🎆 Big News to Kick Off the New Year 🎆
🎊 A new year means new beginnings—and Open Enrollment for NEW families is officially OPEN for the 26-27 school year!
👀 If Horse Creek Academy has been on your radar, now’s the time to act. Whether you apply today or later this month, make sure your application is submitted by January 31st to be included in our enrollment lottery on February 3rd.
💙 A free, public charter school
💛 Open to all
✨ Built on connection, service, and flexibility
👉 Apply here: https://www.hcacs.net/o/hca/page/enrollment
👋 We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to welcome new families into something special.
We are the Village. 💙
Note: To keep things simple for families using our lottery system, the application for the current 25-26 school year will not be available Jan 1-31. If you are interested in applying for the current school year, just email Sarah Morris at smorris@hcacs.net for assistance with the 25-26 application.
After 20 days of unwrapping what makes Horse Creek Academy special, we’re ending where it all begins — and where it always comes back to.
✨ Day 1: Connection
At HCA, connection isn’t a buzzword — it’s how we live.
It’s students who are known and supported.
It’s staff who feel valued professionally and personally.
It’s families who are welcomed, heard, and truly part of the Village.
🌟 When people feel connected, they grow — academically, socially, and beyond the classroom. And that connection is what turns a school into a community.
Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year opens tomorrow, January 1 and runs through January 31st, don't miss out on your chance to join the Village! 💙💛
With just 2 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy so special.
✨ Day 2: Service
Service isn’t something we add on at HCA — it’s woven into who we are. From student-led initiatives to family service hours to partnerships that extend beyond our campus, we believe learning is strongest when it’s connected to giving back.
📸 Snapshot:
Check out this moment from our 3rd Annual HCA Mini Grant Program, where we were proud to support First Tee of Aiken. Through opportunities like these, our Village gets to invest directly in organizations that are shaping lives, building character, and strengthening our wider community.
Tomorrow, we unwrap a final highlight — and the heartbeat of our Village. 💙💛
We’re officially 3 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy special. 💙💛
🎁 Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights
✨ Day 3: Flexibility
At Horse Creek Academy, flexibility isn’t about lowering expectations — it’s about meeting students where they are and helping them soar. From innovative scheduling to responsive supports, flexible pathways allow us to serve the whole child while staying true to our mission.
📸 Snapshot: Check out this photo of ourHCA Board of Directors — the leaders who help make flexibility possible. We’re grateful for their vision, support, and commitment to a model that allows HCA to adapt, innovate, and always put students first.
Open Enrollment begins January 1. We can’t wait to welcome new families into the Village. 💙💛
With just 4 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing our countdown series:
Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights 🎁
✨ Day 4: Partnership
At Horse Creek Academy, we believe schools don’t exist in isolation — they thrive through strong partnerships with the communities they serve. From local organizations to civic leaders, collaboration allows us to expand opportunities, amplify student voices, and make learning come alive beyond our campus.
📸 Snapshot: We’re excited to share that HCA is now an official Education Partner with the City of Aiken! In the new year, we’ll be creating educational and storytelling content for the City’s 4Aiken streaming service, highlighting student experiences, learning in action, and the power of public education done differently.
When schools and communities partner together, everyone wins — especially kids. 💙💛
As we count down to Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy shine — one highlight at a time. 💙💛
✨ Day 5: Excellence
At HCA, excellence isn’t about perfection — it’s about purpose. It’s the daily commitment to doing our best in academics, athletics, fine arts, and beyond. We challenge students to grow, support teachers as professionals, and celebrate progress at every level. Excellence here is strived for, supported, and shared.
📸 At HCA we use our "Mindsets of HCA Leaders" document day in and day out; they guide everything we do. From classrooms to coaching to community, excellence at HCA is defined, modeled, and expected — always with kids at the heart of the work. To see the full document check it out at https://aptg.co/42zzqK
With 6 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to unwrap what makes life in the Village so special. 💙💛
✨ Day 6: Courage
At Horse Creek Academy, courage shows up every day — in students raising their hands, trying something new, stepping onto a stage, onto a field, or into a challenge they’ve never faced before. We believe growth happens when students feel safe enough to be brave, and supported enough to take risks.
Courage isn’t about being fearless — it’s about showing up, even when something feels hard. And that’s something we’re proud to nurture in our Village.
📸 Check out the photo of some of our courageous elementary students stepping outside their comfort zones and trying something new through our Baseball Futures program! Whether it’s picking up a bat for the first time or learning a new skill, moments like these remind us that courage is built when students feel supported, encouraged, and safe to try. ⚾️
We’re officially 7 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy so special.
