Mission Statement
CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH AN ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT CURRICULUM, WHILE FOSTERING PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS WITHIN A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.
Cambridge is more than a school, we are a Family
Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or is only a few years away from college, Cambridge Academy is a place they can proudly call home. Our environment ensures that every student is known, supported, and encouraged. Here, teachers build meaningful relationships with each child and their family — creating a foundation where students feel valued and empowered to grow.
From your family's first day on the Cambridge Academy campus, you become part of a tradition that has shaped the Lakelands for more than half a century. Since Cambridge's founding, our faculty and administration have remained committed to providing an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our mission is simple: to help every child reach their fullest potential and leave Cambridge equipped for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Diapers to Diplomas
Cambridge Academy is, at its core, an academic community devoted to supporting your child's — and your family's — educational journey from the very day as a Cougar Cubby to the moment their diploma is placed in their hands. Each year, students grow through a rich, intentional curriculum that not only strengthens their knowledge base but also broadens their horizons and ignites a love of learning.
To best serve our students, Cambridge Academy is organized into two divisions:
Lower School Cubbies, 18–36 months, through 5th Grade
Upper School 6th through 12th grade
Each division is led by a dedicated faculty member with extensive experience and expertise in their field. Our division leaders and administration guide every aspect of the student experience — ensuring strong academics, meaningful relationships and a supportive environment — while also providing mentorship to our teaching faculty.
Lower School Learning
Early Childhood Learning Curriculum
At Cambridge Academy, learning begins early and continues to grow with your child. Our Early Childhood and Lower School programs together create a seamless, nurturing pathway from 18 months through 5th Grade. Our program is designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a strong academic foundation.
Our Early Childhood program is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services, and all teachers and assistants are certified by the DSS. In these formative years, children learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. With a curriculum that introduces letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and early literacy skills, students also gain essential socialization skills in a joyful, supportive environment where having fun is always encouraged.
As students transition into Lower School, they enter a traditional yet forward-thinking academic setting intentionally designed to meet their developmental and intellectual needs. Each faculty member in the Lower School is dedicated to student success and works closely with families to create a connected, personalized educational experience. Teachers craft lesson plans that challenge students, promote independence, and encourage creative thinking.
Lower School students grow in their abilities to read, write, problem-solve, and communicate with confidence. They begin formal handwriting, learn research skills, engage in science and math explorations, and develop strong comprehension and critical thinking habits. Cambridge's commitment to whole-child education ensures students spend weekly time in Spanish, art, music, library, drama, and physical education — broadening their interests and strengthening their skills beyond core subjects.
Together, our Early Childhood and Lower School programs lay the foundation for a lifetime love of learning, preparing students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they continue into middle school and beyond.
Upper School
Middle School, beginning in 6th Grade and continuing through 8th Grade, represents a period of meaningful transition for Cambridge students. Sixth graders will begin having a different teacher for each subject, take on greater responsibility, and experience increased privileges as they progress.
The Middle School day is organized into seven class periods that include core subjects such as Language Arts, Math, Science, History, and Spanish. Teachers work closely with students to expand their knowledge and strengthen critical-thinking skills. Students are taught to take thorough notes, write increasingly complex essays, and deliver presentations across all disciplines. In 7th Grade, students prepare for the PSAT, and in 8th Grade, they take courses in Math, English, Science, and Spanish for which they will earn High School Credit.
In addition to core academics, Middle School students enjoy two years of participation in the Cambridge Musical, and have the opportunity to join Cambridge sports teams. Each year, students also select an elective. This year’s options include art, drama, board games, Bible, and band.
Cambridge Academy is committed to providing a high school curriculum that challenges, prepares, and supports students for success beyond graduation. Each student’s core academic classes are taught at an Honors level by experienced faculty, many of whom have decades of expertise in the classroom. All courses are taught from a college-level perspective to build strong academic habits and a deep understanding. Beginning in 11th Grade, students will receive college and high school credits for many of their courses. Our juniors and seniors also have the opportunity to take classes at either Lander University or Piedmont Technical College.