About Clarendon Hall
An independent Christian school in Summerton, South Carolina, providing Christ-centered education since 1965.
School History
A Legacy of Faith and Learning
For more than six decades, Clarendon Hall has grown through the faith, vision, and generosity of families who believe education should shape both intellect and character. From its beginning as a church school to today’s K3–12 campus, that purpose has remained constant.
Founded in 1965
Clarendon Hall was established to provide a superior elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment.
Our Story Through the Years
Built with Purpose. Sustained by Community.
A school is founded
Summerton Baptist Church founded the school as Summerton Baptist Church School, with the purpose of offering a superior elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment.
A new campus and a new name
As enrollment grew, the need for a separate campus became clear. Calvary Baptist Church near Pinewood assumed responsibility for the school’s operation. In cooperation with the Clarendon Hall School Land Trust, and with a loan secured from the John K. Crosswell Trust of Sumter, Clarendon Hall opened a modern educational building on an eight-acre campus in Summerton.
Room to gather and compete
The campus expanded with construction of the gymnasium, cafeteria, and the space now used as the multipurpose room—facilities that strengthened student life and brought the school community together.
A campus renewed
A major capital campaign transformed the campus in three phases. The school added a new administration wing and entrance, connected its first two buildings with a hallway featuring student lockers and new restrooms, and completed new landscaping, paving, fencing, and a redesigned horseshoe driveway with an arched gazebo. Renovations to the gymnasium and cafeteria followed, including air conditioning for the gym.
During this period, Calvary Baptist Church concluded its stewardship of the school, and in 2005 a new nonprofit corporation—Clarendon Hall School, Inc.—was formed.
Investing in student wellness
In December, the newly constructed Clarendon Hall Wellness Center opened to students and faculty. At the time, it featured one of the most up-to-date weightlifting facilities in SCISA Single-A athletics. Boosters and alumni raised the funds that made the project possible.
Building for a new generation
In the summer of 2022, Clarendon Hall completed a new kindergarten and elementary building, replacing a facility that had served students for more than 50 years. The new building added classrooms and created a safe, modern learning environment. In 2024, the Wellness Center received new equipment, continuing the school’s commitment to students’ growth and well-being.
One school.
Many denominations.
Clarendon Hall’s Board, student body, and faculty are drawn from many Christian denominations. The school depends solely upon tuition and the gifts of individuals who believe in the continuing growth of education throughout our state and nation. Every chapter of Clarendon Hall’s history reflects the faithful support of patrons, alumni, families, and the surrounding community.
Statement of Principles
Educating the Mind, Forming Character, Strengthening the Whole Student
Clarendon Hall believes education should cultivate right reason and moral imagination while helping students understand their place within the Western tradition and their responsibility to live with wisdom, faith, and purpose.
01
Truth and Discernment
Students are equipped to make sound value judgments through disciplined study, reflection, and Christian formation.
02
A Strong Academic Foundation
History, language, religion, literature, logic, mathematics, and science connect students to their cultural heritage and prepare them to think clearly.
03
Whole-Person Development
A well-trained body complements an educated mind. Athletics, clubs, student government, and other activities develop leadership, teamwork, and character.
Our order of priority is clear: academics and Christian education first, followed by meaningful participation in athletics and extracurricular life.