🍨📚 Big congratulations to HCA student Caiden Strother! 📚🍨

Caiden recently won a statewide Math Nation+ Test Yourself! Challenge prize—earning an Ice Cream Sundae Party for his class! 🎉

This accomplishment is especially impressive considering winners were selected from a record-breaking 176,037 qualifying entries across South Carolina. 👏

Caiden earned entries into the challenge by successfully completing unit-level assessments throughout the year in Math Nation+.

His teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson shared:
💬 “Using Math Nation+ in my 7th grade math classroom has benefited math instruction in several ways. First, I love how Math Nation provides standards-aligned lessons and practice that keep my instruction focused. It also allows for several review opportunities, which helps close learning gaps. If students are absent, they can follow along with video and step-by-step examples so they don't get behind the class. Finally Math Nation encourages student independence by allowing students to access tutorials and practice problems during after school hours. "

Caiden shared:
💬 “Math Nation has helped me improve my understanding of math by giving me extra practice and explanations when I do not understand a skill the first time. I like the videos and examples that are explained step-by-step. They help me learn difficult concepts easier. "

We are so proud of Caiden’s hard work and dedication! Way to represent the HCA Village! 💙💛

👏 A special thank you to Math Nation for supporting math achievement and creating fun opportunities that celebrate student success across South Carolina!
about 16 hours ago, Horse Creek Academy
A smiling boy holds a certificate with "Congratulations" and "Palmetto Coast" logo. He wears a gray hoodie.
💪🔥 Big milestone alert at HCA! 🔥💪

This semester, we had two of our high school strength training students reach an incredible achievement—earning their spot in the 1,000 Pound Club! 👏

🏆 Brice Abney and Quentin Raiford both surpassed the 1,000-pound mark, combining their one-rep max totals in deadlift, bench press, and back squat—an impressive feat that takes serious dedication! 💥

This kind of accomplishment reflects discipline, consistency, and hard work, and we couldn’t be more proud.

👏 A big shoutout to Coach Safford for offering this amazing high school elective and creating opportunities like this for our students!

💙 More than strength—it’s commitment.

HCA Village, help us celebrate Brice and Quentin! 👏
about 21 hours ago, Horse Creek Academy
Quentin
Brice
🚚 HCA Food Truck Collaborative is BACK for 2026–2027!

One of our favorite campus traditions is gearing up again—and we’re looking for the best local food trucks to join us!

With over 1,400 students in 4K–12th grade, plus staff and visiting families, our campus creates a built-in crowd and a fun, high-energy atmosphere for vendors.

Here’s the best part:
✨ No vendor fee
✨ Keep 100% of your profits
✨ Built-in lunch crowd + special staff morning opportunities
✨ A chance to grow your business while connecting with our Village

We’ll be reaching out later this summer to lock in dates for the 2026–2027 school year, so now’s the time to get on our list!

👉 Food Truck Owners, sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wedepbC3CV

👇 HCA Families & Community: Tag your favorite food trucks below and tell them to sign up—we want to bring your favorites to campus!

Let’s make this year’s lineup the best one yet!
We are the Village. 💙💛
1 day ago, Horse Creek Academy
An advertisement for a food truck includes a blue truck, text, and icons. Icons show time, food, money, and a heart.
Hi HCA Families,

We are officially in the final stretch of the school year… and things are getting BUSY in the Village! 🎉

This week:
📝 SC READY testing begins for our 3rd–8th grade students
🎓 EOCs kick off next week for applicable high school courses
🎭 And our End-of-Year programs and celebrations officially start getting underway next week too!

