Founders Week 2021: Heathwood Celebrates 70 Years of Excellence
Heathwood Hall turned 70 years old this week, and students, faculty, and families celebrated with birthday cake, school history trivia contests, an all-school picnic, and more.
Founded as an Episcopalian day school for children in pre-kindergarten through 4th grade, Heathwood opened its doors on September 10, 1951 to a student body of under 100 children. Classes were held in the Heath mansion, on Columbia’s Heathwood Circle. Today, Heathwood Hall serves more than 800 students age 2 through 12th grade on a 122-acre campus we've occupied since 1974.
“This was an amazing week,” said Heathwood Head of School Chris Hinchey. “The small and large celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Heathwood Hall’s founding were both fun and exciting. It is an honor to be a part of an Institution that has contributed so much to generations of families from Columbia and the Midlands. I am humbled by the accomplishments of Heathwood Hall and its graduated and excited to be part of its future growth as we steward the next generation of Highlanders.”
Twice named a National Blue Ribbon School, Heathwood Hall has long been known for academic excellence, and for its distinctive signature programs, including the PEAK outdoor education and leadership program, Winterim experiential learning and travel opportunities, and exhibitions of mastery across all grade levels. Since its founding under the initial leadership of its first Head of School, Susan Gibbes Robinson, Heathwood Hall, as a faith based school, has recognized the role that faith and relationships play in the formation of leaders committee to service to others over self.