MEMMINGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is a school where TEACHERS choose to teach, FAMILIES want to send their children, and most importantly, STUDENTS love to attend each and every day.
Memminger Elementary is a vibrant magnet school located in the heart of historic Charleston. During the 2025-2026 school year, our staff, families, and students embraced a shared vision centered on high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we offer an inquiry-based learning environment that fosters global perspectives, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Guided by our theme, "Anchored in Purpose," we focused on creating a school where every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported.
Memminger Elementary is a school where TEACHERS choose to teach. Our faculty is united by a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professional growth, and shared accountability for student success. Through weekly collaborative planning, data analysis, instructional coaching, and ongoing professional learning, teachers worked together to strengthen instructional practices and improve outcomes for all students. Our commitment to collective efficacy is reflected in our schoolwide belief that every child can achieve at high levels when provided with excellent instruction and strong support systems. Throughout the year, teachers embraced feedback, refined instructional practices, and worked tirelessly to ensure that every student experienced academic growth.
Memminger Elementary is a school where FAMILIES want to send their children. We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. Families are welcomed as active participants in the life of our school through our PTO, School Improvement Council, volunteer opportunities, family events, and ongoing communication. Throughout the year, families joined us for events including Arts Night, student performances, grade-level showcases, our Color Run, and 5th-grade IB Showcase. These opportunities allowed students to demonstrate their learning while strengthening the connection between school and home. Visitors frequently comment on the welcoming atmosphere, positive relationships, and sense of community that are evident throughout our campus.
Memminger Elementary is a school where STUDENTS love to attend each and every day. Our students engage in meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. We strive to develop internationally minded learners who demonstrate the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. Students participate in hands-on learning opportunities, inquiry-based instruction, arts integration, leadership experiences, and character development activities designed to support the growth of the whole child. Opportunities such as Career Day, artist residencies, athletic and cheer programs, arts performances, CREW meetings, attendance celebrations, student leadership opportunities, and schoolwide community events provide students with additional ways to connect, contribute, and excel.
This year, Memminger Elementary experienced significant academic growth.
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In READING, as measured by iReady, the percentage of students who met their typical growth goal increased from 59.6% in 2025 to 64.8% in 2026 (5.2% gain). The percentage of students projected to score Meets or Exceeds on SC READY also increased from 46.4% in 2025 to 54.3% in 2026 (7.9% gain).
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In MATH, as measured by iReady, the percentage of students who met their typical growth goal increased from 55.2% in 2025 to 70.9% in 2026 (15.7% gain). The percentage of students projected to score Meets or Exceeds on SC READY also increased from 48.2% in 2025 to 52.9% in 2026 (4.7% gain).
These results reflect the dedication of our students, staff, and families and affirm our belief that high expectations, strong instruction, and meaningful relationships lead to improved outcomes for children.
Our work also aligns closely with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Through authentic learning experiences, students develop the world-class knowledge, skills, and life characteristics necessary for future success.
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION are embedded throughout our instructional program. Students are encouraged to think independently, explore new ideas, create original work, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. From visual arts and music performances to inquiry projects, students regularly engage in opportunities that foster creativity and innovation.
CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING are central to the learning experiences we provide. Students are challenged to analyze information, ask thoughtful questions, solve complex problems, and defend their thinking using evidence. Through inquiry-based instruction, collaborative learning, and real-world applications, students develop the skills necessary to become confident and capable problem solvers.
Equally important, we remain committed to developing students of strong character. Through our schoolwide expectations, IB Learner Profile attributes, and character education initiatives, students learn the importance of integrity, empathy, perseverance, responsibility, and service to others. We believe academic success and character development go hand in hand as we prepare students for future success both inside and outside the classroom.
As we reflect on the 2025-2026 school year, we are proud of the tremendous progress our school community has made. Through hard work, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, Memminger Elementary continues to grow as a school where teachers choose to teach, families want to send their children, and most importantly, students love to attend each and every day.
Michael Antonelli, Principal
Natalie Ham, SIC Chair
