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. To that end, 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 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.

Hilton Head Christian Academy utilizes inquiry-based learning to stimulate higher reasoning, curiosity, innovation, and ownership in learning. Our distinctly Christian, inquiry-based approach engages students by making real-world connections through exploration and high-level questioning.

When students are given the space and support to find solutions to the real-world problems around them, they are better equipped to be independently successful in a fast-paced world.

With the goal focused on the development of the whole child, our mentors target skill development and academic content, enhancement of soft skills, and spiritual leadership. Triggering inquiry in our students creates a healthy curiosity and understanding of the world around them, with an emphasis on research, interpersonal discussions, and reflection.

Inquiry-Based Learning at-a-glance

Inquiry-Based Learning at-a-glance

(1) An inquiry-based learning experience begins with a mentor presenting a real-world problem or scenario that aligns to their standards but also can relate and engage their students' own experiences.

(2) After the scenario or problem is presented, the mentor facilitates a discussion that prompts students to ask higher order questions to stimulate their interest.

(3) Students then research and collect data to help them understand the topic and unveil answers to their questions. Their data is presented to their peers, taking time to prioritize their interpersonal communication skills to better convey their findings. This research stage is accomplished in a variety of ways such as mentors teaching research skills, leading direct instruction about a topic, or providing primary and secondary resources to be analyzed.

(4) Reflection is a key component to learning. After the presentation and assessment of students' knowledge, students are assessed on their ability to evaluate their process, strengths and growth areas, and how this knowledge will guide them in their future learning experiences.

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

A team of experienced Guidance Counseling Professionals work closely with families to ensure every student is equipped to make prayerful decisions. Individualized counsel is provided for Upper School families offers numerous resources and services to ensure students are prepared for whatever path they choose beyond HHCA.

learn more about HHCA Guidance

DIPLOMA WITH DISTINCTION

HHCA juniors and seniors have the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of study of their own choosing through our Diploma with Distinction (DWD) Capstone Program. Working alongside a faculty mentor and team of advisors, participants engage in a long-term project of real-world significance within their chosen field. In a culminating event, students present in defense of their capstone project. Upon successful completion, students are awarded the prestigious DWD title, which is reflected on their high school transcript and diploma.

Program Benefits

Program Outline

Five modules are completed in sequence as outlined below.

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.
A postmodern creative narrative of shifting perspectives that reveal progressive mental instability and illness.
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.

INTERNSHIPS

HHCA partners with businesses and organizations to offer students hands-on experience through internships--an invaluable step in helping them develop college and career goals. For most, the internship experience offers an early opportunity for:

Teaching and coaching in a career field of interest
Insight into various aspects of the chosen field
Exposure to professional expertise and mentors

Our student interns have reported being able to to observe procedures, participate in meetings, provide customer service and office support, conduct research, participate in special projects, and more.

learn more + view featured internships here

First page of the PDF file: AcademicProfile2024-2025

UPPER SCHOOL COURSES

Advanced Placement (AP)

HHCA offers a host of AP courses, each taught at a college level and audited by the College Board to ensure rigor and adherence to college level curriculum standards. Students completing AP courses have the opportunity to earn college credit during their high school years and are required to take the corresponding Advanced Placement® test in May.

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.

Complimentary to the AP courses offered, HHCA students have the opportunity to earn the prestigious AP Capstone distinction, a diploma program based on two year-long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are designed to complement other AP courses that the AP Capstone student may take.

Dual Enrollment (DE)

HHCA partners with various institutions to offer a robust Dual Enrollment (DE) Program through which eligible students have the opportunity to earn up to 36 hours of college credit prior to graduating high school. Dual enrollment courses are taken in person or online resulting in credit on both a the high school and college transcripts. Visit the HHCA DE Handbook here to learn more.

College Preparatory (CP)

Honors

Virtual SC

THE HHCA GRADUATE

Upon commencement, our goal is for HHCA graduates to:

have mastered core subjects and are prepared for college and beyond
have discovered and nurtured their God-given talents
have developed a personal and professional skillset, equipped to lead and serve with excellence
have been provided with a firm foundation built on biblical truth comprising of a growing relationship with Christ
be prepared to confidently proceed to post graduate work, whether college, career or another path they choose beyond HHCA. Generally, 98% choose college.

Meet the HHCA Class of 2024 below. The class of 71 graduates, largest in school history, in many ways embodies the HHCA Graduate profile for which we strive.

HHCA Class of 2024

300 acceptances to 114 colleges
$5.65 million+ in merit awards & scholarships
24% above 4.0 (unweighted) & above a 5.0 (weighted) GPA
Honors college acceptances to Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, and more
Three Diplomas With Distinction
Two USC Capstone Scholars
A National Merit Commended Student
A United States Naval Academy Appointment
83% took AP and/or Dual Enrollment Courses
11 Palmetto Fellows
32 Life Scholars

read the full list of highlights here

The Impact Award is one of the highest honors at HHCA. Recipients have exhibited a strong Christian character and have a positive reputation among students and mentors. They are leaders whose school spirit is palpable, and have been an encouragement to those around them. They stand up for what's right, and they stand up for others. In Matthew 23:11 Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” A servant’s heart is the greatest characteristic of Impact Award recipients.

2024 CHARGE TO THE GRADUATES

At senior graduation in May 2024, Head of School Doug Langhals delivered a message that portrays our hope for HHCA graduates, and for the entire generation of today--the leaders and difference makers of tomorrow.

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