Ben Lippen School in Columbia | Military Town Advisor

Posted: January 27, 2026

As an international student, I find this school decent on the surface, but deeply disappointing once you look past the image it tries so hard to sell.

The university clearly prioritizes art, music, and the humanities, while STEM fields receive far less attention and support. This imbalance shows in both academic resources and overall investment. Instead of focusing on improving teaching quality, the school seems obsessed with appearances spending large amounts of money on events designed to impress parents and encourage donations, rather than actually benefiting students.

One of the biggest frustrations is how disconnected the administration is from student needs. The campus is not very diverse, and international students are not treated as a real priority. Support feels minimal and often performative.

The dining situation is especially bad. The school is well aware that most students dislike the food, yet nothing changes. It is hard not to suspect that this is because the dining services are run by an internal or affiliated provider, giving the school little incentive to improve quality or bring in outside competition.

What makes this even more frustrating is the schools willingness to spend significant money on flashy events, such as Christmas celebrations, while basic issues like food quality and academic investment remain unresolved. Events are not inherently bad, but when core services are lacking, these activities feel less like school spirit and more like wasted money.

Overall, this institution cares far more about its image than about the actual student experience.

Posted: January 8, 2025

I have had primarily negative experiences at Ben Lippen as a student. While some of the teachers I have gotten have been nice and genuinely interested in connecting with me, I have had many experiences where I get dismissed among the crowd because I'm a quiet kid. I have also been traumatized from their "Camp Ben Lippen" they hold at the beginning of each year. They force us to go to a camp in North Carolina and do not allow us any alone time. They constantly throw surprises at us and keep us in the dark, making each day of this camp extremely scary. Not to mention they consistently brush off my mental disabilities, including an anxiety disorder. They claim that everyone has anxiety and we just need to trust in God, but did nothing for almost the entirety of an activity while I was having an active anxiety attack and forced me to keep going until it was almost done. The students are also very clique-y and often don't interact with people that have not previously known. The teachers push you to get the most out of your time by overloading with AP and Dual Credit classes even after I had to drop out of an AP class with a therapist note. They have also tried to claim before I did not have my singular accommodation going into a new year. They also primarily push their attention to the preforming arts and sports, and provide almost no support for the visual arts. This school makes me feel lost in a crowd, surrounded by people who scare me.

Posted: January 31, 2024

All the teacher at this school are very friendly and responsible, I had wonderful experience in the classroom. But If you're an international student, I strongly advise against choosing this school. It was a regrettable decision for my parents and me. The boarding program contributed to an overwhelmingly oppressive environment. The conservative mindset among the boarding program staff created a suffocating atmosphere, and their use of harsh language, such as expressing disappointment over minor mistakes like forgetting to clean dishes, further intensified the negative experience. Additionally, the local students seem disinterested in engaging with international students. Despite raising these concerns with the principal, the response was dismissive, claiming that efforts were being made. These are clearly reoccurring issues that have never been improved.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Moving our children to Ben Lippen was one of the very best decisions we've made. The quality of education is unmatched! And the support by all faculty and administration is personal and valuable - they really do care about the overall wellbeing of each and every student! There's an intentional effort to develop each student in every way, academically, socially, spiritually, etc. The administration is focused on what's best for the students, and continues to make decisions that prove that. We love our BL family!

Posted: October 18, 2022

Ben Lippen School (BLS) has been a God sent for our girls. We home schooled our oldest daughter for middle school which we were blessed we could keep her home for a difficult time for children. As we were finalizing plans to do the same for our youngest daughter, God had other plans. He showed me private schools that we have thought over twice before. We started mulling over the idea of reconsidering private school for our oldest daughters high school years. Then we decided we would also send the youngest as well if they were accepted. This way there would not be any missed experiences shared from the oldest and no room for competition in the home. It was the best decision we could have made for our family. We dont have the same worries as we did when our daughters attended public school. Our daughters also have a new perspective on being more Christ-like, school, and their overall educational goals. They absolutely love BLS!! They cant wait to get to school in the mornings and we have to pull them away from school in the afternoons.

BLS is a place that we feel our girls are safe, well educated, and most importantly are learning to put God first in everything they do. They are comfortable talking about God with their peers without feeling they will be shamed. That is all we can ask for for our family. BLS has become a family away from home for us. We fellowship through camps, mission trips, football games, home coming, coffee mingle, and other school events. Be open to a Christian education it has been a wonderful experience for our family. The investment is well worth i

What I have learned is when God speaks, be open to listen and explore even when you think a situation is impossible. Because with God, any and everything is possible you just have to have faith the size of a mustard seed.

