Club Life // 2 min Read

Back to School at the Bluff

Written by Palmetto Bluff

The school year has officially begun, and the sound of school buses can be heard throughout the Lowcountry. As is true for much of South Carolina, Bluffton and the surrounding areas have experienced exceptional growth over the past 10 years, and so have the options for education. In Bluffton and Hilton Head, there are a total of 25 public and private schools, offering programs ranging from preschool to high school, public to private, Montessori to homeschooling — there’s a learning style for every type of student.

Families are drawn to Hilton Head schools’ strong International Baccalaureate programs, language immersion opportunities, and arts-focused schools, all set against a backdrop of beaches. In Bluffton, schools emphasize hands-on learning with career and college prep tracks—from engineering to the arts—giving students room to explore their passions. 

Within just a few miles of Palmetto Bluff, two highly rated schools stand out: May River High School (public), located just outside the Bluff’s boundaries, and Cross Schools, an excellent private K–12 option just a short drive away. Also nearby is May River Montessori, located in the heart of quaint Old Town Bluffton.

For lifelong learners, the University of South Carolina Beaufort is home to OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), a nationally recognized program devoted to the joy of continued learning for adults over 50. As one of just 125 OLLI sites in the country, OLLI at USCB fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where adults can expand their horizons through meaningful intellectual and social experiences.

With a mix of public and private options, both Hilton Head and Bluffton combine quality education with the charm and relaxed pace of Lowcountry living.

Learn more about the Bluff here.

Conservation
Watching Birds, Supporting Science: FeederWatch at Palmetto Bluff

Here in the Lowcountry, the Conservancy brings FeederWatch to life with guided sessions at the Conservancy’s bird feeders. Education and Outreach Manager Aaron Palmieri leads these gatherings, teaching attendees how to identify wintering species, choose the ri...

Sep 2025

Culture
Chef Beth’s Lowcountry 7 Layer Dip with Pimento Cheese

Ingredients 2 cups cooked sea island red peas, crushed with a fork 1 recipe of pimiento cheese dip (recipe below), room temperature 2 cups crème fraiche 1 cup fire-roasted bell peppers, sliced into strips 1.5 cups grilled corn, husked an...

Sep 2025

Real Estate
The Benefits Of Buying A Newly-Built Home In Palmetto Bluff

At Palmetto Bluff, newly built homes are more than residences—they are carefully crafted retreats offering the best of Lowcountry living. Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Co. Agent, Amanda Cutrer, shares the benefits of buying “new” in the Bluff. Builder Support ...

Sep 2025

Conservation
Lowcountry Canvas

Visionary land planner Mark Permar reflects on Palmetto Bluff's rich history and its enduring connection to the land. With Anson on the horizon, the legacy of designing with nature lives on.How did you first get involved with Palmetto Bluff?  I believe it was ...

Sep 2025

Architecture & Design
Palmetto Bluff Homes with Guest Homes and Casitas

Explore Available Listings with Room For the Whole Family At Palmetto Bluff, life moves at the pace of the tides; slow enough to savor, yet rich with moments worth sharing. And when it comes to welcoming the people you love most, the right home makes all the ...

Aug 2025
2025 bluffton real estate

Real Estate
Real Estate Sales Report: Palmetto Bluff’s 2025 Midyear Update

Real Estate in Bluffton, SC: Trends, Updates, and Insights The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Company, with sales volume, transaction count, and market share setting a strong pace for the year ahead. As ...

Aug 2025

Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to Lowcountry Landscaping

Enhancing Coastal Living With Lowcountry Landscaping Trends The Lowcountry lies along the southeastern coast of the United States, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. From the charming streets of Charleston to the...

Aug 2025

Conservation
Loyalties Divided

By Katie Epps, Palmetto Bluff Archaeologist Standing on the bluff that rises above the May River, gaze across the vast expanse of marsh and sky. This is a landscape virtually untouched by time. Imagine this vista in the eighteenth century, in the throes ...

Aug 2025

Club Life
Fall Into Fun: Upcoming Events at Palmetto Bluff

As summer gives way to fall, Palmetto Bluff welcomes the season with a thoughtfully curated lineup of events that reflect the spirit of community and the beauty of the Lowcountry. For Club members, these gatherings are more than celebrations—they’re a signatur...

Aug 2025

Club Life
The Perfect Pace: Spend a Day at Palmetto Bluff

Tucked into the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff is more than a destination—it’s a way of life. Spanning 20,000 acres of pristine marshes, winding rivers, and timeless Southern charm, the Bluff offers something for every type of traveler....

Aug 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us