For the first time ever, Baptist Hill is operating as two separate schools—Baptist Hill Middle School and Baptist Hill High School—serving students in grades six through twelve on the same campus. This historic change marks a significant shift from its previous structure as a combined middle-high school.
Focused Approach to Education
Brion Rutherford, Principal of Baptist Hill High School, explained that the split allows for a more targeted approach to meet the specific needs of middle and high school students. To ensure clear separation, the school is working to create distinct geographical areas for each school and has established dedicated leadership teams for both institutions. This will help tailor the educational experience to the unique needs of students at each academic level.
A Unified Effort for Student Success
Rutherford places great emphasis on unity among the staff, referring to them as “staffulty” to highlight that regardless of their roles, everyone is invested in the success of the students. “At the end of the day, we’re all educators,” Rutherford said, underscoring the importance of collaboration in fostering a positive educational environment.
Restoring Community and Traditions
The split has brought about a renewed sense of community on campus. Rutherford shared that there is “renewed energy” at the school, with his partner, Kevin Smith, Principal of Baptist Hill Middle School, adding, “We are going to lead our current group of students into the future while honoring and building upon the traditions of the past.”
A Fresh Perspective for Middle Schoolers
Kevin Smith, a 24-year district veteran and former Charleston County School District student, brings a fresh perspective to his new role at Baptist Hill Middle School. With 14 years of experience as a principal, Smith understands the specific needs of middle school students and is focused on achieving “comprehensive accelerated growth” for all students. His goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, will grow academically and personally.
Upgrades to Support the Split
In addition to the administrative changes, the campus underwent several physical upgrades to accommodate the new structure. These include additional offices and spaces for staff, new partitions, doors, and modifications to learning environments designed to better serve both middle and high school students. The campus will also feature a new athletic field house for high school students, with renovations continuing into the fall.
Baptist Hill’s transformation marks an exciting new chapter in its history, with both schools focused on delivering a more personalized and effective educational experience for their students.