All of this (and so much more!) can be found in this week’s update below, so be sure to take a few minutes to check it out 👇

http://tinyurl.com/hca511weeklyupdate

As always, thank you for your continued support during this busy season of the year. There is so much happening across campus, and we’re excited to celebrate all of the incredible accomplishments of our students together over these final weeks 💙
1 day ago, Horse Creek Academy
🏆 HCA Athletics proudly presents the JV & Varsity Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 PM in the HCA Gym 🏆

This evening will feature:
✨ Student recognition
🏅 Athletic awards
🎤 Special keynote speaker Dr. Curtrell Rhodan of the SCHSL
🍽️ A seated dinner catered by the renowned Juniper in Ridge Spring

🎟️ Athletes attend free, children 5 & under are free, and parent/guest tickets are just $10; be sure to reserve your seat via the links below by Friday, May 22!
-RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/P1EBz3zgEb
-Payment: https://tinyurl.com/HCA2026athleticbanquet

💙 And don’t worry, middle school athletes—we wouldn’t forget about you! You’ll be celebrated during your grade level End of Year programs. 👏

Let’s come together as a Village to celebrate an amazing year of HCA athletics!
1 day ago, Horse Creek Academy
Athletcs Banquet
🚗✨ THE HCA CAR LINE VIP AUCTION IS NOW OPEN! ✨🚗

🔗 BIDDING LINK: https://www.32auctions.com/HCAcarlinevip2627

The moment has arrived, Village! Our highly anticipated 2026–2027 Car Line VIP Auction is officially LIVE! 🙌

This year, we’re offering:
⭐ 4 Elementary VIP Spots (Front Parking Lot)
⭐ 2 Middle/High VIP Spots (Back Parking Lot)

Winners get to skip the standard car line EVERY DAY—morning and afternoon—for the entire 2026–2027 school year.

💙 As a public charter school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proceeds from this fundraiser directly support Horse Creek Academy and help us continue investing in meaningful opportunities and experiences for our students and staff. Horse Creek Academy is happy to provide donation receipts upon request.

🚨 IMPORTANT:
Each VIP spot is listed as its own item.
👉 Please read carefully and make sure you are bidding on the correct spot (Elementary or Middle/High) before placing your bid.

⏰ Bidding closes May 22 at 11:59 PM

Ready to upgrade your daily routine and support the Village at the same time? Start bidding now! 💙💛
2 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Poster with blue and white elements promoting the Car Line VIP Silent Auction. Includes information on VIP spots and bidding details.
💐💙 Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing moms and mother figures in our HCA Village!

☀️ Thank you for the countless ways you support, encourage, cheer on, and love our students each and every day. From early mornings and carline runs to homework help, packed lunches, and everything in between—we see you, and we appreciate you more than words can say.

The heart of our Village is made stronger because of amazing women like you. 💛
3 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Mother's Day
🍿✨ Lights, Camera, Appreciation! ✨🍿

This week we celebrated our incredible teachers and staff at Horse Creek Academy with a fun movie-themed Staff Appreciation Week! From Star Wars breakfast treats to Marvel snacks, popcorn bars, shark-cuterie, and a Jurassic-sized lunch…our team felt the love all week long. 🎬🦖

At HCA, we believe every person on campus helps teach, lead, support, and shape our students. That’s why we celebrate our whole staff…because in our Village, we’re all educators in some way. ❤️

A HUGE thank you to our amazing PTO for making this week possible! Your creativity, generosity, and love for our staff never go unnoticed.

Honestly…after this week, we may need to start planning a PTO Appreciation Week next year. 👏✨
5 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
A poster advertises "Staff Week" with a film clapperboard, popcorn, and a red theater curtain. A schedule for events is below.
A bowl full of red and blue gummy fish, including a red gummy shark, on a blue surface.
A long table covered with a red tablecloth and colorful triangular decorations. Bowls of popcorn, candy, and a crockpot.
A table covered with a yellow cloth, holding various snacks and containers, including popcorn, candies, and a bag of raisins.
A table with a blue tablecloth, a blue bucket, a green bucket, cans, cards, and napkins.
Two women stand, one holding a card, in a classroom with a flag, books, and a smiling boy.
A man in a plaid shirt and ID badge stands next to a door holding a card. Behind him is a room with shelves, a window, and decorative red and white streamers.
Woman seated in chair, holding up a white piece of paper, in a room with shelves and a desk.
A woman in a black shirt holds a small camera while standing in a school hallway with lockers.
A woman in a maroon hoodie holds a badge and smiles at the camera. Behind her is a room with wood floors and a crib.
🎉📅 It’s one of the busiest—and most exciting—times of the year at HCA!

