Application Information
Hilton Head Christian Academy will be bringing 40 years of K-12 Christian education experience to a state-of-the-art campus in Bluffton during the 2020-2021 school year. This year we have experienced the highest enrollment since 2013 with 100 new students, and we expect this momentum to continue.
Students are admitted to HHCA based on the completion and review of parent and student applications, academic records, and admissions interviews. As you begin the steps to admission, please contact Dona Wood, Director of Admissions. She will be your liaison throughout the admissions process and is equipped to assist you along the way.
Early Application (August 20, 2019-December 15, 2019)
At HHCA, we are experiencing extremely high interest in enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year. Our goal is to set the standard for private schools by offering an excellent, faith-based 21st century education. Because of our progress in attaining this goal we are offering an Early Application option.
The Early Application option provides an opportunity for quality candidates to receive priority consideration for any available spaces that HHCA has for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Early Application deadline is December 15th, 2019. Families are required to submit their online applications and academic transcripts by December 15th to be considered. Admissions interviews must be completed by January 31st. Early application students will be notified of their status by February 17, 2020, with an enrollment deadline of March 1, 2020.
Please note, those interested in applying for financial assistance must complete a separate 3rd party aid application at www.smartaidforparents.com.
Standard Application (December 16, 2019-March 15, 2020)
The standard application deadline for the 2020-2021 school year is March 15th. After March 15th, we will continue to admit qualified students until a grade or class is at capacity. We will also consider applications submitted during the academic year as space permits. Candidates who complete the regular admissions process will be notified of their status within one week of the parent/student interviews.
Admission to Hilton Head Christian Academy is based on availability of space, academic and behavioral records, and parent/student interviews.
* Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years of age, on or before September 1 of intended enrollment year.
Desire: Applicants must express the desire and ability to be an active contributor to the HHCA school community. Students admitted to HHCA must agree to adhere to the Christian philosophy of education and all policies outlined in the Student Handbook.
Success: The admissions review committee must be confident that the student will be successful in the HHCA educational environment.
Partnership: Families must be committed to partnering with HHCA in the complete education of their student(s) and support the principles of Christian Education outlined in the Parent Partnership Agreement.
Success: The admissions review committee must be confident that the student will be successful in the HHCA educational environment.
Partnership: Families must be committed to partnering with HHCA in the complete education of their student(s) and support the principles of Christian Education outlined in the Parent Partnership Agreement.
* Hilton Head Christian Academy admits students of any race, religion, color, nationality or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. HHCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, nationality or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
* Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years of age, on or before September 1 of intended enrollment year.
STEP 1: SUBMIT MATERIALS
The following application materials must be submitted prior to scheduling admissions interviews or placement testing:
- Application for Admission (Required for ALL new applicants)
- Application fee of $100
- Transcripts and copies of all academic/testing records via Student Records Release
- Copy of student birth certificate
- Current student immunization records
STEP 2: TESTING & INTERVIEWS
Once the above materials have been submitted, the admissions process continues with:
- Placement testing (if applicable)
- Student interview
- Parent interview
STEP 3: ASSESSMENT & NOTIFICATION
After all documents have been submitted and parent/student interviews have been conducted, the Admissions Review Committee will assess completed student files and applicant families will be notified.
Upon acceptance, all families intending to enroll their child(ren) will be asked to submit an enrollment contract. This is the final step in accepting seats offered to your student(s) and serves as a binding contract between applicant families and HHCA. Applicants seeking tuition adjustments will receive award notification from the Business Office and will be asked to confirm any awards prior to solidify the Enrollment Agreement.
Upon acceptance, all families intending to enroll their child(ren) will be asked to submit an enrollment contract. This is the final step in accepting seats offered to your student(s) and serves as a binding contract between applicant families and HHCA. Applicants seeking tuition adjustments will receive award notification from the Business Office and will be asked to confirm any awards prior to solidify the Enrollment Agreement.
Affirmation of the School Vision, Mission, and Statement of Faith
Vision Statement
To know Christ and make Him known.
