Handbook
Hammond Fast Facts Founded: 1966 Students and Faculty
Approximately 900 students in PK – 12th grades
50% boys & 50% girls with 16% minority
8:1 student:teacher ratio
156 faculty and staff members
15 years average teacher experience
Campus 107 acres 19 main buildings contain 85 classrooms Academic Enrichment Center Developmental Enrichment Center 2 libraries 4 labs 4 art studios 2 music studios Early Technology Center College Counseling Center 2 dining halls 350 seat theatre Chapel Lecture Hall 2 gymnasiums Fitness Center Wrestling Barn Lighted football stadium Lighted baseball field 8 tennis courts Cross-country track Practice fields Soccer/track and field complex Softball field Lacrosse field International Resident Houses
Fine Arts
Music, visual, and performing arts at all levels
Select Ensemble
Fringe Festival
Alumni/ae: 3088 Global Emphasis
Annual Country of Study with a faculty member from each division visiting the country
International travel for faculty and students including eleventh grade trip to Costa Rica
Overnight school trips beginning in the fourth grade
Outdoor Education Program
Outstanding natural history program and Naturalist-in-Residence for Lower and Middle School focusing on Primitive Technology
Comprehensive wilderness program for the Upper School
107 acre campus with woodlands and wetlands
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
South Carolina Independent School Association
South Carolina Independent School Athletic Association
Memberships
NAIS
SAIS
PAIS
ERB SSATB
College Board
Morehead Schools
Cum Laude Society
Hammond Pride Points
Hammond’s unmatched academic curriculum successfully prepares students for college and beyond.
The heart of Hammond is an intangible sense of community and spirit that sets us apart from other schools.
Our global focus opens many curricular opportunities and populates the faculty with seasoned world travelers who continue to add depth to this community.
Early Technology Week, a program unique to Hammond, is a co-curricular opportunity to expose students to primitive forms of technology and life hundreds of years ago.
Hammond’s athletic program, arguably the most successful in South Carolina, annually sees 90% of middle and upper school students participating, and is the two-time recipient of the SCISA President’s Cup Award.
Getting to the “art of the matter” is what we do best! Be it visual arts, performing arts, or music, we begin cultivating students as young as pre-Kindergarten.
At Hammond, education not only develops the mind, body, and spirit, but lifelong friendships are formed and nurtured as students “grow” through the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.
There’s safety in numbers! Our small size affords students individualized attention and numerous opportunities to excel athletically, academically, and artistically.
On Friday, you see RED! The spirit of Hammond comes alive each Friday when the younger students gather for a morning assembly and end with Hammond’s fight song.
Our Experiential Education Program is a trip! Beginning in 4th grade, our students travel within the United States and internationally to locations that complement our curriculum, assist in personal development, or enhance our arts program.
One world, one school! Students from all 14 grades regularly interact with one another, be it in pep rallies or opportunities for older students to mentor younger students.
Our College Counseling Program is the envy of other schools, and prepares students to navigate the process and ultimately gain admission into their chosen college or university.
Hammond Ambassadors
Elevator Speech Elements:
An environment creating independence
College-preparatory: Not only class preparation, but also life skills. Hammond students share that they are prepared to confidently speak in class and their ability to successfully write a wellprepared first essay in their college classes impresses their professors.
With approximately 900 students, the classes are small and allow teachers to interact with each child individually throughout all three divisions.
Community/Family atmosphere
Most students in the Middle School and Upper School participate BOTH in arts and athletics. Over 90% participate in athletics.
Hammond is not associated with a church denomination, but was founded on Judeo-Christian values.
Feeling of student security, both for the students while on property and for their belongings. (For example: no locks on lockers, I-Pads and book bags left lying around and are not touched by others, etc.)
All I-Pad school allowing for advanced technology in the classroom, as well as a Hammond education is still grounded in the basics.
Division Highlights: Lower School:
Your child will be loved. As early as PK, students are encouraged to make oral presentations and perform on stage. Smaller class sizes ensure individual attention. Service learning starts in the lower school with the guidance and leadership of the 4th graders. Every student gets an opportunity to be with Mr. Mancke, Hammond’s Naturalist. Extended Day program offering enriching after school care and many diverse programs. Friday in the Kiva – gathering time of entire Lower School – singing Hammond fight song Students participate in Chorus, Art, PE, Spanish DEC – Developmental Enrichment Center – supports learning concepts for the Lower School.
Middle School:
Students continue to explore their interests in a safe and nurturing environment. Students who transfer in from other schools report increased standardized test scores. Service learning continues and initiatives are student-generated. 5th grade: Early Technology Week Students produce many independent oral reports and power point presentations. 7th grade Science Fair project – produced at school 6th graders have their first opportunity to participate in school sports MS Student Council, Mock Trial, Jr. Honor Society, Clubs Academic Enrichment Center – provide academic support
Upper School
College-prep, Honors and Advanced-Placement (AP) level classes offered. Most students take a variety of these. Designated academic advisor that works with the student and knows academic potential as well as capabilities, talents and interests. Most students participate in both sports and the arts. College Counseling Office – a Hammond Asset! – offers guidance throughout high school starting in 9th grade. Hosts over 40 colleges and universities on campus each school year for our students to meet. Organizes a 10 th grade college road trip to expose them to different colleges and teach them how to evaluate them. Guides 11th and 12th graders in every step of college selection/application/admission process.
Whom to Contact (Direct Lines)
Advancement/Admission/Financial Aid
Matt Radtke
695-4017
Admission
Carson McQueen
695-4018
Alumni Affairs
Katie Eddy
695-8623
Annual Fund/Parent Relations
Mahalie Moore
695-4023
Athletic Office
Julie Ross
695-4011
College Counseling Office
Ruby Elenz
695-8625
Communications
Cissy Pope
695-4024
Headmaster’s Office
Tammy Caruk
695-4030
Lower School Office
Kelly Augenstein
695-4025
Middle School Office
Jill McCain
695-4019
Upper School Office
Betsy Lehman
695-4012
Hammond Main number
Janine Lewis
776-0295 (ext. 1000)
Hammond Website: www.hammondschool.org