Prep set to begin new school year

Jack Hall expects the following year to be a great one for Augusta Prep. As head of the school, Hall is eager to get the school year started.

"We are anticipating having a great year," he said. "This has been a great admissions year insofar as the number of new students."

Augusta Prep students return to school Tuesday. Orientation will be held Monday.

According to Rosie Herrmann, director of admission at Augusta Prep, the school will enroll nearly 530 students in the coming year, with 190 students enrolled in the Lower School, 150 students in the Middle School and 190 students in the Upper School. There are 44 students in the senior class.

"We have a real strong senior class this year," said Hall. "There are about seven National Merit Scholars in the 2003 class. That's outstanding."

In addition to Joyce Suber, who is the school's new college counselor, and Tom Holodak, the school's new athletic director, Augusta Prep will offer morning and afternoon transportation to a central pickup and drop off location in Aiken County.

"This is brand new," said Hermann, adding that administrators have been developing the plan for about three years. "We purchased three buses last year, so this is the first year we will be offering this service. Transportation was an issue with parents in that area and we wanted to address their needs."

Hermann said the school enrolls students from nearly 20 Aiken County families.

Additionally, Hall said the school will begin a capital campaign this year.

"We are hoping to raise some money to do some more building on campus," he said. "I really just think it's going to be a great year for Augusta Prep."