Mission Statement
Hilton Head Christian Academy’s mission is to partner with our families by providing our students with a firm foundation, comprising a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a relentless pursuit of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, through which students are equipped to impact the world for His glory.
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be verbally inspired, inerrant in the original manuscripts and infallible. The Bible is the Word of God, the supreme authority in faith and life.
We believe there is one living and true God: an infinite, eternal and unchanging Spirit; perfect in all His attributes; one in essence, power and glory but eternally subsistent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that in Adam’s sin the human race fell from a state of innocence before its Creator and entered a state of sinfulness and spiritual impotence. In the fall the image of God in man was marred, and man became unwilling and unable to fulfill his obligations to his Creator. In his natural state, man is helpless before the just wrath of a righteous God.
We believe Jesus Christ was eternally existent as God, that He became man, yet without sin, being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; that He lived a sinless life; that He ascended into heaven in that body glorified, where He is now our intercessor; and that He will return again personally, visibly and gloriously.
We believe that salvation is wholly of God, by grace; that God in love gave His only Son to die on the cross for sin, thus procuring the redemption of those who believe in Him; that this salvation is not merited in any way by man; that God commands all people to repent of sin and believe in Christ; and that this salvation is eternal in its duration and results in good works.
Family Partnership Agreement
- Christian education is a cooperative partnership between the school, parents and students. Consequently, the educational philosophy, objectives, practices, and policies of the school will receive my support and that of my child(ren) at and away from school. The lack of such support may be grounds for being denied admission, re-enrollment, and in some cases, dismissal from school in accordance with school policies.
- I have carefully read and submit to the Mission Statement and Statement of Faith of Hilton Head Christian Academy and commit to partnering with the school in the total education of my child(ren). I pledge to support the aims and ideals of HHCA and will bring any criticisms directly to the faculty and/or administration so that those in authority may properly consider them.
- In accordance with the philosophy of Hilton Head Christian Academy, my child(ren) will respectfully participate in the spiritual life of the school, including bible classes, chapels, scripture memorization, spiritual emphasis activities, service projects, and retreats.
- The faculty and administration of the school have the responsibility, as well as the authority, to discipline my child(ren) and assign consequences in keeping with the discipline system outlined in the student handbook. If for any reason my child does not cooperate with the academic, disciplinary, or spiritual life standards in accordance with school policy, I will cooperate with the administration as it handles these situations and will avoid discussion with those not involved, so as to avert a spirit of dissension and division. HHCA reserves the right to dismiss, suspend, or otherwise discipline any student who does not adhere to the standards stated in the Student Handbook as determined by the administration.
Financial Policies
Tuition Payments
All tuition and fee payments are handled through a third party billing processor, Smart Tuition. It is the responsibility of the family to ensure that they have established an account with Smart Tuition, and that they manage and maintain a current account at all times. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the family to read and understand all policies and procedures related to their account with Smart Tuition, including but not limited to payment methods and due dates.
HHCA offers multiple payment plans: an annual one-time payment, or bi-annual, quarterly or monthly payments. A discount is offered for tuition paid in full by June 15th prior to the start of that school year. If paying monthly, payments are required to be set-up as an auto-draft.
In order to reserve a student’s seat for the coming year, HHCA requires at least 25% of tuition be paid before the start of school. This is composed of payments due in June, July and August if paying monthly; or the first quarter or semester if paying quarterly or bi-annually.
A late fee of $40.00 will be assessed for non-timely payment of tuition and fees. A $25.00 bank fee will be assessed for returned checks or failed payments.
Payment of tuition is a condition of continuing enrollment. The individual(s) who signs the enrollment agreement is ultimately responsible for all payments to the student’s account.
HHCA offers multiple payment plans: an annual one-time payment, or bi-annual, quarterly or monthly payments. A discount is offered for tuition paid in full by June 15th prior to the start of that school year. If paying monthly, payments are required to be set-up as an auto-draft.
In order to reserve a student’s seat for the coming year, HHCA requires at least 25% of tuition be paid before the start of school. This is composed of payments due in June, July and August if paying monthly; or the first quarter or semester if paying quarterly or bi-annually.
