Mrs. Huftalen has been part of the Highlands family since the school’s founding in 2018. Before joining Highlands, she taught in the Berkeley County School District. During her time at Highlands, she has taught every grade level from 3rd through 9th grade, in addition to teaching the primary grades with her own children at home. She especially appreciates the opportunity to see students progress through Highlands’ rich curriculum and to witness the strong academic and classical foundation it builds in each student.
Mrs. Lauren Huftalen
Co-Director
middle School
Mrs. Lauren Ragland
Co-Director
Second Grade
Mrs. Ragland taught in public schools for eight years, as well as spending two years on the mission field in Malawi as a teacher. She joined Highlands when it began in 2018 and has taught 2nd grade ever since. She loves classical education and getting to watch students grow in confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning!
Mrs. Mary Barefield
middle school
Mrs. Barefield has been teaching since 1986 and has been part of Highlands Summerville from its very beginning in 2018. Her teaching journey began in classical schools in France, where she developed a deep love for classical education and a passion for helping students connect with the great ideas, stories, and historical events that have shaped our world.
Mrs. TONYA DOCKERY
5TH GRADE
Mrs. Dockery comes from a musical background teaching piano and voice for the last 10 years and is a first year teacher here at HLS. She looks forward to learning more about classical education and instilling a hunger for learning in the next generation.
MRS. CORTNEY SEATON
FOURTH GRADE
Mrs. Seaton has been part of the HLS family since the school's opening, first as a parent and now as both a parent and a teacher. She loves classical education’s approach combining critical thinking with the pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. She aims to bring her enthusiasm for learning into the classroom while encouraging her students to challenge themselves along the way.
MRS. JORDAN DENOBREGA
THIRD GRADE
Mrs. Denobrega served in Dorchester District 2 and spent 6 years homeschooling her own children. This is her first year at HLS and she brings a passion for education and a heart for helping students grow academically and spiritually!
Mrs. Sara Dailey
first Grade
Mrs. Dailey has been a member of the Highlands family since 2024, and she previously taught in the Berkeley County School District before joining HLS. She looks forward to watching her first graders grow in their foundational reading skills and math confidence.
Mrs. Becca Wood
kindergarten
Mrs. Wood has been teaching since 2011 and joined the Highlands family in 2020. Previously, she taught 4K in Dorchester School District Two and later served as an instructional coach. She is a firm believer in classical education and all things bright and beautiful. She considers it a joy and privilege to partner with families as they cultivate a love for learning.
Mrs. Shelly Templeton
jr. Kindergarten
Mrs. Templeton taught K4 in the public school system for eight years. Now, entering her seventh year at Highlands, she is a dedicated and experienced educator who is passionate about nurturing young learners in a Christ-centered environment.
Mrs. Amy King
Campus Coordinator
Mrs. Amy King brings over 20 years of experience serving as a homeschool co-op coordinator, where she developed a passion for supporting teachers, encouraging families, and helping schools thrive. She directs the HLS choir and has a chorus with the K-4/K-5 students. She is a true go-getter who keeps our campus running smoothly each day, willing to jump in wherever she is needed.