Hilton Head Island and Bluffton Schools Unite for Innovative Education Journey

Exciting News for Hilton Head Island and Bluffton Families!

In a thrilling turn of events for families in Hilton Head Island and the Bluffton community, two long-standing educational institutions are set to unite! That’s right, Sea Pines Montessori Academy is joining forces with Hilton Head Preparatory School to create a fantastic new school that will nurture children from just 15 months old all the way through to their senior year of high school.

A Historic Collaboration

This landmark partnership is big news around town! Just last month, the schools announced their game-changing collaboration, which will now operate under the familiar name of Hilton Head Preparatory School. But don’t worry, parents—there’s plenty of room for innovative education! The newly formed school will include a dedicated Montessori division known as Sea Pines Montessori Academy at Hilton Head Preparatory School. This means there’s something for everyone as students up to third grade will enjoy an excellent Montessori education, while older kids will still have options for a traditional learning path from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Creating New Opportunities

The combination of these two beloved institutions is set to create exciting new opportunities for future generations. The educational experience at Hilton Head Preparatory School has been a community cornerstone since it was founded in 1965 by Charles Fraser, an influential figure in the area’s history and the creator of the famous Sea Pines Resort. Not far behind in contributions, his wife, Mary Fraser, founded the Sea Pines Montessori Academy. Together, these two schools have been shaping the lives of many Hilton Head Island families for nearly six decades.

Seamless Learning Journey

With the adept academic program starting from 15 months and continuing seamlessly through twelfth grade, parents can expect a personalized educational journey for their children tailored to their unique needs and learning styles. The dual track program, spanning from Kindergarten through third grade, presents families with an incredible opportunity to choose between a Montessori approach or a traditional education. This flexibility is going to make a world of difference!

Leaders Express Their Excitement

Parents attending the schools can hardly contain their excitement! Sam Bauer, a proud 1984 alumnus and current chair of the Hilton Head Prep Board of Trustees, expressed his joy, stating, “We are thrilled to come full circle, uniting the Fraser family’s vision under one banner. This will be a game-changer for both current and future families in the community.” And it’s not just him—Kelley Stearns and Sydney Hitchcock, the co-chairs of the Sea Pines Montessori Board, chimed in to emphasize how this partnership will guide children through their entire education while preserving the cherished Montessori tradition.

Committed Leadership

Leading this unified institution will be Hilton Head Prep’s Head of School, Paul Horgan, who is feeling optimistic about what the future holds. He mentioned that this partnership is the culmination of a long-standing relationship, saying, “We are enhancing our mission to provide a cohesive, world-class education from the toddler years to college preparation. I am confident that this will strengthen our community for years to come.” Wow, that sounds promising!

Planning for the Future

The schools also announced that this alliance aligns with Hilton Head Prep’s recently completed five-year strategic plan, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition. This plan is designed to meet the needs of children and families from Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas while implementing a unified and forward-thinking educational program.

In Conclusion

As Hilton Head Island and Bluffton gear up for this transformative leap in education, families are eager to find out how this merger can set their children up for success. The collaboration between Sea Pines Montessori Academy and Hilton Head Preparatory School promises to create endless opportunities for growth, ensuring a bright future for young learners in the community!