The mission of Anderson School District Four is to serve the individual and diverse needs of students. Our purpose is to provide safe learning environments and nurturing experiences that foster world class knowledge, skills, life characteristics, and community engagement.
Beginning in the early grades, we offer learning through STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, while also building on the foundations in literacy and leadership. As students grow and mature, signature experiences are provided, which offer deeper learning through inquiry and research while connecting them to their natural talents. All students are encouraged to think in creative ways as they seek innovative solutions and ideas. At the middle school level, learners further develop transferable skills while building career readiness. And finally, as they move on to the high school, our Schools of Study provide a unique opportunity that truly integrates core and co-curricular programs within a comprehensive high school facility. The district is partnering with 2 other districts to open its own Career and Technology Center in August 2019 which will offer 11 different areas for real world learning, workplace certifications, and post secondary marticulation.
Academic achievement, personal development, real world experiences, and good citizenship continue to serve as district goals for all students as they enter the real world equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Highlights that support a successful 2018-2019 school year are as follows:
- 2018 SC READY data showed that in ELA and Math our students’ performance ranked in the Top Ten School Districts in 11 of the 12 areas tested. This is up from 10 the previous year.
- 2018 SC PASS data showed that in Social Studies and Science our students’ performance ranked in the Top Ten School Districts in 5 of the 5 areas tested.
- 2018 SC READY and SC PASS data showed that in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science our 6th grade students’ performance ranked in the Top Four school districts in all areas tested. THis is up from the top seven the previous year.
- 76% of 2019 graduates qualified for LIFE/Palmetto Fellows Scholarships. This was up from 74% the previous year.
- The district superintendent, Dr. Joanne Avery, was named the 2020 SC Superintendent of the Year.
- Anderson School District 4 met 100% of the eight Perkins Performance Indicators. This annual report indicates success of CATE students in the areas of academic attainment, technical skill attainment, school completion, school graduation rates, career placement, and nontraditional participation/completion of career and technology programs.
- The 2019 graduating class of 183 seniors earned $4,389,340 in scholarship awards, including 12 Palmetto Fellows, 99 Life Scholarships, and 7 HOPE Scholarships.
- For the 3rd time, all schools have achieved the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Bronze National Recognition Award, making Anderson 4 the only South Carolina school district to have all of their schools recognized. Schools are on the 2018 annual list of America's #HealthiestSchools by achieving this honor.
- Anderson 4 was ranked 5th best school district in the state by School Digger based on state test performance.
- For the 2nd year, 100% of teachers district-wide were classroom active learning champions resulting in a $1,000 award for each school.
- The Pride of the Pendleton was the SC Band Directors Association 2018 State 2A Marching Band Champions.
- Anderson 4's FourKids Foundation has raised $105,605 over the past 4 years, which funded 65 teacher mini-grants and 8 college scholarships to Pendleton High graduates.
- Mt. Lebanon Elementary was 1 of 349 schools selected nationwide to recieve the 2018 National Blue Ribbon School award. MLES joins another school in the district , Townville Elementary School, to recieve this honor.
- Riverside Middle School is 1 of 2 newly recognized SC Middle Schools to Watch for being among the highest performing middle schools in the state.
- Riverside Middle and Pendleton High bands received an OPA (Outstanding Performance Award), which is the highest award a middle or high school band can receive.
- The middle school chorus received a rating of Superior with Distinction a the SCMEA Choral Division Choral Performance Assessment.
- Pendleton Elementary School won the 2019 District Wellness title as part of Docs Adopt School Health Initiative (DASHI), a partnership between MUSC Boeing Center for Children's Wellness and Clemson University.
- For the 2nd year, LaFrance Elementary School partnered with Clemson University in National Lemonade Day providing students with a tremendous learning opportunity from design to delivery. The yearlong partnership culminated with 31 stands selling lemonade throughout the community.
- Students demonstrated World Class Knowledge and Skills by placing in numerous regional, state, and national competitions in archery, bass fishing, honors choir, all-state chorus, band, and FFA.
- The high school soccer team earned a place at the Upper State finals; the boys and girls track team won regions adn moved on to earn several top state finishes.
