Clarendon Hall History
Founded in 1965 by the Summerton Baptist Church for the purpose of affording a superior
elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment, Clarendon
Hall was originally known as Summerton Baptist Church School. Because of continued growth
in student body, it soon became evident that a separate campus and building would be required.
In 1968, Calvary Baptist Church located near Pinewood, South Carolina offered to take over
control and continue operation of the school. In 1968, in cooperation with Clarendon Hall
School Land Trust and with a loan secured from the John K. Crosswell Trust of Sumter, South
Carolina, Clarendon Hall opened in a new, modern educational building in Summerton, SC,
situated on an eight-acre campus easily accessible because of its convenient location. During
the 1975-76 school year, the gymnasium, cafeteria, and current multi-purpose
room were constructed. Calvary Baptist Church continued operation of the school until 2005
when a new non-profit corporation was formed known as Clarendon Hall School, Inc.
A major capital campaign project was begun in 2004 to raise funds to improve the facilities at
Clarendon Hall. During phase one of the campaign, a new administration wing was added and
gave the school a new entrance. Buildings one and two were connected with a new hall to
include student lockers and new restrooms. Phase two of the project was completed in 2005
with new landscaping, paving, and redesigning of the horseshoe driveway, and the addition of
new fencing and arched gazebo. Phase three of the capital campaign project was begun in 2006
to include renovations to the gym and cafeteria, which included air conditioning in the gym.
These projects are a direct result of the continued support Clarendon Hall receives from its
patrons, alumni, and the community.
In December 2019, an ambitious project was completed when the newly constructed Clarendon
Hall Wellness Center was opened to students and faculty. The new facility boasted the most up
to date weight lifting facility in single A SCISA athletics at the time. Many Clarendon Hall
boosters and alumni raised the needed funds to make the project a success.
In the summer of 2022, Clarendon Hall completed a new kindergarten and elementary building.
The new facility replaced the old facility that served students for over 50 years. This new
building added more classrooms to campus and a safe learning environment for students.
The Board, the student body, and the faculty are drawn from all denominations. Clarendon
Hall depends solely upon tuition and gifts received from individuals who are interested in the
continuing growth of education through our state and nation.
