Credits
Mathematics 4 Credits
Science 4 Credits
Bible..................................4 Credits
History..............................3 Credits
World Language 2
*PersonalFinancewillberequiredbeginning withtheClassof2027
664 244 175 245
During the 2023-2024 school year, 97 students took a total of 181 AP exams, an increase from 69 students and 99 exams the previous year
Our AP students passed 155 of those 181 exams for an incredible 86% pass rate, earning HHCA the AP Honor Roll Silver Distinction In 2023-2023, HHCA had 22 AP Scholars, 1 AP International Diploma, 7 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 14 AP Scholars with Honors.
“It has been so helpful that HHCA students have been building a positive brand with the college community for over 45 years Because of this, colleges are eager to speak with our students and share with the Guidance Team how to consistently keep them ahead of the game ” C L A S S O F 2 0 2 4 b y t h e n u m b e r
-Haley Artime HHCA College & Career Advisor
Non-Academic Requirements
Middle and High School students are required to complete community service hours each year Middle School students must complete 10 hours and Upper School students must complete 20 hours.
10,000 hours of community service were earned by 8th-12th graders in the 2023-2024 school year
55
ACCEPTED INTO COLLEGE 71graduated seniors $5.65m awarded in scholarship & merit aid 61% earned SC Palmetto Fellows & SC Life Scholarships 300+ acceptances to 114 colleges 94% enrolled in 4-year colleges different colleges represented 29 30% attending out-of-state colleges
13college athletes 11Palmetto Fellows
The HHCA Dual Enrollment (DE) Program offers eligible students the opportunity to take college courses while in high school, and recieve up to 36 hours of credit. HHCA has 45 juniors & seniors currently enrolled in dual-enrollment courses
During their junior and senior years, HHCA students can explore fields of interest through the HHCA Internship Program. Forty-eight (48) juniors and seniors are currently interning in the community, gaining experience in their fields of interest.
HHCA juniors and seniors have the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of study of their own choosing through our Diploma with Distinction Capstone Program (DWD) The DWD title is bestowed upon students who complete the twoyear independent research study, culminating in a written and verbal defense
For 20 years, HHCA's Academic Resource Center (ARC) has provided a unique opportunity for K-12 students who have diagnosed learning disabilities to experience an excellent education of the highest quality The NILD-certified staff aims to produce confident, passionate, and purposeful achievers who are prepared for college, career, and life
Want to learn more about Academics at HHCA? Scan the QR code or visit hhca org/academics
Thriving Internship Program Connects Students with Local Businesses
HHCA, A t
students learn within the four walls of a classroom and gain hands-on experience outside the classroom in various settings. Thanks to the school's thriving internship program, high school juniors and seniors may apply their knowledge and skills in the workforce while building meaningful connections with local businesses.
Designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, HHCA’s internship program allows students to explore potential career paths in healthcare, finance, technology, education, and more.
-Megan Robbins, HHCA Director
of Guidance
Internships
Healthcare
at HHCA
2024 2025
Hilton Head Dermatology, Magnolia Collective Health, Tidewater Emergency Room, BOSS Physical Therapy, Georgia Skin and Cancer, Lowcountry Therapy, New River Veterinary Specialists
Legal & Financial Services
Mikkelson Law, Geico Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Retirement Solutions, Kovalcik & Geraghty Wealth Partners, Edward Jones, Napier Finance, Ascend Lending
Sports & Recreation
Mastery Golf Performance, Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, Sports Management with Berkeley Hall, Sport Court
Art, Design & Retail
Southern Grace Interiors, J Banks Interior Design, Four Corners Gallery
Architecture & Engineering
Court Atkins Group
Hospitality & Retail
KidzPlay Events,HHCA Coffee Bar, Panache Boutique,Cassandra’s Kitchen
Construction, Trades & Real Estate
Parker Collins
Director of Community Partnerships
Whether students are shadowing doctors, assisting in marketing campaigns, or learning the ins and outs of owning a business, they walk away with invaluable experience that helps shape their futures.
“The interns produced valuable work, and as trust and experience grew, they completed a substantial amount of work with limited oversight. The interns' vision made for fresh ideas, and their technological capacities expanded and informed what we can do."
HHCA Business Partner 2024-2025 SY
Hilton Head Christian Academy Athletics
Athletics are a vital part of campus life at HHCA and we believe they contribute to a positive school experience for our students. Whether a student wants to try a new sport or make new friends by participating on a school team, HHCA Athletics offers students a place to play, compete, and connect
14 SPORTS | 33 ATHLETIC TEAMS
Baseball Basketball Cheer
Cross Country Football
SCISA State Titles Earned in the last 10 years:
77%
of MS/US students participate on an athletic team 65% of MS/US athletes are multi-sport players. 30% of MS/US students are tri-season athletes.
