Our History

The idea of Southern Hills Academy began in January, 2001 with nine families meeting to discuss their children's educational needs. They shared a common vision of a school with an exciting, challenging and creative program that considers the whole child and unlocks his or her potential. These families wanted their children to feel that they were a part of a safe and nurturing community. Parents valued education and knew that a rich environment with high expectations were the first steps to a life full of learning and growth.

Southern Hills Academy opened its doors on August 29, 2001 to forty Preschool through Grade 3 students in the educational building of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio. In the spring of 2002, Southern Hills Academy purchased, renovated and moved into its permanent home at 365 Keller Road. Once again, it was the dedication and hard work of our families and faculty that made it possible to expand to meet the educational needs of children in Ross and surrounding counties.

Southern Hills Academy is an innovative and successful school currently serving students in Preschool through Grade 9, and many children and parents who participate in the Community After Hours Program. To meet the unique needs of adolescents, the Southern Hills Academy High School opened in the fall of 2005. It is growing by one class each year, with the first class graduating in June, 2009.