Big News for Hilton Head Island: A Historic School Merger!
Two Oldest Schools Join Forces to Enhance Education
Hey there, Hilton Head Island! We’ve got some exciting news that’s sure to shake things up in our local education scene. The island’s two oldest schools, Hilton Head Preparatory School and Sea Pines Montessori Academy, have just announced a monumental merger, creating an educational powerhouse right in our own backyard! The newly formed institution will proudly carry the name Hilton Head Preparatory School, with a special division known as Sea Pines Montessori Academy at Hilton Head Preparatory School.
A Glimpse into History
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane! Hilton Head Preparatory School first opened its doors in 1965 as Sea Pines Academy, thanks to the vision of Charles Fraser during the development of the beautiful Sea Pines Resort. Fast forward to 1985, and the school underwent a transformation by merging with May River Academy, becoming the prestigious Hilton Head Preparatory School we know today. On the other hand, Sea Pines Montessori Academy was established in 1968 by Mary Fraser, pioneering the Montessori method in South Carolina. It has been a shining example of integrative education for the little ones ever since.
The Best of Both Worlds
With this merger, students will now have the option to choose between two distinct educational paths. Families with children aged fifteen months through third grade can enroll in either the Montessori division or dive right into the traditional curriculum at Hilton Head Preparatory School. But here’s the catch—once students hit fourth grade, they’ll transition into the preparatory program, ensuring they get a comprehensive college preparatory experience!
Words from the Leaders
Paul Horgan, the dedicated Head of School at Hilton Head Preparatory, expressed his enthusiasm about this unification process. He shared, “This partnership is the culmination of a long-standing relationship between our schools. By bringing Sea Pines Montessori into the Hilton Head Prep family, we are enhancing our mission to provide a cohesive, world-class education from the toddler years to college preparation.” Sounds like a win-win for everyone involved!
And it’s not just the leadership team feeling thrilled about this merger. Kelley Stearns and Sydney Hitchcock, co-chairs of the Sea Pines Montessori Board, are also on cloud nine. They firmly believe that this collaboration will provide children with an “unparalleled educational pathway,” guiding them from their earliest years all the way to high school graduation—how amazing is that?
Community Buzz
Reactions from parents have been mostly filled with excitement! Most are eager for this new chapter in educational opportunities for their children. However, there are some parents from the Montessori side who are feeling a bit disappointed. The Montessori program traditionally goes up to eighth grade, and now it will conclude after third grade. But fear not, as both schools are dedicated to making the transition as smooth as possible for families who choose the Montessori path.
A Celebratory Moment
Sam Bauer, the current chair of the Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees, also expressed his delight. He pointed out, “This partnership is truly historic, bringing together two institutions that have deep roots in Hilton Head Island’s legacy. We are thrilled to come full circle, uniting the Fraser family’s vision under one banner.” It’s clear that this merger is not just about schools—it’s about community, collaboration, and paving the way for a brighter future for our kids!
What’s Next?
The merger is already in effect, and the planning teams are working hard to ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. It’s an exciting time for the families in Hilton Head Island, and everyone can’t wait to see the positive impact this unified school will have on our community!
So, what do you think about this groundbreaking merger? It looks like Hilton Head Island is about to get even better!
