About THA

Building Strong Foundations

Thomas Hart Academy is committed to the academic and emotional well-being of its students by focusing on the individual child and fostering a love of learning within a safe, nurturing environment.

Established in 1970, Thomas Hart Academy (THA) is an independent, co-educational, non-discriminatory day school enrolling approximately 140 students from 2K to 8th grade. We offer students the opportunity to learn, create, experience, and gain confidence by meeting the challenges of a strong academic program and participating in numerous co-curricular activities. THA views students as individuals with diverse talents, interests, and personalities. As such, we understand the necessity of using a variety of educational approaches and strategies.

Core Values at Thomas Hart Academy

Our core values represent the essence of the school.  Known by students, teachers, and parents, they guide all interactions and decisions.

  • Honesty - Truthful in all circumstances, towards ourselves, others, and their property.
  • Respect - Thoughtfulness and consideration for ourselves and others
  • Confidence - Belief in our ability to succeed and the courage to try
  • Kindness - Showing courtesy and caring towards ourselves and others
  • Teamwork - Cooperating and collaborating with others to achieve similar goals

SCISA Advanced Accreditation

The South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) is a non-profit voluntary association of independent schools. Founded originally on August 10, 1965, the State of South Carolina Incorporated  SCISA as an exclusively educational organization, with responsibilities to establish accreditation standards, and coordinate athletic and academic competition. THA is the proud recipient of SCISA Advanced Accreditation.

75%

75th percentile school median on the Stanford Achievement Test.

50%

of students qualify for Duke Talent Identification Program.

1:9

teacher to student ratio. 31 Faculty & Staff, 140 Students from 2k to 8th grade.

96%

of graduates accepted into Darlington County magnet programs.

What Makes Us Different?

We offer students the opportunity to learn, create, experience, and gain confidence by meeting the challenges of a strong academic program and participating in numerous co-curricular activities.  THA views students as individuals with diverse talents, interests, and personalities. As such, we understand the necessity of using a variety of educational approaches and strategies.

We Believe

We recognize many different learning styles. Our students are unique individuals and not numbers on a test. Thomas Hart cultivates imagination and we encourage the children to think outside the box. We embrace and celebrate the child that doesn’t typically fit inside a mold.
The kindergarten faculty believes…
  • all children are curious and capable learners.
  • children should be allowed  to “act” like children.
  • teachers are a resource and guide as children explore their surroundings.
  • communication between home and school is necessary for the development of children.
  • exploration through the arts is central throughout the curriculum.
  • working together helps children learn to share, take turns, follow directions, and learn kindness.
  • it is important that the brain is stimulated  through a balance of activities.
In our classrooms, you will see….
  • happy faces, listening, looking, and  learning as they interact with the world around them.
  • documentation through photographs, transcribed dialogues, and art work as a “window into the child’s mind.”
  • children actively exploring and making discoveries.
  • real life experiences with class pets, learning centers, technology, reading  and writing.
The primary faculty believes…
  • children have unlimited potential.
  • learning should be fun.
  • school is a safe place for children to make mistakes.
  • teachers and parents are partners in the educational process.
  • a caring, comfortable relationship between child and teacher is vital to learning.
  • children should have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and activities.
In our classrooms, you will see…
  • children who know that they are loved.
  • accommodations for different learning styles.
  • children working in cooperative learning groups.
  • children who are actively involved in their learning.
  • student work displayed.
The intermediate school faculty believes…
  • there are no limits to what children can accomplish.
  • students are encouraged to take risks and learn from mistakes.
  • accommodations should be made for different learning styles and abilities.
  • students achieve success when they feel valued as individuals.
  • organization and time management skills lead to greater independence.
In our classrooms you will see…
  • cooperative learning groups.
  • a variety of student work displayed.
  • basic skills being emphasized as students transition into middle school.
  • technology being integrated across the curriculum.
  • students assuming more responsibility.
  • students being taught through a variety of approaches.
The middle school faculty believes…
  • confidence grows as academic challenges are met.
  • students should assume a greater degree of independence in their school life.
  • students should be comfortable and feel respected in their school community.
  • critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills should be stressed.
  • students need work that stimulates their curiosity and desire for understanding
  • communication between home and school is essential to student success.
  • students should participate in a variety of clubs and activities.
In our classrooms, you will see…
  • an emotionally safe environment where children are encouraged to be risk takers.
  • students assuming greater responsibility for their own learning.
  • students who genuinely care about their academic performance.
  • technology infused into the classroom.
  • a balance of traditional and  hands-on learning approaches.
  • assessments that allow for individual differences.

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