Major Change Coming for Schools on Hilton Head Island
Get ready for some exciting news, Hilton Head Island! As we usher in the new school year, an exciting educational merger is on the horizon. Sea Pines Montessori Academy will officially be integrating into Hilton Head Preparatory School by the first school day of the year! This partnership means they will now share the same name, the dolphin mascot, and even the Head of School, Paul Horgan.
A Historical Connection
The two schools may be physically close—so close that Margot Brown, the chief advancement officer for Hilton Head Prep, mentioned she can practically touch Sea Pines Montessori’s buildings from their property—but their connection runs even deeper than just geography. This collaboration is a culmination of decades-long discussions and shared history. Did you know that Charles Fraser, who founded Sea Pines Academy in 1965, is also the spouse of Mary Fraser, the founder of Sea Pines Montessori Academy? That’s right! These schools were destined to connect.
A Natural Progression
Initially, Sea Pines Montessori catered to children through kindergarten, while Hilton Head Prep kicked off its grades starting at first. It made perfect sense as a natural feeder school between the two! As time passed, and Sea Pines Montessori decided to expand to third-grade education, Hilton Head Prep quickly followed suit by introducing its kindergarten and junior kindergarten programs.
Choices for Parents
Now, parents have even more choices! Families will have the option to select between two unique educational tracks for their children from kindergarten through the third grade. The Montessori path will focus on hands-on, experiential learning, while the traditional path remains a classic educational experience. Fortunately, both tracks will seamlessly integrate into the traditional track starting from fourth grade onward!
The Motivation Behind the Merger
This decision to join forces wasn’t about the financial conditions of either school, according to Brown. Instead, the goal is to create a better academic experience for all students in attendance. With similar tuition rates at both institutions, families likely won’t see much of a financial shift when transitioning to the combined school.
The Only School of Its Kind on the Island
By merging, Hilton Head Prep will now hold the title of the only school on the island that educates students from 15 months to 12th grade. As the two schools come together, current enrollment numbers show Hilton Head Prep has 460 students while Sea Pines Montessori boasts 125 students—not a bad mix for the restructured academic community!
Non-Profit Roots
Both institutions are non-profit organizations, which shows their dedication to offering quality education without the pressure of profit motives. Just this year, they submitted financial disclosures to the Internal Revenue Service, laying the groundwork for a successful and transparent collaboration.
So, as we look forward to the new school year, let’s embrace this exciting chapter for education on Hilton Head Island. It’s a merger built on history, purpose, and the intention to provide even better opportunities for our children. It’s a great time to be part of this vibrant learning community! 🎉
