Our History

The Beginning

God planted the vision for Walnut Grove with Kyle & Shannon Boyd. While homeschooling a small group of students, one parent asked if Shannon ever considered starting a school. Though she had not, she immediately recognized the need. Children were falling through the cracks, and Fort Mill needed a Christian school. Walnut Grove opened with eight students in a single room in Tega Cay.

Steady Growth & God’s Provision

In 2004, Laura Summer joined the school and became our Financial Director. Through tireless dedication, especially during the difficult year of 2020, she helped stabilize the school financially. With her leadership and the generosity of a faithful supporter, God kept Walnut Grove’s doors open. Laura also developed the framework that helps our students prepare for life after high school through resumes, college applications, and scholarship opportunities.

The Miracle of Our Building

In 2011, God provided our current facility in remarkable fashion. After attempting to move into 22 different locations with no success, a board member mentioned that the old Appleseed building was being auctioned. Laura and her husband attended the auction in person while Shannon—feeling led to be there—drove her golden minivan straight into the middle of the event.

Though we had no down payment, needed owner financing, and could not afford renovations, the new owner listened, and he asked, “What can you afford?” God answered, and He gave us the building.

Building the Team

Also in 2011, Mary Jo Shannon joined the school, developing our admissions and human resources systems that remain the backbone of our operations today.

In 2015, Mary Rudnick came on board and has since built our thriving Music and Drama Program, blessing countless students and families.

Pandemic & Expansion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walnut Grove remained open with mask-optional and vaccine-optional policies, welcoming many new families. Growth required expansion. Through a Zoom-based capital campaign in the height of uncertainty, God provided the funds to complete the final third of our building. In 2021, the facility was fully finished.

Preparing for the Future

In 2024, we partnered with The Capstone Group to begin strategic growth planning. Though plans initially focused on building a gym, God redirected the board’s heart toward what mattered most—our teachers. With the help of generous supporters and a small tuition increase, staff salaries were raised by 20%. Only then did we feel ready to move forward with future expansion.

Now, the foundation is set and the building blocks for our next chapter are being laid.