High School
“High” school is an apt label—as that is where we set the bar for our 9th-12th grade students. By the time they are freshmen, we expect students to be ready for the challenges ahead as we help to propel them toward their futures.
At Laurence Manning Academy, our high school students don’t simply meet expectations… they set the standard.
Rooted in a proud tradition of academic excellence, character, and faith, our Upper School challenges students to think deeply, lead boldly, and serve faithfully. We believe tradition is not something we preserve in the past, but something we live out each day through integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to doing what is right. Our students distinguish themselves not only through achievement in the classroom, in competition, and in the arts, but through the way they carry themselves—with humility, purpose, and respect. At Laurence Manning Academy, we are preparing young men and women who are confident in their abilities, grounded in their values, and ready to make a meaningful impact wherever life leads them.
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-Allen Kirby, Head of School
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The Class of 2026 in New York City on their Senior Trip! the 411: And so it begins… Freshman Year:
Ninth grade is an exciting milestone as students join the ranks of high school at Laurence Manning Academy. With a new environment and new teachers, students begin to grow in independence.
This is also the year their high school journey officially begins, as grades earned now become part of their permanent transcript. That record reflects each student’s effort, interests, and willingness to take on challenges, while also establishing GPA and class rank—key factors in future opportunities.
At LMA, ninth grade is about more than just a transition; it’s the foundation for everything that follows. Students are encouraged to rise to the challenge, take ownership of their work, and begin building a future full of possibility.
Junior Year:
Juniors begin to see the light of the future breaking through. This year, you’ll be given the tools to explore potential careers by examining salary, benefits, education requirements, work environments, and job availability in specific locations.
Many students will take additional dual enrollment classes to further prepare for college. You will also take the PSAT and SAT during the year as you begin narrowing down your options and considering which colleges or vocational training paths best align with your goals.
In the early spring, you will meet with your counselor and parents to design your senior year schedule, one that will include dual enrollment courses for many students. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy some of the memorable moments of junior year, including receiving your class ring and attending prom.
The Challenge The Sweet Spot Sophomore Year:
In tenth grade, students begin to move with purpose as they explore potential career paths. During this year, you will take the ASVAB, a test that measures vocational aptitude and provides guidance on careers that align with your interests and abilities.
This is a time to thoughtfully consider your options—whether a four-year college, two-year college, or entering the workforce—and begin shaping your path. Based on your goals, you will select electives that support your interests and future plans.
Students who are interested in a four-year college and meet transcript requirements may also have the opportunity to begin dual enrollment courses in the spring of tenth grade, taking an important step toward their future.
Senior Year:
Reaping the Rewards Once you become the “big cats” on campus, the world begins to look different. You clearly see how much your grades shape the choices available for your future, and you start taking steps to remain competitive and prepare for what lies ahead.
For some students, the year includes internships and visits to vocational schools. For others, it means taking LMA classes alongside an increased number of dual enrollment courses through institutions such as the University of South Carolina Sumter, Central Carolina Technical College, or Troy University.
This is also a year of visiting colleges, completing applications and FAFSA forms, applying for scholarships, and pursuing awards and honors. It’s a busy season that can become stressful without strong time management and focus. At the same time, it’s filled with meaningful milestones—senior superlatives, the senior trip, prom, and cap-and-gown photos.
Senior year is a time of big decisions, often accompanied by both excitement and anxiety.
It’s a year full of “the last time” moments, but also a year to celebrate how far you’ve come.
At LMA, our goal is for you to walk across the stage at graduation confident, prepared, and ready for whatever the world has to offer.