Brennen Elementary School is a dynamic learning environment that fosters growth for both students and educators. Our school is committed to helping all students develop and sharpen the World-Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Brennen is one of many schools in the Greater Columbia area that serve students from 4K to 5th grade. During the 2024-2025 school year, Brennen's enrollment increased to 830 students, remaining the largest and most diverse school in Richland County School District One.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Brennen continued the tradition of being dedicated to providing quality instruction every day, for every child. Led by an experienced and engaged faculty and staff, the school has continued its work as a Visible Learning School, focused on teacher clarity, learning intentions, and success criteria of daily lessons. In reading specifically, all students are experiencing lessons aligned to the research-based practices of Orton-Gillingham. In addition, during this school year, teachers in Kindergarten through 3rd grades participated in year two of LETRS training, providing more professional development and expertise in teaching reading, and allowing teachers to hone their skills in teaching reading. Along with the solid academic focus on literacy, a strong emphasis is also placed on mathematics. The CRA (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) model provides sequential learning opportunities for students as they progress through their understanding of various math skills.
While individual learning needs are addressed, students' social-emotional needs are also addressed to support the whole child. Students participate in the Ron Clark House System and learn to advocate for themselves and support their House members. Our school motto remains, "Six Houses – One School," to remind us that while we have different Houses, we are all Brennen together. Students also continue their learning of the Brennen Commitments, "Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind", which guide them in and beyond the classrooms. This year, students and staff initiated a school-wide read-aloud focused on inclusion to promote a positive, inclusive learning environment.
As a result of student-centered practices and learning, Brennen students continue to demonstrate high academic performance. Universal screeners and common formative assessments are analyzed continuously to guide instruction and match it to learners' needs, fostering growth. In addition to the faculty, our students who need extra help have access to interventionists, academic support tutors, and mentors who believe in "progress, not perfection." During the 2024-2025 school year, additional academic support has been expanded to include the Top Dog Academy, an after-school program, as well as Paws Pals, an educational mentoring program for students in Kindergarten and first grade.
Our programs support skill-building by incorporating the latest technologies and one-to-one laptops for students in grades 4K–5. In addition, all classrooms have SmartBoards and document cameras. Our school's access to this technology allows our teachers to employ highly engaging, individualized learning activities during their workshop model instruction. The ability for students to access their programs at home has also allowed for more strategic parent involvement.
As our school continues to grow, we will strive to fulfill our mission of developing the academic and social potential of our students, so they fit the profile of a South Carolina Graduate. Brennen's administration, teachers, parents, PTO, and SIC are committed to continuing our tradition of providing a solid foundation for all students through high academic standards, diverse and collaborative learning experiences, and special programs to meet the needs of all learners.
Tiffany Ligon, Principal
Brandon Harrison, SIC Chair
