At Lyman Elementary School, we proudly lead the way in academic excellence, personal character, and joy. We are committed to providing a rich, engaging educational experience that equips students with the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Every day, we live out our district’s motto, “Every child, every day,” and our school’s vision of leading together to inspire student lifelong learning through inquiry, collaboration, and positive relationships.
Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to ensure a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment where students are empowered to explore their strengths and reach their full potential. This year, we placed a strong schoolwide emphasis on student goal-setting—academic, personal, and behavioral. Across all grade levels, students are learning to set, monitor, and reflect on meaningful goals, helping them take ownership of their learning journey.
We continue to implement AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies to strengthen organization, independence, and academic success. Instruction is anchored in rigorous, standards-based curriculum across all content areas, with a focused investment in explicit phonics instruction to build foundational literacy skills. Through structured lessons, small-group reading instruction, and targeted support, students are becoming confident, fluent readers.
Our master schedule reflects our academic priorities. We provide a 90-minute uninterrupted literacy block, a 30-minute writing workshop, and a daily intervention block to ensure timely, targeted support. In addition, students receive a minimum of 70 minutes of math instruction daily. Math instruction emphasizes small-group learning, conceptual understanding, and real-world problem-solving, allowing students to make meaningful mathematical connections. Lyman Elementary was recognized for most growth in math and reading in Spartanburg School District Five.
Through robust Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), we continue to identify and close learning gaps in both reading and math. These efforts are guided by data and grounded in research-based best practices that promote equity and excellence for all learners.
Lyman Elementary also offers enriching opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Thanks to our district’s 1:1 technology initiative, each student has access to a personal device to support digital learning. Students may also participate in a variety of extracurricular and leadership-building activities, including the Lyman Singers, Creations, Run Hard Club, Fine Arts Programs, Be Great Academy, Word Masters, service-learning initiatives, Beta Club, Lion Flag Patrol, LES Coding Clubs, and a host of other opportunities for student leadership.
We prioritize the social and emotional health of our students by utilizing Olweus Bullying Prevention strategies and Panorama survey data to inform our guidance and support programs. Service learning remains a key part of our school culture, with students engaged in numerous philanthropic projects that give back to the community.
At Lyman Elementary, we know that leading together—as educators, families, and a school community—is essential to our students’ success. Driven by a shared love for children and a passion for education, we are committed to nurturing a lifelong love of learning and preparing every student for a successful future.
Lyman Elementary School
Jarette Pendergrass, Principal
