Upper School

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

We believe God calls His followers to excellence as a matter of principle, and as an act of worship. Accordingly, the pursuit of excellence permeates everything we do during the high school years at HHCA, including Academics.

Our goal is to produce young Christian men and women who, at the conclusion of their high school career, are equipped with the skills necessary for success in college and the modern job market, and who are prepared to impact the world for Christ.

A broad range of courses are offered at various levels, including College Placement, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP), to create an appropriate and challenging course of study for every student. Online and Dual Enrollment options are also available. Every course is designed with intention, with an emphasis on depth of learning and the development of higher-order thinking skills.

Our unique academic model can be explained by these distinct tenets that help to define the HHCA experience:

Student-Driven Learning

Our project-and inquiry-based curriculum centers on driving questions, created from real-world situations, which creates ownership in the authentic learning process.

Students engage learning through multiple pathways based on their own passions and skills.

Mentors facilitate this learning by working collaboratively with students to continuously reflect on artifact creation, supplying supplemental, standards-based materials, and coordinating meaningful resources for students.

Community Involvement + Professional Exposure

Flexible Learning Spaces

Mentor Relationships

To properly assess interests and provide the best experience, knowing students on a deeper level is vital. Through HHCA's Bible curriculum and consistent communication with mentors and our Guidance Team, students are known and served in a unique way. Frequent conversation and connection with mentors help coordinate the academic, emotional, and spiritual needs of students.

Christ-Centered, Service-Oriented Opportunities

For our students, school is so much more than academics. Our Christ-centered approach encourages discussion and provides meaning to the processes undertaken during the school day. Pointing individuals to a relationship with Christ through the examples set by adults and peers, along with life questions addressed with Biblical truths and mission opportunities, manifest a servant spirit that results in a knowledge of Christ and the ability to make Him known.

THE HHCA GRADUATE

As a result of the entire HHCA experience, upon commencement our goal is for the HHCA graduate to have:

mastered core subjects and are prepared for college and beyond
discovered and nurtured their God-given talents
developed a personal and professional skillset, equipped to lead and serve with excellence
been provided with a firm foundation built on biblical truth comprising of a growing relationship with Christ

Our daughter joined the HHCA community as a Junior. Her experience is by far the best we have ever known throughout her entire educational journey, and we only wish she could have come sooner.

She loves her school, and so do we.

- New HHCA Upper School Parent

COLLEGE | CAREER | LIFE

Dedicated to developing ongoing supportive and collaborative relationships, HHCA's Guidance Team aims to ensure that every family is equipped with the knowledge and encouragement to make prayerful decisions concerning the direction of their student's life. Personal counsel is provided to Upper School students and families, offering numerous resources and services to ensure students are prepared for college, career, or whatever path they choose beyond HHCA.

learn more about HHCA Guidance

view our college resources page

First page of the PDF file: AcademicProfile2023-20243

Older Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in several meaningful programs that help set our school apart. Read more about two distinguishing opportunities below.

DIPLOMA WITH DISTINCTION

During the junior and senior years, students have the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of study of their own choosing through our Diploma with Distinction Capstone Program.

Working with a faculty mentor and team of advisors, participants engage in a long-term project of real-world significance within their chosen field.

Upon successful defense of the capstone project, students are awarded this prestigious title, which is reflected on their high school transcript and diploma.

Program Benefits

In addition to the academic benefits students gain from honing the executive and critical thinking skills necessary to complete a long-term project, students also have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor on a project with real-world significance. Throughout the process, students learn how to conduct and present research and/or manage a project at a deeper level.

It is precisely this sort of real-world learning that universities and colleges seek. The Diploma with Distinction program gives the student a ready-made topic of conversation for interviews and essays during the admissions and scholarship process, demonstrating depth of study as well as showcasing an area of passion embraced by the student.

Program Outline

Each Capstone Project consists of five modules which are completed in sequence by the final dates listed below. It is possible for students to move at a quicker pace if a module is completed prior to the date given.

Module 1: Formation of Project and Committee (September to February of Junior Year)
Module 2: Background Research and Literature Review (February of Junior Year to August of Senior Year)
Module 3: Drafting of Project (August to December of Senior Year)
Module 4: Revision of Project (December to March of Senior Year)
Module 5: Defense, Presentation, and Recognition of Project (March to May of Senior Year)

Past Project Examples

A study of war-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as presented in nonfiction, fiction, and elements of popular culture.
Exploring, understanding, and creating a successful and viable business plan in order to manage a small computer company.
An examination of the psychological and sociological implications of losing a parent, accompanied by an artistic depiction of one’s healing process.
An investigation into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the Unhappy Triad knee injury in basketball players.
A postmodern creative narrative of shifting perspectives that reveal progressive mental instability and illness.
A cinematic interpretation of an adolescent’s handling of personal tragedy.
An analysis of fashion as high art, culminating in an exposition of wearable art.
An insight into financial trends and social media marketing strategies of local small businesses.
Tracing the visual history of South Carolina docks using mixed media and aesthetic representation.
An exploration into the history and adaptations of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker accompanied by a contemporary reimagining of his ballet.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Collaborating with local business partners, internships offer students hands-on experience, an invaluable step in helping them develop college and career goals.

Students are encouraged to approach internships confidently, professionally, and enthusiastically. Details of the internship experience are at the discretion of the business partner but generally include:

Teaching and coaching
Providing insight into the career field
Demonstrating expertise

Supporting businesses as needed, student interns get to observe procedures and meetings, provide customer service and office support, research, special projects, and more.

learn more + view featured internships here

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