K4 thru High School
Academics & Arts
SCAIHS Approved Classes
Social & Family Events
Mission Statement
Our goal as Christian parents is to raise children who love Christ and know how to apply the principles of their faith to the world around them. We must intentionally and faithfully pass on to our children the mission of reclaiming and redeeming the culture for the glory of God. This dominion mandate was first given in Genesis and is reconfirmed by Paul as he tells us we must learn “to bring every thought captive to Christ.” We believe, and must affirm daily to our children, that all things (from the physical to the academic) hold together in Christ.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” Romans 11:36
About Us
Who We Are
Excelsior is a family-oriented home school resource center that offers classes for four-year-old to high school seniors. However, the primary teaching responsibility of each student remains with the parent. We offer strong academic instruction and provide times for your student to build relationships inside and outside the classroom. Excelsior is not a third option support group and satisfies no requirements for legal accountability. It’s important to note that you must register with either your school district, SCAIHS, or a third option support group by the 10th day of your district’s start date to legally homeschool.
What We Offer
We offer classes for grades K4 through High School. All of our courses and curriculums are approved by SCAIHS, the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. Our Academy classes, ages 4-13, develop an effective Christian worldview as we study literature, history, and fine arts based on various periods. Our High School offerings are college-preparatory classes with honors options.
Where We Meet
Classes meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from August through May at New Heights Church at 5501 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212. Our
Our Community
We not only offer strong academics, but we also foster and encourage a close-knit community for students and families to interact socially and serve together. We offer many activities, including field trips, picnics, and family night activities. High school students also take part in monthly socials, service projects, and an annual spring formal.
Student-Athletes
Do you have a student-athlete? All our high school classes meet college prep requirements and are approved by SCAIHS, the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. This provides peace of mind for those families that need NCAA and NAIA course eligibility.
Statement of Faith
God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. On the third day, He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy apostolic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.
Registration
Open House
All new and returning families must attend a mandatory Open House for the 2023-24 School Year. Please plan to attend one of the two dates offered on January 31st or February 7th at 10:30 am at New Heights Church, 5501 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.
New Student Registration
All new families are required to complete a pre-approval interview with our Directors once all forms have been completed and submitted. For each new student you plan to register, please visit our Registration & Tuition page for more information and instructions. Preference is given to returning students, so new students may be placed on a waiting list until open slots are available.
Returning Student Registration
For each returning student you plan to register, please visit our Registration & Tuition page for more information and instructions. Registration for returning students will not be considered complete with a spot held for a student until all forms are received including applicable registration fees.
Our Leaders
Ashlee Vickery, Director
Ashlee has served as the Director of Excelsior Academy since 2012 and has over 20 years of homeschooling experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1994 and was certified in Elementary Education. Ashlee is married to Kevin Vickery and has three daughters who attended Excelsior Academy. She is also very involved in the children’s ministry at her church and teaches Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Kid’s Club. Ashlee also started and led the Good News Club through Child Evangelism Fellowship in her local community.
Gail Lingerfelt, Assistant Director
Gail has served as the Assistant Director of Excelsior Academy since 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible from The Master’s College, now The Master’s University, in 1992. Gail is married to Jeff Lingerfelt, President of Capitol Ambassadors. They joined Excelsior in 2005 when they began homeschooling their three children. Excelsior became and is an integral part of their homeschooling journey.
Testimonials
“Excelsior has been a part of our homeschooling journey from day one and ten years later, we wouldn’t change a thing. The academic bar is set high, the atmosphere is centered on honoring Christ, and the ability to make the best of friends are just a few reasons why we love Excelsior!”
“The curriculum that has been chosen for our children to study has benefited our whole family and has helped us all to learn more about history, how it all fits together and how God has had His hand in it all. We LOVE Excelsior and look forward to many more years to come as members of the Excelsior Family!”
“Excelsior has met and exceeded our expectations. The teachers our children have had over the last 5 years truly love them and have given me feedback about them that is objective and helpful for their instruction at home. They have built relationships with other children and look forward to their time with them both in the classroom and outside of it.”