Posted: March 18, 2022

I have had elementary age children at Ben Lippen for 6 years now and I am a very happy parent. My children are challenged academically and spiritually. The school has a high standard for behavior and character. The teachers and staff couple the high standards with love, so, the children know that the teachers expect a lot from them but it is also a safe place for them. Ben Lippen has grown so much in the past three years and they have grown very successfully. Their staff hiring choices continue to impress me. They really find great people who are very qualified and are walking with God daily. I cant wait for my children to enjoy all the wonderful opportunities that await them in the upper school. There are so many ways afforded to students to grow in Christian character and to know and love God. We love this school.

Posted: March 18, 2022

Posted: February 1, 2022

Our family is thrilled for our kids to attend Ben Lippen. Our children are thriving there. Ben Lippen is extended family to us. They provide a safe learning environment for their students and teach from a Biblical worldview that aligns with what our family values. One thing that strikes us is the importance that the teachers and faculty place on being relational with the students. As parents to a teenager, this is something that matters to us greatly. We knew Grace would flourish within the school and we loved knowing that our kids teachers would know and care about them personally. Our children arent just another number; they are souls that matter deeply to the heart of God and will matter to their teachers. Our family has become known by the faculty, staff and other students. We feel the family environment, care and love that Ben Lippen has to offer. We feel the Holy Spirits presence in this school. It is a place we trust will come alongside our family in raising our children to know Jesus and learn what it means to walk with Him daily and honor Him in all we do. We know an eternal impact is being made in the lives of our children by choosing Ben Lippen for our family!

Posted: February 1, 2022

Posted: January 20, 2022

Ben Lippen has been a fantastic place for our sophomore and senior in high school to began attending school after years of home-schooling. They have been welcomed, cared for, and challenged academically and spiritually by staff and faculty. The atmosphere is positive, encouraging and points them in the right direction. They have already made some wonderful memories and new friends in their first year at Ben Lippen while they are being well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Posted: January 20, 2022

Posted: January 12, 2020

This is key. Most every person at the school, not just the teachers, are constantly guiding my children. Not only do they see Godly characteristics modeled, they are being corrected to develop these characteristics that are essential.

Posted: January 12, 2020

From the individual principals at each school, to the guidance counselors, to the headmaster....each is easily approachable. I have found they contact parents on an as need to know basis. They handle matters at school that do not need to involve me....however, if a parent is needed, they do not hesitate to call.

Posted: January 12, 2020

I have a child that requires extra time on testing. This process was so easy. I've dealt with lots of obstacles in the past at other schools with trying to get this set up that were frustrating and time consuming. Not here.

Posted: January 12, 2020

We absolutely have been blown away by Ben Lippen. All the reasons I thought we were coming to Ben Lippen are there, however these have been multiplied by so many more! I've found at Ben Lippen, we are NOT here to "keep our kids from being exposed to certain things"...we are here to EXPOSE them to the many things at Ben Lippen. They have been given so much freedom at Ben Lippen to be all that the Lord has in store for them....which is so much more than I could ever plan out for them.

Posted: January 12, 2020

The homework for high school students in advanced classes is rigorous, however organized and clearly assigned. Students can check online if absent or forgetful.

Posted: January 12, 2020

Teachers do a great job of mixing rigor with compassion. While they understand the students are balancing school, sports, home, etc. they still hold them accountable. Teachers are encouraging, attending sporting events, easily approachable via email or in person.

Posted: December 3, 2019

We are so grateful God led us to Ben Lippen. Our son has flourished spiritually, academically, and athletically since coming this year. He has great teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends. We are satisfied and certain that we made the right decision.

Posted: December 3, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Even the administrators know our children's names. I think that speaks volumes.

Posted: November 22, 2019

ABSOLUTELY! 100% agree... Our children struggled in different areas when they arrived at Ben Lippen. Not one of the teachers even hesitated to help them... providing one-on-one attention, additional resources for us as parents, connecting us to outside professionals (for specific needs), and remaining in constant communication... They take the concept of a "village" very seriously because they believe that each child's education goes beyond the book or classroom.

