Are you looking for a top-notch secular private school in Columbia, SC? Parents may be looking for schools that focus more on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) subjects or alternatives to traditional education. However, they may not want a school that incorporates religious teachings into their curriculum. Our Premiere Guide to Private Schools in Columbia, SC offers some of the area’s top secular private schools.
Harmony School: A secular private school offering
Blended curriculum inspired by Waldorf, Montessori, and Inquiry-based learning.
Ages pre-K – Elementary school
After-school care is available
Tuition rates: School Day runs 8:30 AM–2:30 pm (drop-off from 7:30 am), with Preschool (2.5 years–PreK) at $700/month and Elementary (K–5th) at $750/month
Their preschool is offered for ages 30 months to 5 years.
803.772.2262 | 1101 Balsam Road, Columbia, SC
Montessori Early Learning Center is a private school with an education curriculum based on Montessori-style learning.
The facility has 6 primary, multi-aged classrooms. The facility has observation mirrors installed in every classroom door for parent use at any time without an appointment.
CFL is an Independent Early Childhood Program offering care for children 12 months to 4 years of age in their Child Development Program.
CFL also offers kindergarten through 5th grade in their academy program.
Curriculum: Standards-aligned CFL curriculum with STEAM plus Spanish & Mandarin.
Sandhills School: Secular private school that offers small student-to-teacher ratios and a large campus
Specializes in students with diagnosed learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Grades: 1st – 12th
The school is “one of nineteen model in the nation that are accredited by the Orton Gillingham Academy (OGA) for using the Orton Gillingham approach to teach students who learn differently.” Orton Gillingham schools
Sandills School Tuition and financial aid information is available, and students can apply for financial aid.
Hammond School: Secular private school
Considered one of the top-performing private schools in the Columbia area.
Ages: PreK – 12th grade.
They offer after-school programs, athletics, and arts programs.
Timmerman School: SCISA Accredited private school in Columbia, SC offering academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Ages: grades K – 12.
Tuition: ~$5K – $7K annually (extended care rates available)
The high school program receives its education through Connections Academy with on-campus private teacher assistance.