Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy, originally named Bethesda Orphan House and Academy, began as a colonial orphanage. It has the distinction of being the oldest child caring institution in the country. Founded in 1740 by Rev. George Whitefield, Bethesda was visited by many of the country’s founding fathers, and found one of its earliest supporters in Benjamin Franklin.

Bethesda Academy has a strong commitment to athletics, offering a number of challenging sports programs for middle school and high school students. After many years with GISA, in 2014, the Blazers joined the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). At Bethesda, athletic programs are more than just a way to have fun. Sports offer an important way for boys to learn self-discipline and teamwork.