🎁 Welcome to Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights...and isn't today the perfect day to unwrap something special?! 😉
✨ Day 7: Tradition
Traditions are how memories are made — and at HCA, they bring our Village together year after year. From schoolwide celebrations to moments that mark new beginnings, our traditions create a sense of pride, joy, and belonging that students and families carry with them long after the day ends.
📸 Speaking of traditions… check out this photo from one of our favorites: Village Fest — a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate the start of a new school year, reconnect, and kick things off the Village way.
Because some traditions don’t just mark moments — they build community. 💙💛
With just 8 days to go until Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to Unwrap HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights — sharing what makes life in the Village so special. 💙💛
✨ Day 8: Adventure
🐎Learning at Horse Creek Academy doesn’t stay within four walls. From field trips and outdoor learning to hands-on experiences, special events, and opportunities that stretch our students beyond the classroom, adventure is part of the journey here. We believe curiosity grows when students explore, experience, and engage with the world around them.
Because when learning feels like an adventure, students don’t just show up — they lean in. 💙💛
🚣 Check out the photo of some of our Middle/High students practicing real-world life (and adventure skills) while kayaking this fall. Experiences like these help students learn teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance — all while making memories they’ll never forget.
With 9 days to go until Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to unwrap what truly makes our Village special.
✨ Day 9: Support
At Horse Creek Academy, support isn’t a department — it’s a mindset. From academics to social-emotional growth, our students are surrounded by adults who collaborate, communicate, and show up for one another every single day. When educators feel supported, students feel it too — and that’s how a Village thrives.
📸 Check out the photo to see some of our incredible supporters in action — members of our SPED team coming together at one of their monthly dinners to encourage, connect, and support one another. This is the heart behind the work, and we’re so grateful for this team.
Stay tuned as we continue unwrapping the highlights that make HCA shine. 💙💛
Horse Creek Academy FFA is excited to partner with Shoemaker Equipment Supply for an incredible Bush Hog Raffle!
🎁 One lucky winner will take home a Limited Edition Bush Hog FFA medium-duty cutter—a serious win for any landowner or equipment lover.
🎟 Raffle Tickets: $50 each
📍 Where to buy: Shoemaker Equipment Supply – Aiken
🗓 Deadline to purchase tickets (if still available): February 22
Even better? 💙 All proceeds benefit the Horse Creek Academy FFA program, supporting student leadership, agricultural education, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Support our students, support agriculture, and take a chance on an amazing prize! 🌾💙
🎁 With 10 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights by spotlighting what fuels learning at its very best.
🔍 Day 10: Curiosity
🧐 At Horse Creek Academy, curiosity is encouraged, celebrated, and protected. We want students asking why, exploring how, and wondering what’s next. Whether it’s hands-on projects, meaningful discussions, creative problem-solving, or real-world connections, curiosity drives deeper learning — and keeps school exciting.
📈 When students are curious, they’re engaged. When they’re engaged, they grow. And that curiosity doesn’t stop in the classroom — it follows them into who they become.
Stay with us as we continue unwrapping the moments, mindsets, and magic that make our Village shine. 💙💛
✨ Celebrating Our 2026 Teachers & Staff of the Year! ✨
🌟 We are so proud to recognize these incredible members of the HCA Village who go above and beyond for our students, staff, and families every single day. It is truly an honor that these amazing people call Horse Creek Academy home.
🏆 Staff of the Year: Ashley McCormick
Ashley is always on call and always willing to help. From managing substitutes for a staff of over 200 (no small feat!) to supporting on-site volunteers, tackling lost and found, and stepping in wherever needed — Ashley is the definition of dependable and dedicated.
🌟 First Year Teacher of the Year: Will Mills
Will joined us after a career change, and we are so glad he did! He teaches Middle School Fundamentals of Computing and has already made a huge impact with his passion, creativity, and connection with students.
🛝 Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Misty Lee
Misty is a true rock in our elementary school. As a third-grade teacher and leader, her impact reaches far beyond her classroom — influencing curriculum and supporting learning across multiple grade levels.
📚 Middle School Teacher of the Year: Gavin Armstrong
Gavin has been a staple in our middle school for several years and continues to shine. Currently teaching 7th grade Language Arts, he brings consistency, care, and a deep commitment to helping students grow.
💙 High School Teacher of the Year: Valerie Steen
A true SPED superstar, Valerie serves our middle and high school students with disabilities and is always on the move — supporting Special Olympics, planning meaningful experiences for students, leading HCA’s STEAM Night, and so much more. Her heart for students is unmatched.
We are incredibly thankful for each of you and the impact you make in our Village every day. Help us in wishing a BIG Village congratulations to our 2026 Teachers and Staff of the Year! 🎉💙
As we continue counting down to Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re spotlighting the people and values that make our Village what it is.
✨ Day 11: Voice
At Horse Creek Academy, voice matters. Students are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for themselves. Families are welcomed as partners. Staff voices are valued, trusted, and heard. When people have a voice, they feel ownership — and that’s when a Village truly thrives.
