Felton Laboratory Charter School (FLCS) helps all students develop the World Class Knowledge, Skills, and Life and Career Characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Through a rigorous, STEAM-infused educational experience, students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, demonstrate creativity, and apply their learning to real-world situations.
Originally established in 1920 as Felton Training School, FLCS became an independent charter school in 2014. Located on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Felton serves approximately 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade from the rural communities of Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Calhoun Counties.
The mission of Felton Laboratory Charter School is to provide a rigorous, creative, and diverse learning environment through Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. Our interdisciplinary approach prepares students for success in postsecondary education, future careers, and an increasingly global society. STEAM is integrated across grade levels through classroom instruction, hands-on projects, inquiry, experimentation, collaborative design, digital tools, and a dedicated STEAM University instructor. These experiences allow students to develop innovation, problem-solving, and leadership skills while making meaningful connections between academic content and real-world applications.
College and career readiness begins in the earliest grades. In kindergarten through second grade, instruction emphasizes foundational literacy, number sense, mathematical reasoning, and the development of strong learning habits. Teachers use research-based literacy practices, structured phonics, and LETRS-informed strategies to support early reading development. In grades three through five, students deepen their understanding of academic content through writing, problem-solving, academic discussion, and cross-curricular learning experiences. Middle school students strengthen their readiness for high school through rigorous content instruction, intervention and enrichment opportunities, digital learning, career exploration, and partnerships with local colleges, universities, and high schools.
During the 2025–2026 school year, Felton continued strengthening its instructional system through high-quality instructional materials, targeted interventions, instructional coaching, professional learning communities, and data-informed decision-making. The school maintained a strong focus on literacy, mathematics, student engagement, academic discourse, writing across the curriculum, productive struggle, and consistent implementation of standards-aligned instruction.
The Instructional Leadership Team, which includes school administrators, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders, guides schoolwide instructional improvement. The team reviews student achievement data, monitors classroom instruction, facilitates professional learning, and provides targeted support to teachers. Structured coaching cycles, classroom walkthroughs, collaborative planning, and feedback are used to strengthen teacher capacity and improve student outcomes.
Felton uses a comprehensive assessment system that includes i-Ready, Beacon assessments, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, classroom assessments, student work, and state-required assessments. Teachers regularly analyze data to identify student strengths, determine learning needs, plan differentiated instruction, and provide targeted interventions. Students are also encouraged to set goals, monitor their progress, and take greater ownership of their learning.
Ongoing professional development is aligned with student needs, schoolwide priorities, and instructional expectations. Professional learning includes NIET best practices, LETRS-informed literacy instruction, high-quality instructional materials, technology integration, classroom management, lesson planning, assessment literacy, and content-specific strategies. Through Professional Learning Communities, educators collaboratively examine standards, analyze student work, discuss instructional practices, plan responsive lessons, and determine next steps for student support.
As a laboratory school, Felton maintains a longstanding partnership with South Carolina State University and continues to develop relationships with Claflin University, local schools, community organizations, and educational partners. These partnerships provide opportunities for mentoring, professional learning, student enrichment, innovation, and exposure to college and career pathways. Family and community engagement are strengthened through events such as STEAM activities, literacy and mathematics nights, parent workshops, student showcases, and Title I engagement opportunities.
Felton’s middle school earned a Palmetto Silver Award, reflecting continued academic growth and the commitment of students, employees, families, board members, and community partners. The school remains focused on accelerating elementary achievement, strengthening instructional consistency, improving mathematics performance, supporting literacy development, and ensuring that all students receive the academic and social-emotional support needed to succeed.
At Felton, our work is guided by the question, “How are the children?” Our response, “The children are well,” represents both our commitment and our responsibility. By leading with purpose, building with excellence, and strategically aligning our people, programs, partnerships, and resources, Felton Laboratory Charter School is preparing students to lead, succeed, and thrive in an ever-changing global society. We remain Felton Strong and committed to ensuring that every child is known, supported, challenged, and prepared for the future.