Posted: November 22, 2019

My son struggled at the beginning of this year with kids calling him mean names, and it was address immediately without question. He is now thriving socially.

Posted: November 22, 2019

Simply stated: We love Ben Lippen! Because of their high academic standards, our children were behind in some areas when they first attended the school, but the teachers took the time necessary to work with each of them to ensure they caught up Personal one-on-one attention is something that not many schools provide. Their love for and commitment to their students is unprecedented. Our children not only received the attention they needed to grow academically, but they are now thriving in their classrooms Ben Lippen believes that every student is important. They are more than a name on a roster. They are part of their family.

Posted: November 22, 2019

From the moment we enrolled in Ben Lippen the teachers have not only walked alongside our students (even when it meant doing the extra work needed for them to succeed), but they have also walked alongside of us as parents, providing encouragement, resources and constant communication.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Christian education teaches from a biblical viewpoint and develops the student.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Leaders involve familys, teachers/staff, alumni and community.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Administration is proactive and students truly foster a nurturing and protectjve environment.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Best of the best! Ben Lippen truly sets the bar for Christian education.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Homework os meaningful and not busy work!

Posted: April 2, 2019

Teachers are invested and truly care holistically about students.

Posted: March 27, 2019

Such a great school for our child! We have seen him develop in so many areas. Would highly recommend Ben Lippen to any family!

Posted: October 27, 2018

Super conservative. Doesn't teach students to think for themselves.

Posted: May 4, 2018

Ben Lippen is a wonderful school!
BL has been a great place for my kids to grow learn and be challenged. They have grown in their faith and have had many wonderful opportunities in sports, theater, and leadership. We are so thankful to have a Christian school for our kids to attend. Having a school that believes and teaches what we do at home is a huge blessing! BL strives to be better and better every year.

Posted: March 20, 2018

I could go on all day about Ben Lippen and how much we love our school. God is there-all day, everyday and every night, in every person, classroom, hall, gym, office, and on the fields. And we are growing in leaps and bounds thanks to Gods glory. We started school here a month into 3rd grade and my son is now in 9th grade. The best educational decision we've ever made!!

Posted: February 15, 2018

Ben Lippen School has been such a blessing to our family. The teachers and staff are so caring and supportive. My children love going to school every day. I know that my girls are being prayed for and that their teachers are sharing the word of God with them in all that they are learning. You cannot put a price tag on this! Along with superior academics they have access to an extensive list of extra curricular activities. My children are such a gift and therefore CHRISTIAN education is not an option. We are so thankful for all that Ben Lippen School has to offer and are confident that this is the best decision we have made for our girls.

Posted: February 15, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

My son's first year at Ben Lippen School has been amazing! From our initial visit, the presence of God was evident, with the students and faculty. Our son is receiving a Christ-centered education from a faculty that exhibits daily how much they care about his development: academically, spiritually, and socially. If we chose one word to describe Ben Lippen, it would be family. Observing how students, parents, and the staff interact, genuine care and love is evident. The peace we feel knowing our son is at Ben Lippen is immeasurable. He is being prepared for success, while living a Godly life. Sending your child(ren) to Ben Lippen will be the best decision you make; it has been for us!

Posted: February 2, 2018

Our family has been involved with Ben Lippen for over 14 years. My oldest two are now out of college with successful careers and my youngest is a junior in the high school. What a blessing!! The school is solid, the teaching excellent, the extra curricular activities plentiful, and the community outstanding. I honestly can't imagine going through the teen years without the ministry of BL to support the family and Christian values we teach at home. The dedication of the teachers and staff to serve the Lord by faithfully caring for and loving our children is evident. The community and teaching at BL helped prepare my children for the challenges of college life that can derail so many. As my oldest son said after a grueling initiation week into his military college, "Now I know why it was so important to memorize scripture all those years at Ben Lippen..I needed them this week!" My husband and I will be forever grateful for the Lord's marvelous and gracious provision for our family at Ben Lippen School.

Posted: January 24, 2018

I have seen a huge difference in my kids since attending Ben Lippen. Their respect for others and faculty has grown tremendously and their want to be a better human being continued to grow daily. My kids have truly become happier kids that love to serve others and think about others before themselves!

Posted: January 24, 2018

The admin will listen and work with you to make sure your child is getting the best education possible!

Posted: January 24, 2018

The teachers and staff work hard to make sure that every student is being taught and their needs academically is met. They stay late, come in early, whatever they need to do to help the students not because they have to but because they truly want the best for your child and want to see them succeed!

