At Longleaf Middle School, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that 100% of our students are provided with the opportunities, support, and tools they need to succeed. Guided by the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, we strive to develop the world-class knowledge, skills, and life and career characteristics essential for success in school and beyond. We achieve this by maintaining high academic standards, fostering a supportive and intellectually challenging school culture, and offering multiple tiers of support that promote equitable student growth and achievement.
Our school is a dynamic learning community that prepares students for academic excellence and lifelong success. We recognize that the knowledge and competencies acquired today form the foundation for tomorrow’s learning and leadership. Through rigorous and transformative educational experiences, we support students in mastering critical skills while cultivating a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy in learning.
World-Class Knowledge
This year, Longleaf Middle School demonstrated meaningful academic gains on the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment and district benchmarks. However, we also identified performance regressions among specific student subgroups on the SC READY assessment. Addressing these disparities is a top priority. Our dual-themed magnet programs—the school-wide Longleaf Engineering and Arts Program and the School of Zoological and Botanical Studies (a school-within-a-school)—provide students with rich STEAM-centered learning experiences. These include inquiry-based projects, fieldwork, and real-world problem-solving with local experts. Students engage in research, receive authentic feedback, reflect on their learning, and refine their work to produce high-quality final products, all aligned to South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards.
World-Class Skills
We focus on developing students as creators, communicators, critical thinkers, and collaborators. Leveraging current technologies and innovative instructional strategies, our students explore real-world issues, work in teams, and engage with both peers and adults to craft thoughtful, creative solutions. These experiences deepen their mastery of academic content and promote the development of essential skills that will serve them well into the future.
Life and Career Characteristics
Longleaf fosters a culture of responsibility, leadership, and excellence. Students are empowered to lead by example, make sound decisions, and contribute positively to their school and community. Structures such as Conscious Discipline, Response to Intervention, LEAP Intervention, Club Days, mentoring programs, student exhibitions, and service learning initiatives are intentionally designed to promote self-advocacy, student leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. We celebrate student growth and achievement while cultivating an environment where every learner feels valued.
As we enter the 2025–2026 school year—our 18th year of serving families in Northeast Richland County—we celebrate our progress while acknowledging areas for continued improvement. Literacy and numeracy will remain top priorities as we work to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to drive positive academic outcomes. In particular, numeracy is an area where focused efforts are needed. Our teachers and administrative team will engage in deep data analysis, identify areas requiring targeted intervention, and adjust instructional practices accordingly.
At Longleaf, our mission—Student Success: Every Student, Every Day—guides everything we do. We remain laser-focused on academic growth, social-emotional development, and student achievement. In collaboration with our families, faculty, and community partners, we are confident that Longleaf Middle School will continue to be a place where students are connected, supported, engaged, and successful.
Teresa Price Mingo, Ed.S., Principal
Calvin Rascoe, SIC Chairperson
