For 45 years, Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) has been a shining testament to God’s provision and the power of Christian education. What began as a calling placed on the hearts of George and Mary Winn Lent in 1979 has grown into a flourishing K-12 school community that continues to impact generations. Our school's journey is one filled with milestones that reflect God's steadfast hand and provision.

A Faithful Beginning

The story of HHCA began with a passion for Christ-centered education. With the support of several dedicated families who shared their vision, George and Mary Winn Lent founded Hilton Head Christian Academy on Hilton Head Island. The school’s first classes were held at Grace Church on Matthews Drive. Just a few years later, the growing community of HHCA moved to a new location on Arrow Road, a move that marked the first of many steps in God’s unfolding plan for the school.

In spring 2024, Founder Mary Winn Lent spoke to a group of Lower School students, sharing the story of her and her late husband George’s obedience to God’s call to open HHCA. Standing in the very learning suite named in their honor at the new Bluffton campus, she reminded students of the importance of remaining rooted in God’s word.

A Community of Pioneers

HHCA's story is also the story of families coming together in faith and vision. When a small group of faithful Christians obeyed God's calling to step out in faith, HHCA was founded with the vision To Know Christ and Make Him Known. This charge has since guided everything we do and remains our vision today.

One of those early pioneers, Robert Graves, recalls a pivotal moment when God stirred his heart as he crossed the bridge to Hilton Head Island. “It was as if the Lord said, ‘Robert, Hilton Head Island has been so good to you. What are you going to do for Hilton Head?’” Graves shared his vision for a Christian school with close friend Konrad Marcus, whose enthusiastic response became a catalyst for action: “Robert, you’re going to help me build a school for HHCA!”  Together with John Reed and other dedicated families, they worked tirelessly to establish HHCA’s first dedicated campus on Gardner Drive, which opened in 1989 and became home to the school for over 30 years.

Growing Excellence

Over the years, God continued to open doors for HHCA’s growth. In 2002, a group of local visionaries acquired and donated over 27 acres of land in Bluffton, providing the foundation for the school's next chapter. By 2020, HHCA’s brand-new campus in Bluffton was completed. It had been designed from the ground up to offer a distinctly Christian learning model that equips students to discover God's calling for their life and impact the world for His glory. 

In January 2021, the school moved to Bluffton where it operates today. Days before welcoming students into the new building, an event was held to commemorate the legacy of those who had laid the groundwork for the school’s future. HHCA founders were honored at a ceremony during which learning suites in the new academic building were named after each family. 

Notable Milestones Through the Years

• 1979: Hilton Head Christian Academy was founded and held its first classes at Grace Church on Hilton Head Island.
• 1981: The first Board of Directors was formed.
• 1984: HHCA celebrated its first graduating class.
• 1989: The Gardner Drive campus opened on Hilton Head Island.
• 2002: Visionaries acquired 27+ acres of land in Bluffton for HHCA’s future expansion.
• 2020: The Bluffton campus was completed.
• 2021: HHCA moved to its new Bluffton campus.
• 2023: Plans were announced to expand the campus to meet growing demand.
• 2024: Groundbreaking for the new Upper School building took place.

In response to increasing demand from families who desire Christian education for their children, HHCA announced an exciting campus expansion in 2023. By 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction on a new Upper School building, further enabling HHCA to serve families for years to come.

Continuing the Legacy

As HHCA celebrates its 45th year, we look back with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and the unwavering dedication of our founders, families, and community. From the humble beginnings on Hilton Head Island to the thriving Bluffton campus of today, HHCA remains committed to educating students with a biblical worldview, equipping them to honor and glorify Christ for generations to come.