Our district is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by challenging them to reach their highest potential in a safe and positive learning environment.
In Chester County School District (CCSD), we recognize the importance of strong foundational literacy and math skills. Last year, early childhood teachers continued training in the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations curriculum. The number of students flagged for reading difficulties by the MAP Reading Fluency assessment decreased from the fall to spring administration. Special education teachers began using a common math curriculum and received job-embedded training to support implementation. Overall proficiency on the English Language Arts portion of SC READY for grades 3-8 increased from 44% in Spring 2024 to 47.8% in Spring 2025. There was a slight decrease from 29.8% to 28.5% in math performance. District and school leadership analyze assessment results to celebrate areas of strength and to develop appropriate plans to address areas for improvement.
Preparing our students for college and careers is essential. Our Early College Program, in its fourth year, allows students to take college-level courses while receiving support in time management and fine-tuning their study skills with York Tech and CCSD staff. In May 2025, we celebrated sixteen CCSD students who earned associate of arts and science degrees. Chester County Career Center (CCCC) had another successful year with numerous students achieving completer status and receiving industry certifications. “Completers “ are students who successfully take three or four required courses in their chosen career pathways. The number of completers at CCCC increased from 106 in 2023-2024 to 142 in 2024-2025. Additionally, students ended their senior year with certifications in cosmetology and welding, for example.
CCSD students continue to make their mark in the arts. Our high school band programs had another successful year and provided opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills in competitions. Lewisville High School’s percussion, ensembles, and winter guard placed in numerous state events. For example, the Jazz Band received an Excellent rating at the annual South Carolina Band Directors' Association Jazz Performance Assessment. Chester High School earned 1st place in their classification at Music in the Park in Tennessee, and the Great Falls High School Concert Band received an overall rating of Excellent at Concert Performance Assessment. CCSD also celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the Superintendent’s Annual Art Showcase in partnership with the Arts Council of Chester County. The showcase has expanded to include band, dance, and choral performances along with the selected pieces from our young artists. The attendance for this event in April 2025 was the largest in recent years.
Community partnerships with local businesses, faith-based groups, and community organizations are a vital part of our district. Our community members provide grants for classroom projects, field trips, and the elementary swimming program. They also support family engagement activities, our Mentoring Matters program, and school-based clubs.
Finally, each high school received honors in athletics during the 2024-2025 school year. The Great Falls golf team finished as Region 1A champions. Chester High School’s wrestling team won the 2A state championship, and the Lewisville High volleyball team finished as 1A state champions. Additionally, each high school received coach and/or athletic director recognitions.
The “Big Roots” for Chester County School District are organizational culture, academic achievement, learning environment, and community engagement. We recognize that providing a well-rounded education for all our students requires the ongoing efforts of our school board, our schools, our families, and our community. We will continue to work together to prepare all students for successful futures.
Dr. Antwon Sutton, Superintendent
