Felton Laboratory Charter School (FLCS), originally established in 1920 as Felton Training School, became an independent charter school in 2014. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, FLCS currently serves approximately 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade from the rural communities of Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun Counties.
The mission of Felton Laboratory Charter School is to provide a rigorous, creative, and diverse learning environment through Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Our interdisciplinary approach prepares students for life in a global society, success in post-secondary education, and a range of career opportunities. STEAM integration is embedded across all grade levels and supported by a STEAM University instructor, with hands-on learning experiences, community partnerships, and family engagement events such as STEAM Nights, Literacy Nights, and Title I Parent Engagement activities.
Our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), comprised of the Director, Assistant Principals, Reading Coach, Math Coach, and Instructional Coach, leads data-driven instructional improvement initiatives. The School Improvement Team (SIT), including ILT members and grade-level teacher representatives, works collaboratively on strategies to improve school climate, curriculum, instruction, and professional development.
Felton implements a comprehensive assessment program, including i-Ready, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Fountas & Pinnell, and the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), to monitor student progress and inform instruction. Teachers engage in regular data conferences with students and families, fostering transparency and shared accountability for academic growth.
To strengthen instructional capacity, FLCS provides ongoing professional development, including NIET Best Practices, LETRS training, and content-specific coaching, supporting a culture of continuous learning among staff. Instructional practices are monitored consistently to ensure fidelity and alignment with schoolwide goals.
As a laboratory school, Felton maintains partnerships with South Carolina State University and Claflin University, offering unique opportunities for students and teacher candidates. FLCS also collaborates with the High School for Health Professions, with the majority of Felton graduates choosing to attend this charter high school.
Felton operates on a year-round academic calendar, with intercession breaks every 45 days that provide opportunities for rest, enrichment, and reflection. This calendar supports the academic and social-emotional needs of students and staff alike.
At Felton, we live by the guiding question, “How are the children?”—a reflection of our commitment to the whole child, academic excellence, and community partnership. Our focus on STEAM-infused instruction, data-informed practices, and family engagement ensures that Felton students are prepared to lead, succeed, and thrive in a dynamic world.
