Lowcountry Preparatory School was founded in 1995 by a small group of parents determined to provide an alternative learning option for their children. By providing a college-preparatory curriculum in a small classroom environment, the School provided an educational option to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, that had not been offered before.

Officials of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) provided guidelines on the proper development of the school leading to its first accreditation. This accreditation ensured that the curriculum offered by Lowcountry Preparatory School was sufficiently rigorous and would provide for the success of our students in college.

The School’s original location was in Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church on Ocean Highway. While the School operated in this location for three years, it soon outgrew its initial space and relocated to adjacent, donated land. A plan was carefully developed in a way that ensured responsible growth as Lowcountry Preparatory School continued to expand the community presence. Today, the campus includes two schoolhouses, a gymnasium, and one of the nicest natural-turf fields in the area.

As the years have passed, the program has grown. An athletic program involving competition with other independent schools was added in 1996 and today includes numerous varsity and junior varsity teams for both boys and girls. The arts department took shape—both visual and performing arts—where students could receive recognition for their talents at the regional and state level.

The first class graduated in 2000. The traditions established at Lowcountry Preparatory School continue today and grow stronger with each year as we move into our third decade.