About

Welcome to Thomas Heyward Academy - A Top Private School in Jasper County, SC

Founded in September 1970 by a group of dedicated parents and local leaders from Jasper County, Thomas Heyward Academy has proudly served families in Ridgeland, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hampton and surrounding areas for over 50 years. Our school is known for providing high-quality K1-12 private education in a supportive, family-oriented environment that values every student.

Named in honor of Thomas Heyward (1746–1809)—a signer of the Declaration of Independence born in St. Luke’s, South Carolina, and buried in Jasper County—our school carries forward a strong tradition of academic excellence and leadership.

According to our first yearbook, the Rebel Yell, Thomas Heyward Academy opened its doors with 278 students and 12 teachers. Wightman Bowden served as the founding Headmaster, with Robert Thompson, Henry E. Fickling, Jr., Irma Smith, and Patricia Padgett serving on the inaugural Board of Directors. Key figures such as J.E. Horton, Gary Brown, and F. A. Nimmer played vital roles in launching the school’s mission.

Today, Thomas Heyward Academy is an accredited private school and a proud member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). We were the first school to earn the SCISA AdvancED (now Cognia) Accreditation—the highest distinction awarded to private schools in South Carolina.

As a college preparatory school serving students in Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton Counties, we offer small class sizes, personalized learning, and a caring faculty dedicated to each student’s success. Our vibrant academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs help students build confidence, character, and leadership skills.

Whether you’re searching for the best private school near Ridgeland SC, a K1-12 school in Ridgeland, or an independent school in the Lowcountry, Thomas Heyward Academy offers a welcoming community and a proven track record of student achievement.

Discover the difference at Thomas Heyward Academy—where every student is known, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.