South Kilbourne Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs to ensure all experience success.
South Kilbourne Elementary is a neighborhood school in a hub of businesses, universities, shops, and restaurants. Our area attracts a shifting, diverse mix of young professionals with growing families, students, short-term residents, and subsidized/public housing participants. With years of consistent achievement and recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School, we continue to be a Richland One School of Choice.
Student success continues to remain a top priority at South Kilbourne Elementary. During the 2023-2024 school year, our Fourth and Fifth Graders continued to join many schools across the globe in implementing AVID Elementary. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. This rigorous system engages students in WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) Strategies across the curriculum for lasting college and career readiness. Educators across all curricular areas understand the importance of creating environments stimulating intellectual, emotional, and social growth. All classrooms mesh rigorous standards with world-class skills to develop life and career characteristics.
As a 21st-century school, classroom environments include active seating, one-to-one Technology access (K-5), instructional technology (Smart Boards, document cameras, desktop computers), leveled classroom libraries, and furniture for designated learning spaces (whole-group carpets, small-group tables, independent workstations).
The co-teaching model embeds school-wide tiered levels of support. To support instruction, the school employs a Reading Coach, a Math Interventionist, a Reading Interventionist, a Curriculum Resource Teacher (CRT), and Title I tutors.
Community-based partnerships with USC, the Junior League of Columbia, and several faith-based organizations offer additional support. Through cyclical data analysis, we can continuously personalize learning for students.
Our school continues to promote and celebrate positive habits among students. Through monthly celebrations, positive student behaviors and academic accomplishments are recognized with tangible and intangible rewards. Monthly parent and family engagement activities are designed to involve and educate parents in their children's growth and development. We are proud to be one of the few elementary schools in Richland School District One that was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. South Kilbourne will continue to work towards achieving this recognition once again.
Derrick M. Theirse, Principal
Shante Seibles, SIC Chair
