Mossy Oaks Elementary School: Preparing Future-Ready Students
At Mossy Oaks Elementary School, we are committed to developing world-class skills and character traits in our students to expand their life and career opportunities, in alignment with the South Carolina Profile of the Graduate. As a proud Title I school, our mission is to broaden students’ understanding of the world and enhance their expertise through a rigorous STEAM curriculum.
In the 2024-25 school year, we were recertified as an Arts-Focused School, a model that encourages students to explore their strengths and interests while deepening their academic competencies. Additionally, our Med Tech Magnet grant allows us to integrate medical STEM practices into the curriculum, giving students early exposure to careers in the healthcare field.
High Expectations, Strategic Support
Our school culture challenges both students and staff to strive for excellence. Weekly professional development sessions led by instructional coaches introduce innovative teaching strategies to educators. Together, our staff sets meaningful goals and collaborates on strategies to continuously enhance our educational program.
Our current priorities focus on improving student performance on key benchmarks, including i-Ready and SC Ready assessments. We use this data—alongside other evaluative tools—to inform and tailor instruction to meet each student’s needs.
Targeted Interventions and Differentiation
Mossy Oaks Elementary provides specialized support for diverse learners, including struggling readers, students receiving special education services, ESOL students, and those identified as Gifted and Talented. We aim to close achievement gaps by:
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Increasing training for teachers to strengthen small-group instruction.
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Utilizing effective reading assessment tools—including running records, Literacy with Fidelity programs, and digital resources—to better engage students.
All students from Pre-K through Grade 5 have access to personal electronic devices, allowing for a rich, technology-infused curriculum. Our teachers employ research-based instructional practices and differentiated strategies to ensure every student receives a personalized, high-quality learning experience.
Support Systems and Enrichment Opportunities
For students requiring additional academic or behavioral support, we implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Through this model, teachers work in partnership with interventionists and instructional coaches to provide targeted assistance based on each student’s unique needs. For students who are academically or artistically gifted, we offer enrichment programs tailored to their talents and interests.
Community Partnerships and Real-World Learning
The success of Mossy Oaks Elementary is rooted in the strong partnerships between students, families, staff, and community members. A prime example is our Outdoor Classroom, developed collaboratively and now recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. We also engage with Clemson Extension to offer classes on the design and maintenance of our rain gardens.
By integrating arts and STEM/STEAM instruction, we are preparing our students for bright futures in a variety of fields—including the fast-growing med-tech sector.
