At L.W. Conder Elementary Arts Integrated Magnet School, we are proud to continue a tradition of academic excellence and innovation as a distinguished arts magnet school in Richland School District Two. As a 2024 Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence and a recognized South Carolina Green Steps School, Conder is a place where learning is vibrant, purposeful, and student-centered.
At the heart of our mission is our commitment to nurturing students who are STARS—demonstrating Self-Control, practicing Teamwork, holding themselves and others Accountable, showing Respect and Responsibility, and striving for Success. These core values guide our students in both academics and character development.
Together with our dedicated staff and supportive school community, we implement a dynamic Arts-Integrated Curriculum alongside AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. This approach provides every child with a rich, diverse educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deep love of learning.
Our educators are committed professionals and lifelong learners. Through our valued partnership with the South Carolina Arts Commission and the State Department of Education’s Distinguished Arts Program (DAP), Conder teachers engage in ongoing, high-quality professional development in arts integration. This training equips them to seamlessly weave the arts into core subjects—Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies—enhancing both engagement and achievement.
Beyond the classroom, students, families, and staff participate in a variety of arts-based opportunities such as concerts, dance and music performances, and art exhibitions. Every child at Conder has access to a wide array of fine arts offerings including visual arts, dance, world drums, world music, and physical education. Our acclaimed Strings Program, serving students from Kindergarten through fifth grade, provides instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass. Additionally, our Artists-in-Residence bring dynamic and meaningful experiences to our school community through programs in theatre, movement/dance, and visual arts, with connections to literacy and academic content.
At Conder, we believe school is not only a place for academic growth but also a place to build pride, joy, and a strong sense of belonging. Our students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through school-wide programs and initiatives such as STAR Gents boys’ mentoring program, A+ girls’ mentoring program, Green Steps School initiatives, Beta Club, Student Council, Steel Drum Band, Super Star Strings, Dance Ensemble, and Conder Ambassadors.
Family and community partnerships are essential to our success. We welcome and encourage parent involvement through classroom engagement, volunteerism, and participation in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Improvement Council (SIC). Signature events like the SMART Carnival, Movie Night, Arts Concerts, Career Day, Mother/Daughter Tea, Math and Literacy Nights, and Kids Music Day reflect our deep belief in cultivating strong home-school connections.
We are honored to serve a community of dedicated students, families, educators, and partners. Together, we will continue to nurture a school culture where every student is empowered to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.