From awards programs and celebrations to special traditions and end-of-year events, there is so much ahead as we wrap up another incredible school year together. 💙

Be sure to take a look at the overview below and start marking your calendars! 👀

✨ As always, the most up-to-date event information can be found on our website and in the HCA App.

Let’s finish the year strong, Stallions! 💛
5 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
EOY Events
📣🏆 Big news for HCA DECA!

👏 We are proud to officially announce our DECA Officer Team for the 2026–2027 school year!

After a competitive and thoughtful selection process, these students rose to the top through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence:

✨ Anslee Zielinski – DECA President
✨ Tristan Strother – Executive Vice President
✨ Lulu Martinez – Vice President of Marketing
✨ Micaiah Slater – Vice President of Chapter Development
✨ Lily Cameron – Vice President of Chapter Development

These students represent the very best of HCA—demonstrating strong character, initiative, and a true passion for growing our DECA chapter.

👏 We are confident this team will lead with integrity, creativity, and purpose as they take our program to the next level.

HCA Village, help us congratulate this outstanding group of leaders! 💙
6 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Woman with long hair in a pink shirt, smiling, with "Anslee Zielinski President" text. Background is blue.
A young person with short hair, wearing a gray hoodie, looks forward against a blue backdrop.
Woman with glasses and long dark hair smiles in front of a blue background. Text reads "Lulu Martinez VP of Marketing".
Woman with curly hair smiling, wearing white shirt. Text reads "Micaiah Slater, VP of Chapter Development." Blue background.
A smiling woman with blonde hair wears a black and white striped shirt. The background is blue with yellow and white logos.
We’re clearing the shelves and making room for what’s next 👀

🎉 End of Year Sale is HERE!
Grab your HCA shirts for just $10 now through June 5 (or until they’re gone)!

These are perfect for summer, spirit days, or repping the Village wherever you go 💙

👉 Quantities are limited—once they’re out, they’re out!
👉 Hoodies are marked down too, just $15!
👉 New and improved gear for the 26–27 school year is on the way, and you’re going to love it.

Come snag your favorites while you can… and get ready for what’s next.

We are the Village.
7 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
$10 shirt sale!
✏️📚 Kindergarten 101 is coming to HCA! 📚✏️

Mark your calendars for July 27 at 6:00pm in the HCA Gym for a special evening hosted by our amazing 5K teachers! 💙

This parent-focused orientation is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready for your child’s Kindergarten journey at HCA.

💡 And don’t worry—we didn’t forget about our future Stallions! Students will get their chance to explore classrooms and more at Village Fest on August 6. (More details on Village Fest coming very soon! 😉)

🏇🏻 We can’t wait to welcome you and help you kick off an incredible year!
7 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Black and white background with a black-and-white polka-dot pattern. Text reads "Kindergarten 101" with icons like a rainbow, apple, smiley face, and star.
✨ What if school could be… more flexible?

Horse Creek Academy is exploring the possibility of a co-op microschool model designed for students who are currently homeschooling, learning virtually, or interested in a more flexible option—and we’d love your input.

We’re talking about a model that could blend:
✔️ Flexible learning options
✔️ Real-world experiences
✔️ Meaningful connection to a school community
✔️ A dedicated off-campus meet-up space for learning, collaboration, and connection

If your family is currently in a homeschool or virtual setting (or considering it), we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Take a quick interest survey and help us shape what this could become!
📲 Survey Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1JMYuYKL73

Because at HCA… we are the Village—and we’re always growing. 💙
8 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
A flyer describes a new co-op microschool, emphasizing flexibility, service, and connection. Icons illustrate these themes.
🎶 Spring Band Concert – This Thursday!

Join us for a great night of music at our Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM in the HCA Gym.

Our student musicians have been working hard all semester, and this is their moment to shine. Come out, show your support, and enjoy an evening of incredible performances.

Let’s fill the gym and celebrate our talented Stallions! 💙🏇
8 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Spring Band Concert
👋 Our Weekly Update is live, and this week is full of opportunities to stay connected and involved across the Village.

From our 4K Orientation tomorrow night, to community partnerships like the City of Aiken youth sports volunteer opportunity, and exciting upcoming events like Info Night, the Spring Band Concert, and Middle School Formal, there’s something for every family to plug into.

