Hillcrest Middle School is located at the intersection of Old Camden Highway and Highway 441 in Dalzell, South Carolina. The school serves approximately 364 students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades from Dalzell, Shaw Air Force Base, and the surrounding rural communities. Our student population is diverse, consisting of 55.5% Black or African American, 31% White, 5.0% Hispanic/Latino, 5.0% identifying as Two or More Races, 0.8% Asian, 1.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 0.2% American Indian. Hillcrest Middle takes pride in fostering a close-knit, family-oriented environment where students are supported and encouraged to succeed.
We are an AVID school committed to college and career readiness, with a focus on building student skills through weekly homeroom sessions emphasizing math and reading. Our school prioritizes parental engagement, offering quarterly academic conferences, interim reports, progress reports, and regular personal communication to keep families informed of student progress. To support the transition to middle school, we offer a sixth-grade/new student orientation and a spring visit program for rising sixth graders. Members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and Beta Club assist with the orientation by leading tours and speaking during the awards ceremony. We are proud to offer a band program, including a pep band, and we host annual school-wide events such as our Veterans Day and Black History Month programs.
The faculty and staff at Hillcrest Middle School are dedicated and experienced. Seventy percent of our teachers are highly qualified, and all paraprofessionals meet required credentials. Many educators hold advanced degrees, including Master's degrees and Master's +30, and several have earned state and national recognition. Honors include the AASE Science Teacher of the Year, Chamber of Commerce Middle School Educator of the Year, and a USC Noyce Teaching Fellow who is also a National Board Certified Teacher. One of our PE coaches is a published author, having written a book on coaching. Our instructional coach works closely with teachers to provide ongoing professional development and classroom support. In addition, our full-time guidance department and career specialist support student planning while addressing academic and social-emotional needs.
Student life at Hillcrest is vibrant and well-rounded. We offer quarterly incentives that celebrate academic achievement, positive behavior, attendance, and MAP growth. Students participate in monthly Wildcat Club meetings, where they choose from a variety of clubs such as crocheting, event planning, and the step team. NJHS students organize an annual canned food drive to support the Catchall/Shaw Community Center for Seniors. Both NJHS and Beta Club members are active in service and leadership roles, including community outreach and participation in events like Relay for Life and academic ceremonies. Each year, several students are selected to attend the REACH Fine Arts summer camp, highlighting Hillcrest’s growing commitment to the arts.
Our eighth-grade students have recently participated in several high-profile STEM initiatives. As part of Operation Space Talk SC, Hillcrest students competed at The Citadel and earned first place in the Rover Competition. A group of students also had the unique opportunity to correspond with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, asking questions and learning about life in space. Additionally, our students took part in the NASA Plant the Moon Challenge, applying science and engineering skills to simulate lunar agriculture experiments. These experiences have helped inspire interest in science, space, and future STEM careers.
Community partnerships play a vital role in supporting Hillcrest Middle School. Faculty and staff engage in fundraising efforts for organizations such as the March of Dimes, Relay for Life, and the American Heart Association. We are proud to have been selected to participate in the 2025 School Garden and Education Assistance Program through the Office of Health and Nutrition.
Most recently, Hillcrest Middle School was honored to have one of our teachers recognized as the 2025 Upper Coastal Teacher to Watch by the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (SCAMLE).
At Hillcrest, we take pride in our students, our faculty, and the strong partnerships that help our Wildcat family thrive.
Tarsha B. Staggers, Principal
Meachelle Clea, SIC Chair
