We recognize that many of you will have questions regarding the upcoming merger.  We’ve answered some of the questions we anticipate may arise as families process this exciting news.  For those interested in learning more, we welcome you to join our Parent Information Session on Monday, November 4th, at either 8:30 am or 5:30 pm.

What will this merger mean for SPMA?

SPMA will operate as a division within Hilton Head Prep. The new division will be called Sea Pines Montessori Academy at Hilton Head Preparatory School. We will continue to offer outstanding Montessori educational programs from pre-primary (15 months) through lower-elementary (3rd grade). Our mission and dedication to providing an exceptional Montessori education and experience for your children will not change. 

What are the benefits of this merger?

By joining forces, we are stronger together and can combine our resources to further enhance the student experience across all grade levels.

 A seamless educational pathway has been created to serve children from 15 months through 12th grade. Under one organization, families can smoothly transition from a premier Montessori early education to a dynamic college preparatory education, positioning every student for success and providing continuity in their educational experience.

 Enhanced resources for your children will be complemented by enhanced resources for our staff and faculty.

 Classroom access to supplies and repairs for the building and grounds will now be more heavily available and expedited. Our students will now be able to participate in sports competitions and other spectator activities. Our staff and faculty will have increased benefits packages and opportunities for growth in a larger organization. Families will also have the opportunity to be part of a larger community, enhancing their engagement and connection with others. There are many advantages to our schools joining together!

Will our teachers remain the same?

Yes! All of our faculty and staff will be offered positions for the 2025-2026 school year.

What grades will Hilton Head Prep offer?

Hilton Head Prep will continue to offer a traditional track from kindergarten until 12th grade.

What will the dual tracks for kindergarten through third grade look like?

A comprehensive, best-in-class, Montessori education through the third grade will become a vital part of Hilton Head Prep, while the option to choose a traditional path will be continued at Prep from Kindergarten onward. This dual-track program provides an innovative curriculum offering that empowers families to select a personalized educational journey tailored to their children’s individual needs and learning styles. Both tracks will seamlessly integrate for grades four through twelve.

What does this mean for my child who is currently enrolled in the SPMA Upper Elementary Program, or is going to be next year?

Hilton Head Prep is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition for our students, featuring a thoughtfully designed curriculum to support those moving into the 4th through 7th grades. The school values many key principles of Montessori education and is enthusiastic about collaborating with our faculty to incorporate these elements into their elementary curriculum. Importantly, this will be a collaborative process, with support from both faculties, as well as our Head of School, October Labbe, and Prep’s Head of School, Paul Horgan. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s needs and how we can assist in making this transition successful.

Will I continue to receive financial aid? What does HHP’s financial aid program look like? 

Anyone who is on financial aid will continue to receive the benefit this year. Starting next year, SPMA at HHP families will have access to Prep’s financial aid packages, which are substantially larger than those SPMA is currently able to offer.  Over 50% of the students at Prep receive financial aid. In the 2024/2025 school year, Hilton Head Prep was able to give over $1.9 million in financial aid. We anticipate that this will make SPMA at HHP even more affordable for our current and future families. 

Will my child remain in the same building next year?

All SPMA programs and classrooms at HHP will remain in the current SPMA building. Our building will be named after the program to honor SPMA's legacy.

Will this impact dismissal times or after-school care?

Your school days will not change this year. SPMA at HHP will continue to support working families by offering a full day of school Monday through Friday, in addition to offering our CREW program after school. 

What about extra-curricular clubs, specials, the school play, and music lessons?

These are all important components of our curriculum and they will remain at SPMA at HHP. The goal is to keep all of our positive offerings intact and enhance our program in areas where we can.

For students who are interested and qualified, Prep will begin offering some extracurricular activities to SPMA students starting in January 2025.  We will provide more information surrounding these opportunities in the coming months.

The culture at SPMA is such an important part of our experience. How do we ensure that doesn’t change?

It is important to remember that, in large part, our program is staying the same. We will continue to offer an amazing Montessori curriculum that values the development of the whole child. 

We will continue to lead by our mission statement which reads: Sea Pines Montessori Academy is committed to the flourishing of the whole child.  We nurture each child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, promote service to others and foster peace through an authentic Montessori environment.

Our faculty and staff will remain at SPMA at HHP, and the warm and caring Montessori environment you are used to will still be here! Our division will retain autonomy over decisions regarding the Montessori curriculum and the way we run our program.

As the schools integrate, you will find many similarities in the culture at SPMA and HHP and realize that our values and mission align beautifully. In fact, this merger will allow more students to rise through our wonderful program and have the foundation of a strong Montessori experience.

Will we still have school events for the remainder of the year?

Yes! The school calendar will remain unchanged, except that SPMA students and families will be invited to join Hilton Head Prep events.