📸 Check out today’s snapshot featuring one of those voices:
Pete Frommer — former Director of Aiken Public Safety, proud HCA grandparent, and leader of our HCA Heroes program. We’re incredibly thankful for voices like Pete’s on our campus and the wisdom, care, and leadership they bring to our students every day.
🎉 Open Enrollment Countdown! 🎉
We’re officially 12 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and each day we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy special.
🎁 Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights
✨ Day 12: Safety
At Horse Creek Academy, safety is foundational. It’s the trust families place in us each morning, the preparation behind the scenes, and the intentional steps we take to ensure our campus is secure, supported, and ready for learning. When students feel safe, they can focus, grow, and thrive — and that peace of mind matters just as much to families and staff.
Because a strong Village starts with a safe one. 💙💛
📸 Check out the photo of our School Resource Officer, Kris Howard! We are incredibly grateful to have an SRO on campus this year and deeply thankful for our partnership with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Their presence and collaboration help keep our Village safe, supported, and at ease every single day.
💙 We hope the next couple of weeks are filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time with the people who matter most. Thank you for an incredible first half of the year—we are so grateful for each and every one of you.
We’ll see our students and staff back in the new year on January 5th, refreshed and ready for all that’s ahead!
🎁 With just 13 days until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights by spotlighting what truly brings our Village together.
✨ Day 13: Community
Community at Horse Creek Academy means showing up for others in meaningful ways. It’s students learning that their actions matter, families rallying around a cause, and real-world service becoming part of who we are—not just something we talk about.
🤝 Check out the photo — our Middle School Student Council was proud to present the Aiken Homeless Coalition with donations of winter hats, pajama pants, gloves, and socks, all collected during our Jingle Jam Dance to help keep individuals warm this winter.
💙 This is what community looks like at HCA: compassion in action, led by our students.
Stay tuned as we continue unwrapping what makes our Village shine. 💫
⭐️We are incredibly proud to celebrate HCA Senior Randy Williams, who has been appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve on the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (GJJAC)—an impressive honor and a big deal for our Village!
🏛️ This statewide council is made up of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders who are dedicated to protecting and supporting youth across South Carolina. Council members receive specialized training in youth safety and education and meet monthly to help guide meaningful work impacting young people throughout our state.
Even more remarkable? To our knowledge, Randy is one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to this council. 🤯 Talk about leadership in action!
Randy’s voice, perspective, and commitment to service truly represent the very best of Horse Creek Academy. We can’t wait to see the impact he continues to make—this is just the beginning.
👏 Join us in congratulating Randy on this incredible achievement!
👉 Tomorrow, Thursday, 12/19, is a half day at Horse Creek Academy.
🕚 Elementary dismisses at 11:00 AM
🕛 Middle/High dismisses at 12:00 PM
🚫 No aftercare will be offered
Please plan accordingly and make sure dismissal arrangements are set ahead of time. Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly as we head into Winter Break—we're almost there! 🌲💙
And auditions kick off as soon as we return from Winter Break—cue the excitement.
🎭 Our HCA Theatre Department is thrilled to announce Annie Jr., with onstage roles open to students in 1st–8th grade and high school students leading all production roles (set design, choreography, sound, lighting, and more). This is truly a Village-wide production.
🎬 Who Can Audition?
-Boys and girls in grades 1–8
-No required ages, heights, etc. for any role
-Everyone is encouraged to try out—featured roles and ensemble!
-High school students will shine behind the scenes, running the full production.
🎤 Audition Schedule (All auditions begin at 3:20 PM)
-Monday, January 5: Elementary students auditioning for the role of Annie
-Tuesday, January 6: Middle school students auditioning for the role of Annie
-Wednesday, January 7: Tier 1 & Tier 2 auditions (all ages), this is for small featured speaking lines and singing roles
-Thursday, January 8: Ensemble-only auditions (no featured lines or solo singing); callbacks will also take place this day
🧭 Logistics for Families
-Elementary students will remain in their dismissal rooms and be walked to auditions by staff—no worries there!
-Parents may wait in Commons B during auditions.
🎟️ Performance Dates
-April 2 – School-day performance (student audience only)
-April 2 – 6:00 PM public performance
-April 3 – 6:00 PM public performance
🎟️ Tickets will go on sale after Winter Break
📣 Stay in the Loop!
-Audition packets are available in the Front Office
-Join Mrs. Culp’s Remind for updates, reminders, and important info
👉 Text @annie2026 to 81010
This production is shaping up to be a magical mix of talent, teamwork, and confidence-building—whether students are center stage or running the spotlight. We can’t wait to see our Village shine. 💙💛
🎶 Let the countdown to Annie Jr. begin!