A late fee of $40.00 will be assessed for non-timely payment of tuition and fees. A $25.00 bank fee will be assessed for returned checks or failed payments.
Payment of tuition is a condition of continuing enrollment. The individual(s) who signs the enrollment agreement is ultimately responsible for all payments to the student’s account.
Accounts Receivable Policy
In the event that a family is unable to make a timely payment, contact should be initiated with the Business Office immediately to communicate the situation and make arrangements for payment. HHCA is committed to working diligently with its families to maintain each student’s enrollment in HHCA. However, in the event that an account begins aging and a payment arrangement cannot be agreed upon, the following steps will be taken:
- Initial communication from Smart Tuition, notifying family of late payment.
- At 30 days past due, communication will be initiated by the Business Office, either electronically or via phone call, to request payment.
- At 60 days past due, communication will be sent requesting payment and notifying the family that the student(s) will not be allowed to participate in the following services:
- Access to report cards
- Transcript requests
- Extracurricular activities, including but not limited to athletics, drama and school trips - At 90 days past due, a certified letter will be sent explaining that non-payment of tuition is equivalent to withdrawal, and the withdrawal process will be initiated for the student. No student with a balance that is 90 days or more past due will be allowed to start a semester.
Withdrawal
If a family enrolls their child at HHCA and subsequently withdraws their student, the family must notify the Admissions Office in writing no later than March 1st prior to the upcoming school year. After March 1st but prior to the first day of school, a $3,500 withdrawal fee per student will apply; however, the family will be released of any additional financial obligation.
- Once a student begins attending classes at HHCA, the signor of the enrollment contract assumes the obligation to pay the remaining balance of tuition for the entirety of the school year. This obligation remains in effect in the event of withdrawal of the student prior to the end of the school year, whether the withdrawal be voluntary or for disciplinary, financial, and/or other reasons.
- Tuition payments are non-refundable.
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HHCA partners with Dewar Tuition Refund Insurance to offer parents protection for their tuition commitment in the case of an unforeseen student withdrawal from the school. Participation in the Tuition Refund Insurance Program is required for all students unless tuition is paid in full prior to the start of the school year, in which case participation in optional. The premium is calculated using a standard percentage and is based on the NET tuition amount owed for each student (total tuition net of any financial aid). The premium will be billed through Smart Tuition and is payable with the first payment.
Flex Tuition
Flex Tuition is HHCA’s program that determines a family’s financial need, and if a need exists, adjusts tuition to meet the family in their financial circumstance. Flex Tuition is awarded to families on a financial needs basis ONLY.
- All Flex Tuition applications are submitted through a third party processor, Smart Aid. Evaluation of completeness and validity of the information submitted, as well as the initial analysis of need, is provided by Smart Aid. When the family has completed the entire process with Smart Aid, including submitting all supporting documentation and follow-up requests from Smart Aid, the HHCA Financial Aid Committee reviews the Smart Aid Analysis. The Financial Aid Committee makes final decisions for Flex Tuition awards, including for appeals that are made to the original award granted to a family.
- Families receiving Flex Tuition awards must re-apply in each year for which they enroll. Flex Tuition awards will not be “grandfathered” for any family from year to year.
- For families receiving Flex Tuition awards, the enrollment agreement is not binding until they have formally accepted or declined the award.
Health and Safety Requirements and Waivers
Immunization Requirements
South Carolina law dictates that children cannot be admitted to attend any school or child development program without a valid SC Certificate of Immunization or a medical, religious, or special exemption. I understand that I must provide current immunization records for my child as a condition of enrollment.
Medical Records
Hilton Head Christian Academy uses Magnus Health, which is a secure online portal for the collection of student medical records and parent/guardian release and consent forms. I understand that ALL forms within the Magnus system must be completed prior to my child's first day of attendance at HHCA.Health Physical Requirements
All 6th-12th grade students at HHCA are required to complete a current health physical prior to the start of school, regardless of participation in physical education classes or school athletics. I understand and agree that I will provide an updated physical that will remain current for the entirety of the school year for my 6th-12th grade student.