83
67 20 12 Golf Lacrosse Softball Soccer Sporting Clays
7Girls Basketball 6 IN A ROW
2 5 , 0 0 0
2
Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
3Varsity Football 3Boys Golf
HHCA Eagles have continued their athletics career at the Varsity Collegiate level
52
State Titles since Founding in 1979
State Championships since 2014
State Championships since 2020
2Girls Golf 1 Varsity Baseball
Our Athletic Department motto “We play for an Audience of One” reminds us as that we don't play for accolades the world gives; rather, we play to honor God and to bring Him glory
HHCA Eagles have competed at the NCAA Division 1 Level in College
“We have amazing coaches--I would argue national caliber. What makes athletics at HHCA unique is that our leaders and coaches are mentors and role models. The studentathlete experience at HHCA is transformational vs transactional ” - HHCA Athletics Parent
2 Girls Soccer 2 Boys Soccer
Quick Facts about HHCA Athletics
91% of student-athletes made honor roll during the 23-24 school year All Kindergarten-5th grade students take Physical Education Students in Middle and Upper School are offered Strength and Fitness courses and can play on one of our 14 different athletic teams
Our Athletic Department is led by:
JW Wilkerson | Athletic Director
Julie Richardson | Assistant AD
Brett Lattire, CAT | Athletic Trainer
Matt Smith | Athletic Chaplin
John Houpt | Strength and Fitness Coach & Game Day Operations
22
Eagle alums are currently playing at the Collegiate level
17
Current Faculty and Staff Members played at the Collegiate level
two National Coaches of the Year
The National Christian School Athletic Association named two HHCA Athletics leaders National Coaches of the Yea r. . Ron Peduzzi was selected as the 2024 NCSAA Varsity Football National Coach of the Year HHCA Athletic Director JW Wilkerson was named the 2024 NCSAA Varsity Baseball National Coach of the Year.
Scan the QR Code or visit hhca.org/athletics to learn more
HHCA
Fine Arts HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
loves the arts! We believe that creativity is an important life skill and we have a phenomenal group of Fine Arts mentors dedicated to helping students achieve their full creative potential through award-winning programs, including Theater, Music, and Visual Arts.
By implementing authentic, experiential learning practices in the arts during the K-12 years, students graduate as well-rounded individuals, equipped to use their creative gifts and talents well beyond their time at HHCA.
Creativity on Campus
Fromjazzcampsthatdrawstudents fromaroundthenationtosummer stocktheater,stringsacademy, studentworshipteams,andart camps,thereisalwayssomething excitinghappeningwithinHHCA's FineArtsdepartment!
Justafewofthemanyopportunities studentshavewithinHHCA'sFine Artsdepartment:
Symphonic Band
Student Worship Team
Pit Orchestra
5th Grade Band
Eagles Jazz Band
MS/US Chorus
Strings Club
MS & US Pep Band/Drumline
Ceramics
Lighting & Sound Design
Stage Crew
Set Design
Numerous Theater Productions
A Place for Artists to Shine
Throughouttheyear,HHCAoffersseveralpublicperformancesfromoutstandingtheatricalproductionstointimaterecitalsand visualartsshowcases.
Studentsandmentorsenjoyamazingfacilitiesandlearning resources,includingaPerformingArtsCenter,twoartstudios, industrystandardaudioandvisualequipment,andmore.
OurFineArtsdepartmentissupportedbyFineArtsBoosters, providingartist-in-residenceopportunities,equipmentand instrumentupgrades,andoverallenhancementfortheprogram.
FineK-12 Arts
Theater Music Art
James Berry HHCA Fine Arts Director
HHCA Theater performed Big Fish The Musical in Fall 2024 Find out
K-12 students have opportunities throughout the year to participate in stage productions and performances
HHCA
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
is a vibrant campus community, and home to nearly 700 students in grades K-12. At HHCA, students have the opportunity to receive an integrated education known for leadership, service, Christian faith, and the development of the whole student. There's so much GOOD that happens on campus every day - and some days there's a lot of FUN, too! While students work hard in the classroom, they also enjoy activities, events, and traditions that make life at HHCA memorable.
Campus Clubs & Activities: A Place to Grow
HHCA seeks to enrich the student experience through programs and opportunities beyond the classroom, to foster student growth and development and to help students develop their God-given gifts and abilities.
There are many opportunities to get involved within the HHCA community and we encourage students to get plugged in through clubs, organizations, academics, athletics, or the arts.
Class Trips
4th Grade
Fourth-grade students explore NASA at Kennedy Space Center in May.
5th Grade
Fifth-grade students travel to Virginia in March to explore Colonial Williamsburg & Jamestown.
8th Grade
Eighth grade students travel to Washington, D C in February
10th-12th Grade
Upper School students (10th-12th) may explore Europe together on HHCA’s Summer in Europe trips.
12th Grade
In May, twelfth-grade students serve on the annual Senior Mission Trip in the Dominican.
Campus Life
HHCA’s Lower School Robotics Team participated in the VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas in May 2023
Student Retreats
Middle and Upper School students enjoy Student Retreats every fall, just after the school year begins. This is a special opportunity for them to connect with God, with peers, and with their mentors.
Clubs & Organizations on Campus
AV Club
Battle of the Books
Chess Club
Environmental Club
Engineering Club
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
HOSA (Health Occupations)
Interact Club
Lighting & Sound
International Thespian Society
Junior Beta Club (MS Honor Society)
Journalism Club
Model UN
National Honor Society
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos
Pep Band & Jazz Band
Pickleball Club
Sailing Club
Saxophone Quartet
Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica
Student Leadership/The Cage
Teens for Healthy Youth (THY)
VEX Robotics Club
Wellness Club
Youth in Government (YIG)
Zonta (Z-Club)