You’ll also find important reminders about senior events, end-of-year programs, testing dates, and summer opportunities as we head into the final stretch of the school year.

👉 Click the link to view the full Weekly Update: https://tinyurl.com/hcaweekly5-4-26

Quick heads up: You may also see this newsletter come through directly from noreply@hcacs.net. This is a new feature we’re testing as part of an improvement to our communication system for next year. Soon, this will allow the newsletter to display fully in your inbox—no extra clicks needed!

Thank you for staying engaged and connected.
We are the Village. 💙🏇
9 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
💅✨ Nail Tech & Esthetics Info Night at HCA

Interested in a future in the beauty industry? Come learn what’s possible at our Nail Tech & Esthetics Info Night!

📅 Thursday, May 7
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Commons B

This is a great opportunity for students and families to explore career pathways, training options, and next steps in nail technology and esthetics—all in one place right here at HCA!

💅🏼 Whether you’re just curious or already passionate about nails, skincare, and more, this night is for you.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙🏇
9 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Nail Tech Night
🏈 Serve Our Community Through Youth Sports! 🏈

🤝 As part of our partnership with the City of Aiken, we’re excited to share a meaningful way for our students (16+) and families to get involved and give back.

👀 The City is currently seeking referees for youth flag football (8U, 10U, 12U). This is a great opportunity to mentor younger athletes, build leadership skills, and support positive youth experiences in our community.

No prior officiating experience is needed—training is provided for anyone with a basic understanding of the game. Officials can work up to 2 games per night (up to 6 per week), and receive $25 per game.

There are also opportunities available for baseball and girls’ softball officiating, with the greatest need right now in flag football. ⚾️🥎

💙If you’re looking for a way to make an impact beyond campus, this is a great place to start!

👉 For more information, email Bret Howell at BHowell@CityofAikenSC.gov
9 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Parks and Rec

🚗✨ WANT TO SKIP CAR LINE NEXT YEAR? ✨🚗

Get ready, Village… we’re changing things up—and it’s a game changer.

For the FIRST TIME EVER, our Car Line VIP Auction is happening in MAY, so winners can start enjoying their VIP spots on the very first day of school for 2026–2027! 🙌

And it gets even better…
👉 Elementary is expanding from 3 VIP spots to 4!
👉 NEW this year: 2 Car Line VIP spots in our back parking lot for Middle/High families!

🚨 Bidding Opens: May 11
Closes: May 22 at 11:59 PM

Winners get to skip the car line EVERY DAY—morning and afternoon. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

Important: Each individual may only win ONE VIP spot—plan your bidding accordingly!

👀 Stay tuned , we will release the bidding links on Monday, May 11!

10 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
Car Line VIP 26-27
✨ More Than a Score
By Dr. Ann Marie Taylor

🗓️ It’s officially testing season—but this is your reminder: our students are SO much more than a number.

💙 At Horse Creek Academy, we believe in effort, growth, and the kind of confidence that lasts long after the test is over.

This one is worth the read 👇
https://www.hcacs.net/article/2857881
11 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
🌱💙 Connection in action at HCA! 💙🌱

This week, Mrs. Safford’s elementary health classes partnered with Mr. Wooten’s high school agriculture program for a hands-on day in the greenhouse—and it was everything we love about being a 4K–12 school. 👏

Our younger students explored healthy habits and where their food comes from, while our high school students stepped into leadership roles—teaching, guiding, and sharing their knowledge in a real-world setting. 🌿

Moments like this don’t happen everywhere. At HCA, our structure creates natural opportunities for connection across grade levels, where students learn with and from each other.

💙 This is what it looks like when learning, leadership, and connection come together!
12 days ago, Horse Creek Academy
A man and a girl examine trays of young plants in a greenhouse. Trays and plants line the shelves.
HCA Health and Ag
Man and child examining trays of seedlings in a greenhouse with metal tables and large windows.
HCA Health and Ag
HCA Health and Ag
Group of children in a greenhouse examining trays of small plants and seedlings.
HCA Health and Ag