Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering academic excellence, inquiry-based learning, inclusive community involvement, and real-world experiences.
At Satchel Ford Elementary, we are committed to developing the critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity that define the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Our students continue to demonstrate academic strength, as shown on the 2024 SC Annual School Report Card, where our school again received the highest overall rating of "Excellent." Our students achieved:
- 78.5% "Met" or "Exemplary" in SC READY ELA,
- 74% in SC READY Math, and
- 68.3% readiness on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.
To support literacy and foundational knowledge, educators in grades K–3, Special Education, along with our reading coach and administration, completed LETRS Volume 1 professional learning. This training builds expertise in the science of reading, equipping teachers to foster strong literacy skills.
Our faculty also collaborated in a book study of Learning for Real under the guidance of Dr. Heidi Mills (USC) to deepen their use of inquiry-based instruction, promoting problem-solving, investigation, and student-led learning. Students brought inquiry to life through engaging, real-world projects:
- First graders journaled daily Moon observations,
- Third graders researched countries and designed travel brochures,
- Fourth graders studied animal classification and authored nonfiction books, and
- Fifth graders explored U.S. National Parks, connected virtually with a park ranger, and created informative brochures.
Teachers also visited the Center for Inquiry (CFI) to learn directly from experienced practitioners, enhancing instructional strategies through observation and collaboration.
Our commitment to interpersonal skills and global perspectives is also reflected in our recognition as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School—one of only ten in South Carolina in 2024. This award celebrates our efforts to create a school where students with and without disabilities learn, lead, and play together. Through Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement, students learn empathy, teamwork, and respect.
Chris Payne, our PE teacher and Unified Champion advisor, shares:
"This award is a testament to our wonderful community at Satchel Ford. The students, staff, parents, and community are the driving force behind it all."
We are also proud of our 2025 AAA Fitness Bowl champions, who exemplify teamwork and perseverance through physical fitness and competition.
The PTO plays a vital role in enhancing the learning environment, contributing over 1,000 volunteer hours and raising funds to:
- Support field trips,
- Provide monthly staff meals,
- Fund over $20,000 in classroom grants,
- Sponsor a school-wide author study, and
- Create a sound garden with outdoor instruments and new courtyard seating.
Hands-on, real-world learning continues in The Farm at Satchel Ford, where students engage in science and sustainability lessons. Led by parent volunteer Chris Wormley and coordinated by Mrs. Cyr, students participate in activities aligned with grade-level standards, such as planting, harvesting, food tasting, and caring for chickens, building both responsibility and environmental awareness.
Finally, we proudly celebrate Scott Vaughan, our theatre teacher of 11 years, who received the Deborah Smith Hoffman Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award from the South Carolina Theatre Association. His dedication to the arts and his mentorship of other educators exemplify a lifelong love of learning and leadership in arts education.
At Satchel Ford Elementary, our collective efforts—academic, creative, social, and inclusive—are preparing students to meet and exceed the expectations of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Every day, we strive to ensure our students are prepared, inspired, and empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Matthew Scandrol, Principal
