Become A Bulldog
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Our Story
“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeates
It all started with a few parents, a two-room office, and seven students. Our founder, Kelly Oliver, a teacher, believed in a unique, personalized way to educate children. She aimed to connect children more meaningfully with the world. Her passion led to the creation of Benedict Day School, where children blossomed and discovered a love for learning. Founded in 2008, the school used conceptual units for dynamic learning. Unlike other schools that taught Egypt through textbooks, Benedict Day School mummified chickens. Now, with over 200 students, our school continues to grow.
Our Story
“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeates
It all started with a few parents, a two-room office building, and seven students. Our founder, Kelly Oliver, a teacher herself, felt that there was a special, individualized way to educate children. She wanted to connect children to the world around them in a deeper, more meaningful way and with great purpose. With her passion for education, Kelly’s instinct was reinforced with the creation of Benedict Day School as she saw children blossom into their potential and discover true love and passion for learning.
In 2008, Benedict Day School was established with an educational foundation built on conceptual units to allow for a dynamic learning experience. When other schools taught about Egypt from textbooks and movies, Benedict Day School mummified chickens. Less than fifteen years later, BDS has more than 200 students and is growing each year.
Benedict Day School is a Christian, student-centered program that provides a learning environment to stimulate creative thinking, academic excellence, and a lifelong desire to learn.
Benedict Day School is a Christian, student-centered program that provides a dynamic learning environment to stimulate creative thinking, academic excellence, and a lifelong desire to learn.
How We Learn
Our ultimate purpose is to provide an atmosphere that fosters success at the highest level for students who are driven to learn. The environment at BDS not only facilitates intellectual growth, it also inspires our students to be lifelong learners with a passion for knowledge.
Hands-On
Approach
Family
Oriented
Individualized Learning
Collaborative Environment
Our Community
What’s Happening at Benedict Day School
- April 28, 2026
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8th Grade Tour of Oak Grove HS
April 28, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
All 8th grade students are invited to tour Oak Grove High School. Students will meet at the OGHS front office at 9:00 and return to BDS when finished by around 11:00.
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BAP: Art Show
April 28, 2026 8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Dogwood Venue 4244 HWY 589, Sumrall, MS 39482, United StatesThe Art Show will begin immediately after carline until 6:00 at Dogwood Venue. Each student will have three pieces or more displayed and there will be activities and snacks! All are welcome.
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- April 29, 2026
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TENNIS: State Tournament
April 29, 2026 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Ridgeland Tennis Center Ridgeland, MS
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- April 30, 2026
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A Taste of France
April 30, 2026 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Mrs. Jennifer's French Classroom, Room 9Mrs. Jennifer Weir is leading a trip to France and London in July 2027. The trip is open to students and families. If you missed the interest meeting earlier this year, please come by for updates and taste delicious samples of regional French cuisine. This is a come-and-go event, and a great opportunity for BDS families to learn about this exciting voyage!
- May 1, 2026
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Shades of Blue (Sumrall A Cappella Group) will visit BDS
May 1, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- May 4, 2026
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PreACT 8/9 for 7th and 8th Grade
May 4, 2026 2:15 pm - 6:15 pm
7th and 8th grade students
- May 5, 2026
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Lunch with Moms
May 5, 2026 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
We are excited to welcome our moms to lunch! Moms are welcome to order an extra meal through Campus Cuisine or bring a lunch. Lunch starts at 12:15. Students may wear their PE uniform on this day. Moms of students in 6-8 ONLY will eat in the Field House. Moms of students with children in K-5 and Moms with both a 6-8 student and a K-8 student, will eat lunch in the gym.
- May 6, 2026
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8th Grade Farewell Dinner and Speeches
May 6, 2026 11:30 pm - May 7, 2026 2:00 am
@ The Barn at Bridlewood
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- May 7, 2026
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Spring Sports School Recognition Ceremony
May 7, 2026 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
Join us for a school wide recognition ceremony of our soccer, tennis, track, golf, dance, pep squad, and archery teams and players
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8th Grade Farewell Dinner and Speeches
May 6, 2026 11:30 pm - May 7, 2026 2:00 am
@ The Barn at Bridlewood
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- May 8, 2026
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BAP: Field Day
May 8, 2026
It is a wonderful annual event that requires much enthusiasm! Parents and teachers work together to create an outdoor water-day for our students to end the year with a bang. This event requires many willing participants.
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- May 13, 2026
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BDS Board of Trustees Meeting
May 13, 2026 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Jay Antinnes
Anna Laura Brett, Secretary
David Oliver, Treasurer
Kelly Oliver, Board Chair
Laura Parish
Ben Pierce
Ron Savell
Ben Snow
Joseph Thrash
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- May 15, 2026
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- May 16, 2026
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BDS Used Uniform Drop-Off
May 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Flex SpaceDrop off from 2:00-4:00pm.
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- May 17, 2026
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- May 18, 2026
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BDS Used Uniform Sale
May 18, 2026
BDS Flex SpaceSale will be from 7:45-8:45am and 2:00-3:00pm in the Flex Space.
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- May 20, 2026
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Final Performance Practice at TBC
May 20, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Temple Baptist ChurchStudents will be dropped off at TBC for practice and be dismissed from TBC.
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BDS Dance Team Choreography
May 20, 2026 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Dance South, 6555 US-98 #16, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA -
Final Performance at Temple Baptist Church
May 20, 2026 11:00 pm - May 21, 2026 12:00 am
Students will arrive at Temple Baptist Church at 5:30.
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- May 21, 2026
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Final Performance at Temple Baptist Church
May 20, 2026 11:00 pm - May 21, 2026 12:00 am
Students will arrive at Temple Baptist Church at 5:30.
- May 22, 2026
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