Byrd Elementary School is committed to developing the World Class Skills and Life and Career Characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by offering students a rich variety of learning experiences that emphasize collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
Our academic program provides rigorous and engaging instruction designed to equip students with essential 21st-century skills. Teachers engage in ongoing professional learning and receive coaching support to implement evidence-based practices, including effective reading strategies and text-dependent questioning. Tiered instruction in literacy and math ensures that every student’s needs are met through targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities.
Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade receive foundational literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading through programs such as the Once Early Reading Program, Lexia, Passport Voyager, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, and Imagine Learning & Language. In grades 3–5, literacy support continues through Lexia, Passport Voyager, and Edmentum Exact Path, a digital platform that provides personalized learning paths. All K–5 students benefit from math support through DreamBox and build fluency with Reflex Math. Daily Number Corner routines introduce and reinforce essential math concepts, while Bridges Math Intervention targets key skills for additional support.
Technology integration through 1:1 devices enhances instruction by enabling small group instruction and personalized digital learning across all grade levels in reading and math.
As a Leader in Me school, Byrd Elementary fosters leadership, responsibility, and self-confidence. Through this framework, students develop social-emotional skills, discover their unique voice, and learn to lead with purpose. Our positive behavior system promotes accountability and reinforces positive choices in an engaging and supportive environment. One integral part of our Leader in Me journey was implementing student clubs. Students are able to choose clubs based on their interests such as sports and fitness, visual and performing arts and STEM related clubs such as coding.
Character education is embedded throughout the school year. Students build compassion and civic responsibility by participating in service-learning projects that support organizations such as Golden Harvest Food Bank, the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and Charlie Norwood Veterans Hospital.
Byrd students also benefit from rich cultural and creative experiences. Through partnerships with community organizations, they attend events and performances from groups such as the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, Joye in Aiken Kidz Bop, and the Carnegie Foundation. They participate in visual arts competitions and take interdisciplinary field trips to destinations like the Augusta Canal, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, and local farms.
At Byrd Elementary, we believe every child has the potential to lead and learn at high levels. By providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment with robust academic and leadership opportunities, we are preparing students to become successful, contributing citizens in a globally competitive world.
