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The Application Process

 

 

Your HHCA Story Begins Here.
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Thank you for your interest in Hilton Head Christian Academy. We are honored that you are considering HHCA for your family. For the current school year, we are fully enrolled.

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UPDATE:

 

We are still accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

Applications submitted prior to our initial January 15, 2021, application deadline are currently being evaluated. Once these applications are evaluated and students are seated, we will consider applications received after January 15, 2021, and continue to offer remaining seats until each grade is fully enrolled.  

If the grade in which you are interested becomes fully enrolled while you are in the application process, you will be notified that you are applying your student for our candidate waiting pool.

 
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Your Next Steps:
 
If you would like to connect with our Admissions Team to learn more about HHCA, submit the Let's Talk form HERE.
 
If you're ready to begin the application process, follow the (5) steps outlined below:
 
(1) Create Your MyHHCA Account HERE. (MyHHCA is our online platform used throughout the application process.)

(2) Complete the online application form in MyHHCA and submit the $100 application fee.
*This fee is non-refundable.

(3) To apply for Flex Tuition (HHCA's financial aid program) for the 2021-2022 school year, click HERE.
*This application is separate from your HHCA application.

(4) Gather school records, along with transcripts and/or report cards, to submit during your application process.
*You may download and complete our student record request form available in the sidebar. This is for you to send to your child's school in a parent-driven process. We will not communicate with your current school unless we speak with you first.

(5) Email all supporting documents listed above to admissionfiles@hhca.org.
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After you've completed your application:
 
  • Our Admissions Team will schedule student and parent interviews with the appropriate principal.

  • Please submit all supporting documents.
 
  • Benchmark testing is conducted for all potential students.
 
  • Our Admissions Review Committee then reviews each candidate and awards admission based on the following criteria:
    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 (included below).

  • When the Admissions Review Committee completes its evaluation, our Admissions Team will notify you.

  • Upon acceptance, all families intending to enroll their student(s) 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 solidifying the Enrollment 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.
 
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INFORMATION ABOUT HHCA & FAQs

We have compiled the following topics and FAQs to give you a deeper sense of what the HHCA experience is all about. Please take time to review these important topics during the application process. 
 
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We firmly believe that Christ calls us to excellence in all that we do. With that belief as a cornerstone, our definition of Christian education goes beyond constructing a set of studies…AND a “Bible” class. Christ is infused in ALL that we do. Yes, our curricular offerings are excellent. Yes, we offer an array of arts, athletics, and extra-curricular programs. Yes, we do have intentional, Bible-based instruction and weekly chapels. What sets us apart however is that each facet of HHCA is presented through the lens of a Christian world-view. The teachers at HHCA are active in their faith and display a passion for sharing their lives, nurturing their students, and pointing each toward a life-saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
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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.
 
Understanding HHCA's family partnership agreement is essential.  (The full agreement is shared in the next section.)
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.

 

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.
As a college and life preparatory school, HHCA prepares each student to be successful at whatever college or university they may attend, and for life beyond our campus.
 
With a rigorous curriculum including honors and advanced placement courses in every upper school core subject area, HHCA has high standards that are well respected around the state of South Carolina and the country. 
 
We have a full team of Guidance professionals dedicated to our families. You can learn more about how they enhance the HHCA experience in THIS VIDEO.

 

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 to 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:
  1. Initial communication from Smart Tuition, notifying the family of late payment.
  2. At 30 days past due, communication will be initiated by the Business Office, either electronically or via phone call, to request payment.
  3. 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
  4. 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

For Re-enrolling Families: 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 15th prior to the upcoming school year. After March 15th 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.
 
For New Families: If a new family returns their enrollment contract and subsequently withdraws their student, they must notify the Admissions Office in writing no later than 4 weeks from the date of signing of their contract. If notification is received within the 4-week timeframe, the family will not be refunded their deposit or other fees paid at the time of contract-signing; however, they will be released of any further financial obligation. If the family notifies the Admissions Office after the 4-week timeframe, the family will not be refunded their deposit or other fees paid at the time of contract-signing, AND the family will be subject to an additional $2,000 withdrawal fee.

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 is voluntary or for disciplinary, financial, and/or other reasons.
 
Tuition payments are non-refundable.
 
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 is 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.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. For families receiving Flex Tuition awards, the enrollment agreement is not binding until they have formally accepted or declined the award.
Exceptions to any of the financial policies stated herein may be made solely by the Head of School and/or Board of Directors.

 

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. 

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. ALL forms within the Magnus system must be completed prior to a student's first day of attendance at HHCA. 

Health Physical Requirements

All rising 5th-12th grade students who are planning to participate in HHCA athletics are required to obtain a physical and complete required SCISA athletic waivers prior to the start of school. Physicals are only valid for the current school year. All physical exam forms and athletic waivers are located in the HHCA student's Magnus health portal.
HHCA offers bus transportation to and from Hilton Head Island for an additional fee. Contact Rachel Bagenstose with questions about bus transportation.
Yes, HHCA students wear school uniforms. Our full dress code can be found HERE.
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The student record request form below is for you to download and send to your child's school. This is a parent driven process. We will not communicate with your current school unless we speak with you first. Submit records to admissionfiles@hhca.org
 
STUDENT RECORDS REQUEST FORM: