Who We Are

While rooted in Christian values, we welcome students of all religions and beliefs. At BDS, we believe in inclusivity, as every child should have the opportunity to learn in a way that is most beneficial to them.

Benedict Day School is a private school serving Kindergarten through Eighth Grade located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Rooted in Christian values, we welcome families of all different beliefs. Family involvement is essential at BDS, and we believe it is key in providing an education that is engaging, hands-on, innovative, and technology-driven.

Our Mission

We Give Education A Whole New Meaning

At Benedict Day School, our students thrive on:

  • Turning aspirations into reality
  • Dynamic learning opportunities 
  • Connecting through knowledge 
  • Positive reinforcement 
  • A foundation built on trust 
  • Enriched teaching and learning styles

Our History

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 by the creation of Benedict Day School, where she saw children blossom into their potential and discover a true love and passion for learning.

Our Faculty and Staff

Since our founding, BDS has attracted teachers who love to teach and students who love to learn. We have a special place in our hearts for our BDS teachers as they continuously go above and beyond to provide the best possible educational experience for each and every student.

Administrators

Tyler Spruill
Headmaster
Deleta Brewer
Admissions Director
Kristen Frierson
Director of Student Services
Alex Bunkheila
Office Administrator
Shana Bounds
Assistant Director of Athletics and School Nurse
Shelley Jackson
Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Meet Our Teachers

Brittain Witfield
Grade Conceptual Dance Class Teacher and Dance Coach
Jennifer Matherne
Kindergarten Teacher
Maryann Fasnacht
Kindergarten Assistant
Joy Breland
Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Morgan
Kindergarten Assistant
Brittain Witfield
Grade Conceptual Dance Class Teacher and Dance Coach
Wendi Johnson
1st Grade Teacher
Kristi Gwin
1st Grade Assistant
Leanne Spiers
1st Grade Teacher
Rebecca Albert
1st Grade Assistant
Brittain Witfield
Grade Conceptual Dance Class Teacher and Dance Coach
Summer Smith
2nd Grade Teacher
Mia Bell
2nd Grade Assistant
Taylor Pellegrin
2nd Grade Teacher
Sabrina McArthur
2nd Grade Assistant
Brittain Witfield
Grade Conceptual Dance Class Teacher and Dance Coach
Elizabeth DeLasuss
3rd Grade Teacher
Seagie Shoemake
3rd Grade Teacher
Brittain Witfield
Grade Conceptual Dance Class Teacher and Dance Coach
Tammy Pigott
4th Grade Teacher
Peyton Myers
4th Grade Teacher
Matison Loftin
Grade Information Technology Teacher
Shelby Deese
5th Grade Language and Writing; Dyslexia Therapist
Anna Caitlyn Johnson
5th Grade Reading; Dyslexia Therapist
Mary Kathryn Wilson
5th Grade Social Science and Humanities
Maggie Aultman
6th Grade Homeroom; 6th Grade Language, Reading and Writing Teacher
Bethany Warren
6th Grade Homeroom; 6th Grade Math Teacher
Lisa Holliman
7th Grade Homeroom; 6th-8th Grade Humanities
Allison Beasley
7th Grade Homeroom; 7th-8th Grade English Teacher
Kate Nielsen
6th- 8th Grade Science Teacher
Kade Matthews
8th Homeroom; 6th-8th Grade History
Tyler Spruill
6th-7th Grade Math Teacher
Rebecca Key
Music Teacher
Jennifer Weir
French Teacher
Alex Mallion
8th Grade Homeroom; PE Coach
Amanda King
Art Teacher