Hammond School

My husband and I choose to send our children to Hammond because we believe the experiences they are getting daily are building character and challenging them to discover their own interests and natural abilities. Hammond does not promise a trophy for every child and does not simply "check a box" that a skill has been covered in a classroom. Instead, the curriculum goes far beyond state standards to a higher level of learning and engaing the student in hands on projects and discovery. Hammond's AP Exam pass rate and standardized test scores compared to high schools in Richland One and other private schools reflect that level of learning. More important to our family than academics is the community surrounding our children to encourage them and guide them. The Hammond community has been foundational in building their confidence and happiness. We love our school, and although not easy, we make it a priority to educate them in this environment because we believe in the long-term value of the Hammond Experience. Go Skyhawks!!!

As an alumni and a parent of the school I can speak completely honestly about Hammond. Looking back on my personal education, I can honestly say I didn't realize how fourtunate I was that my parents sacrificed so much to send me to Hammond for so many years. As a parent I will continue to make sacrifices to send my children to this amazing school. It is more than a school, it is a community, a family and a breath of fresh air in the world we live in. If you want to find the "bad" or the "good" online when searching schools...you can find it anywhere, so after reading and scrolling through all of the reviews I challenge you to just come take a look, give Hammond a call, step onto campus and experience for yourself what makes this school so special!

We have been members of the Hammond Family for 10 years now. Each child has gotten the individual attention needed to help them succeed. We couldn't be happier with the low student-teacher ratios, the athletic opportunities, the field studies, and especially the emphasis on technology in education. My children are dedicated to service, and aware of global issues. We have been extremely pleased with the Lower and Middle School heads and as always, the visionary leadership of the Head of School. I highly recommend a tour of the Hammond School. The environment is electric, and you are immediately aware that you are part of something very special.

As an alumnus and current parent I could not be happier with the educational experience provided at Hammond School. What you realize as you go down the path is that Hammond is not a means to an end, Hammond is the destination. Your child's most formative years are spent here and who they become as an adult is dependent upon their experiences now, not in the future. It's a given that the students here get top notch academics, but the same student is also playing 3 sports, acting in the play, singing for the Pope in St.Peters Basilica, earning their Eagle Scout Ranking, winning the State math competition, and interning with local doctors, attorneys, and business executives during the summer. College counseling is superb, Ivy's every year, but most impressive is that we have kids in the bottom 25% of the graduating class going to UVA, Sewanee, Wofford, Clemson, and USC. The school compares nationally with the best schools in the country and is right here in our own back yard.

My oldest will be a rising Senior, then his two younger sisters will be rising a Sophomore and 3rd grader, respectively. Both my husband and I grew up in public schools and choosing Hammond was a big decision and investment for our family. Hammond provides my children with an opportunity to be challenged, to grow in their passions, to experience new opportunities, to excel in becoming a well rounded individual that has a healthy respect for academic, athletic and cultural excellence. We have seen much growth and change at Hammond in our 13 years with technology, new facilities on campus, curriculum as it is an environment that knows to excel you can never stop learning and being open to change. I am thrilled that my youngest has the opportunity to spend 3 years with our unbelievable LS Head, Helen Kiser. She joined the Hammond family this past summer and has already won the respect as well as the hearts of students, faculty and families. I know that with her passion for children and positive nature our LS will continue to amaze and engage our students to do great things and more importantly become kind and generous citizens. On the other end of my household, I'm knee deep in college preparation. Thank goodness, I am fully supported by the marvelous Upper School College Counseling Department and US teachers. I have said to many parents that ask about our US, the guidance and dedicated partnership your family receives from the College Counseling Department in 9th-12th grade is well worth the investment of tuition. If you are looking for a positive, challenging and well rounded environment for your children, I hope you will visit Hammond. It was the best decision our family has ever made and we have three kids that agree.