At Bethel Elementary School, we are dedicated to helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We achieve this by providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment, paired with a rigorous, high-quality education. Our motto, “Cardinals Fly High,” comes to life through student leadership opportunities, a continuous improvement model for academic growth, and a wide range of enrichment experiences.
Bethel has a proud legacy of excellence and achievement. In 2016, we were named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional honors include Palmetto’s Finest, Palmetto Gold, the Red Carpet Award, Greenville County Elementary Healthy School of the Year, and the Greenville County Safety Award. Most recently, we earned an Excellent Report Card rating and Palmetto Gold distinction for the 2023–2024 school year, accomplishments made possible by the hard work and dedication of our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. This year, we proudly celebrated 60 Years of Excellence, a milestone that reflects our deep roots in the community and long-standing commitment to high-quality education. Our school goals are centered on academic excellence, ongoing professional development, and strong community partnerships.
At Bethel, students benefit from rigorous instruction led by highly motivated educators trained in evidence-based practices. Teachers participate in targeted professional learning to deepen their understanding of student data, implement effective instructional strategies, and support students emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. Our reading interventionists, literacy specialist, special education teachers, multilingual teacher, and school counselors work with students in small groups to deliver focused support that enhances classroom performance.
Since 1997, Bethel’s Multiage Program has provided a unique learning experience that places students in 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th grade cohorts for a four-year academic journey. The program emphasizes project-based learning, leadership development, and cross-grade collaboration, all within a student-centered framework designed to meet individual learning needs.
Supporting the development of the whole child is a key priority. Our school counselors provide a wide range of services including school-wide character education, mentoring, classroom guidance, and individual and small group counseling. Monthly classroom lessons are based on The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey, which equips students with essential life skills like leadership, communication, and problem solving. Students in grades 4 and 5 explore careers through SCOIS (South Carolina Occupational Information System), completing interest inventories and developing career portfolios. We are fortunate to partner with Mentor Upstate, an organization that matches students with caring mentors who meet weekly to build strong, supportive relationships that boost self-esteem, motivation, and academic success.
Bethel is proud to have a reputation for its caring, dedicated faculty and a strong tradition of student achievement. Our success is closely tied to our committed families and community. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School Improvement Council (SIC) are integral to our work, providing vital resources and support. PTA members and volunteers actively contribute through fundraising, school events, and classroom support, enriching the experience for all students.
We also take pride in hosting community events that strengthen the home-school connection. These include our Cardinal Family Tailgate, where families meet teachers in a casual, fun setting; our Bethel Bash, a carnival-style celebration; and our Annual Bethel Picnic, a tradition that brings our school family together.
At Bethel Elementary, our mission is to create an inclusive environment that fosters leadership, academic growth, and character development—empowering students to become confident, capable, and compassionate contributors to their communities.