Safety Acknowledgement
I understand that in the course of the school day and at after-school activities, my child may become ill or injured. As the parent or legal guardian of the named student, I grant permission for treatment deemed necessary for a condition arising while on the HHCA school campus, at an athletic or school-sponsored event, retreat or field trip by a licensed medical/health professional. This includes the school nurse, athletic trainer, physicians or those under their direction.
If necessary, I approve school authorities to take the following steps:
If necessary, I approve school authorities to take the following steps:
- Contact a parent or legal guardian of the student and follow his or her instructions.
- Contact the child’s physician and follow his or her instructions in the event a parent or legal guardian cannot be reached.
- Use his/her own discretion in contacting a properly licensed physician in the event the child’s physician and a parent or legal guardian cannot be reached.
Student Travel Policy
Hilton Head Christian Academy believes that off-campus educational trips enhance the learning experience and bring classroom lessons to life. I understand that field trips are a part of the curriculum for students kindergarten through 12th grade and I hereby permit my child to attend all authorized and supervised field trips.
In the event of an injury requiring medical attention, I hereby grant permission to the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers) to attend to my son/daughter. If the injury warrants further medical attention, I expect every effort will be made to contact me to receive my specific authorization before action is taken. If efforts to contact me are unsuccessful, I grant permission for necessary medical treatment to be given. In addition, I hereby give my permission to the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers) to take my child to the physician, dentist or to the hospital if an accident or serious illness occurs on the trip and I cannot be located.
I recognize that unanticipated situations and problems can arise on any school-sponsored trip, which situations or problems are not reasonably within the control of the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers). I agree to release and hold harmless Hilton Head Christian Academy and its employees and volunteers, from any and all liability, claims, suits, demands, judgments, costs, interest and expense, arising from such activities, including any accident or injury to the student and the costs of medical services, or any cause beyond the control of HHCA including, but not limited to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, or acts of terrorism.
In the event of an injury requiring medical attention, I hereby grant permission to the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers) to attend to my son/daughter. If the injury warrants further medical attention, I expect every effort will be made to contact me to receive my specific authorization before action is taken. If efforts to contact me are unsuccessful, I grant permission for necessary medical treatment to be given. In addition, I hereby give my permission to the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers) to take my child to the physician, dentist or to the hospital if an accident or serious illness occurs on the trip and I cannot be located.
I recognize that unanticipated situations and problems can arise on any school-sponsored trip, which situations or problems are not reasonably within the control of the supervising teacher(s) or staff (including volunteers). I agree to release and hold harmless Hilton Head Christian Academy and its employees and volunteers, from any and all liability, claims, suits, demands, judgments, costs, interest and expense, arising from such activities, including any accident or injury to the student and the costs of medical services, or any cause beyond the control of HHCA including, but not limited to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, or acts of terrorism.
Student/Family Photo Release
I authorize and give full consent to Hilton Head Christian Academy the right to publish and copyright all photographs and video in which my child appears in any and all programs of HHCA.
I further agree that Hilton Head Christian Academy has permission for photographic images and video taken of our family members to be used in school newsletters, advertisements, annuals and other promotional material including but not limited to social media.
Additionally, I agree that use of a video, photograph or photographs does not constitute in any manner a waiver of Hilton Head Christian Academy’s policies, programs, or rules, nor does continued use constitute an agreement to continue the child’s enrollment.
I hereby approve the foregoing and consent to the use of photographs and video subject to the terms mentioned above. I affirm that I have the legal right to issue such consent.
Campus Security: Video Cameras
HHCA utilizes security cameras and video monitoring on campus to foster a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and school visitors as well as to protect all school property. Cameras are placed in general assembly and "traffic" areas including but not limited to hallways, lobbies, gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeteria, parking lot and perimeter areas.
Campus Security: Video Cameras
HHCA utilizes security cameras and video monitoring on campus to foster a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and school visitors as well as to protect all school property. Cameras are placed in general assembly and "traffic" areas including but not limited to hallways, lobbies, gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeteria, parking lot and perimeter areas.
