Welcome to Lake Carolina Elementary Upper Campus, the best elementary school ever! Where we are truly Sailing Beyond Excellence...in the most JOYFUL place to learn, work, and thrive! Our school is more than a building; it is a vibrant community grounded in belonging, support, and shared purpose.
Here at LCEU, we are shaping future leaders by cultivating the world-class skills outlined in the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate. Our school mission is clear: In partnership with our community, Lake Carolina Elementary's Upper Campus will develop global citizens of tomorrow who are Purpose Driven and Future Ready.
This mission comes to life every single day through our strong commitment to social-emotional well-being. Rooted in the Conscious Discipline brain-based framework, our entire staff is equipped with the tools to create safe, connected, and empowering spaces for every learner. We believe that when students feel emotionally safe, they are ready to soar academically.
We are proud to be an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school. AVID is not just a program; it is a way of life that infuses our school with high expectations and academic rigor. Through WICOR strategies—writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading—our teachers challenge students to think critically and deeply. With more than 90 percent of our staff trained in AVID, new team members are welcomed into a culture of professional growth and instructional excellence.
Reading is the heartbeat of our school. With a curriculum that fosters both foundational skills and a love of literature, our students are motivated by engaging experiences such as our Reading Counts program. Guided by benchmark assessments and the collaborative expertise of our instructional coaches and content specialists, we personalize instruction to meet the unique needs of every student.
Our learning goes far beyond the classroom. Students participate in field studies that connect academic content to real-world experiences. We also embrace inclusivity through school-wide initiatives such as Disability Awareness Month, a campus-wide book study of “Just Ask”, a year-round peer buddy program, participation in the Special Olympics, and we are a banner Unified Champion School that fosters positive relationships and promotes social inclusion for all students.
Leadership is at the core of what we do. Our students serve as ambassadors, thinkers, helpers, and dreamers through a variety of leadership groups like Student Council, Safety Patrol, and our mentoring programs LeadHers and EmpowerMENt. They help shape our culture, set goals for their learning, and take ownership of their school experience. Our students and faculty love being at Lake Carolina Upper!
None of this would be possible without our amazing community and the inspiring support of Richland School District Two. Together, we are growing leaders, lifting voices, and creating a joyful space where everyone feels they belong.
Welcome to the magic of Lake Carolina Upper. We are honored to have you on this journey with us.
Dr. Keicha Chandler-Smith (DrK), Principal
Emily Glenham, SIC Chairperson