Posted: January 24, 2018

The have a no tolerance policy at Ben Lippen that they strictly enforce!

Posted: January 24, 2018

They go above and beyond to set up meeting times to help the students that need extra help!

Posted: January 24, 2018

Our experience has been a huge blessing! Ben Lippen is one big family that loves on and cares for my kids. I always feel like my kids are in a safe environment when I drop them off every morning. I know that when or if I have any problem they will bend over backwards to help solve any issue!

Posted: January 17, 2018

By emphasizing Biblical principles, Ben Lippen School instills in students the type of moral character that shows great promise in the next generation of leaders. The school has a discipleship program with a designated male and female discipleship coordinator to focus on character development. Of course there will always be a few students who have not picked up this character development yet, but when this is the case, they visibly stand out from the majority, and the school does a good job of bringing them along.

Posted: January 17, 2018

The new headmaster, Tony Fajardo, is an up and coming school administrator with the talent, skills, and connections to develop a nationally ranked program. The trajectory on which he has placed the school is exciting for the future!

Posted: January 17, 2018

Teachers at all levels are trained an effective at providing a well-rounded experience that is both challenging and interesting to the students. They also integrate Biblical principles into all aspects of the curriculum.

Posted: January 17, 2018

Ben Lippen School has been an excellent experience for our family academically, athletically, and spiritually. We are immensely thankful for this opportunity.

Posted: December 19, 2017

This school has been such a blessing to our family. We are Christians and wanted a school environment that was both academically challenging and supportive of our faith values. We found both in Ben Lippen. Our daughter has now graduated and is attending Clemson University. Our son is currently in 10th grade. We have had a, overall, great experience with the teachers. We weren't even sure we could afford the school at first, but after much prayer, applying for financial aid, and making some personal decisions, we have been able to see both of our children covered financially. Our kids started attending in K-5. We have never regretted choosing Ben Lippen.

Posted: November 29, 2017

Teaching modalities are diverse. I have seen great examples of teaching through hands on, visual, STEM, and other methods.

Posted: November 29, 2017

I would anticipate key leadership positions and academic counselors help reduce the risks. Our experiences have been a very proactive approach to fostering relationships.

Posted: November 29, 2017

Our girls have embraced their new environment. The student body has been an important part of making our transition so successful. Ben Lippen has great programs in place to foster networking amongst all grade levels.

Posted: November 29, 2017

The leadership team has a clear vision and encourages family input and participation. The vision and mission of Ben Lippen are often shared along with ways the leadership team is working to fullfill the mission of the school.

Posted: November 29, 2017

Students are given meaningful homework assignments that foster learning. It is NOT typical busy work/homework. It really encourages them to think!

Posted: November 29, 2017

Teachers are professional and knowledgeable. Likewise, they are truly vested in promoting Christian morals and values in every aspect of learning.

Posted: November 29, 2017

Two years ago, I would have never thought I would be exploring options for our children's education. We were very comfortable and happy with our former school. Some changes made me realize that there were more opportunities outside of "my bubble." While I was very hesitant and disliked the circumstances that brought about the need for change, I now realize my children have had opportunities and will continue to have opportunities that did not exist in our former school. Ben Lippen is preparing our children to excel academically all the while promoting Christian values and morals that will help mold them into great leaders of tomorrow. We could not have found a more perfect match for our family!

Posted: March 22, 2017

It has been such a blessing to have our children at Ben Lippen for the last ten years. Not only have they received a wonderful education, but they also have had the opportunity to grow up in a Christian community where they are loved and discipled. We love the family-centered environment and are thankful for the role Ben Lippen plays in our children's lives.

Posted: March 21, 2017

We are in our fifth year at Ben Lippen and can say with full confidence that we wouldn't choose any other school in Columbia for our girls. We absolutely love the teachers and staff. We love the fellowship and community we have with other like minded parents. But most importantly, we love that the Word of God is woven throughout every aspect of their education.

Posted: March 21, 2017

Enrolling our children in Ben Lippen School has proven to be one of the single best decisions we have made as their parents. The "family-like" community coupled with strong administration and teachers, who love on our children, along with strong educational instruction inside the classroom has brought more value to our children and our family than we could have ever envisioned. Ben Lippen is a community, a family, an education, a school unlike any other!

Posted: March 21, 2017

Homework is challenging and effective but is not given to the extent that it overshadows home life and weekend activities.

Posted: March 21, 2017

Our third child is now in the high school at Ben Lippen. We have been a part of the school community for 14 years . We count it as one of the greatest blessings of our lives. I would say that one of the unique benefits of this truly Christian school is that the teachers approach their work as a ministry. They pour into their students in a way that makes the students feel loved, encouraged and challenged. My two older children were wonderfully successful in college and still hold dear their memories of the years at BL. You simply cannot underestimate the value of the scripture memorization starting in 4K. We are very grateful for BenLippen and the privilege of being a part of this special community!

Posted: March 20, 2017

Ben Lippen is a wonderful school! I know my children are being taught by amazing teachers. They are receiving a top-notch education and learning valuable skills like critical thinking, even in the elementary school! I have no doubt that my children are getting the best education in the Midlands!

Posted: March 10, 2017

I love Ben Lippen and feel blessed that I have the opportunity attend. The teachers are engaging and disciple us daily. I feel like they truly care for me. If I ever need help they are willing to take the extra step and work with me before or after school. It's a safe, and loving community for my whole family!

Posted: March 10, 2017

Ben Lippen is a wonderful Christian school.

Posted: March 10, 2017

Ben Lippen is a Christ-centered school with high academics. Our family is very pleased with the education. In addition to the challenging curriculum, we love how the faculty and staff pour biblical truth into our children. They pray for, and pray with the students on a daily basis. They also have a strong athletics program and fine arts program. With 99% college acceptance rate, 2016 SAT scores averaging 1390 (in the top quartile) and 20% of the 2016 seniors receiving the Palmetto Fellow, they ARE preparing the students. Last year a National Merit Finalist who is now attending Dartmouth attended Ben Lippen from kindergarten to 12th grade. I highly recommend Ben Lippen!

Posted: March 10, 2017

Posted: January 2, 2016

I was a student there, and have since transferred. With limited characters, I cannot describe to you the horrors of this school. You have to, essentially, be Southern royalty to excel here. Plus, for a "Christian" school, the people are rather judgemental and heartless.

Posted: August 17, 2015

My children were able to attend Ben Lippen while my husband was an employee for 6 years. Ben Lippen balances strong academics while never losing sight of the importance of learning from a biblical worldview. All students that graduate here are well prepared for college & often go on to be leaders at their universities and jobs.

Posted: May 31, 2015

I took a five-year-old child to Ben Lippen to apply for their kindergarten program. I told them that he had been rejected by another "Christian" school because they did not consider him prepared enough to entire five-year kindergarten. I was told that Ben Lippen would never do that. In effect, I was told that admission was fairly open. Later I was told that they would not accept him because his parents are not actively involved in a local church. We have had him enrolled at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church pre-school and Hebron Day School for four years. At those schools, he was accepted unconditionally and received wonderful Christian nurturing as well as a great beginning for his educational journey. We had assumed that Ben Lippen would be a great next step and had always thought that Ben Lippen and Columbia International University are both interested in evangelism. And we assumed that such a school would cherish the opportunity to help to mold a child who needs their kind of training so much. Imagine our surprise when we learned otherwise. I suppose we still live in a world where a child can be rejected because of his parents.

Posted: September 6, 2012

Ben Lippen is a school with a long history for making life wonderful for missionary children. My tuition was the best investment my grandparents made for us five children. I enjoyed so much the strict study of English grammar and literature. One of my classmates is even an editor for a famous internet company. Another is a great treasurer for a leading distributor for musical instruments. Sports were fun enjoyed so much, although not at the time running their cross country course and working out in the gym as well as in polar bear soccer and varsity tennis. Scholar ships handed out to some children from Kenya during my time gave added to the already diverse student body. I would love if my children could also go there, however we are now residing in another town. Really glad to know SC is a school choice state allowing parents more latitude in their choices for a hope based education.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Spring Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Columbia	SC	8.6 mi
2	Longcreek Plantation	Area of Town	Blythewood	SC	11.3 mi
3	Reflections	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Columbia	SC	12.3 mi
4	Linwood plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Dalzell	SC	34.7 mi

Base	Distance
Fort Jackson	8.4 mi.
McEntire Joint National Guard Base	18.6 mi.
Shaw AFB	34.7 mi.

Ben Lippen School

Columbia, SC 29203

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Columbia, SC 29203

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