Chicora Elementary School is proud to be part of the Charleston County School District’s Elevation Schools, dedicated to addressing the academic, social, and cultural needs of all students. We promote collaboration among staff, families, and the broader community to support the development of the whole child. The work is guided by four core principles: Exceptional People, ensuring every student is supported by highly effective teachers and strong school leaders; Rigorous Content and Instruction, based on the belief that all students can achieve their college and career aspirations; Community Partnership, fostering pride and engagement among families and students; and School Transformation, which focuses on equitable and transformative change through strong leadership, effective talent management, robust instructional systems, and a positive school climate and culture. These efforts equip students with the world-class knowledge, skills, and life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, including critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
During the 2025–2026 school year, Chicora Elementary implemented the Eureka Math and Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curricula, providing rigorous, standards-based instruction across all grade levels. Additionally, the school utilized i-Ready for both reading and mathematics, a digital platform that meets students at their instructional level and provides teachers with actionable data to support student growth and achievement.
To ensure instructional success, staff members engaged in ongoing professional development and embraced a comprehensive approach to closing achievement gaps and promoting educational equity. The school also expanded its co-teaching model, with resource teachers providing support in general education classrooms to enhance student learning and inclusion. Although the school's report card rating decreased from “Average” to “Below Average,” Chicora remains committed to continuous improvement and academic excellence through intentional instructional practices and targeted interventions.
Throughout the year, students strengthened their perseverance and self-direction by utilizing curricular and data binders to set, monitor, and achieve personal academic goals. Teachers collaborated regularly through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), planning thematic units across and within grade levels to ensure instructional alignment and maximize student achievement.
Family engagement remained a priority at Chicora Elementary. The school hosted a variety of events, including Coffee with the Principal, Family Reading and Math Nights, Community Resource Night, Males Read Too, the Christmas Concert, the Black History Program, and parent education programs designed to meet the diverse needs of the school community.
At Chicora, students are taught to collaborate effectively and respectfully as members of a team. Through a culture of shared responsibility, they develop essential interpersonal skills that support both academic and social success.
As a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Second Steps school, Chicora promotes students’ social-emotional development through a structured discipline framework and regular guidance lessons. The school also continues to implement the Ron Clark House System, which strengthens school culture, fosters student engagement, and enhances morale among students and staff.
Chicora Elementary remains deeply committed to the health and wellness of its school community. The Wellness Team encourages healthy habits through wellness challenges and nutrition education initiatives. Additionally, the school's Wellness and Calming Room provides staff members with a restorative space to support their well-being throughout the year.
Strong partnerships with Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) and Metanoia have enabled the school to connect families with valuable community resources, employment opportunities, and STEM-focused family events. These partnerships help strengthen family engagement and support student success. Chicora also continues to collaborate with several community organizations through partnerships with the Charleston County School District.
The school maintains consistent communication with families through multiple platforms, including ClassDojo, Parent Portal, monthly newsletters, the school website, Facebook, the school marquee, student agendas, and other communication tools.
At Chicora Elementary School, we are excited to continue strengthening partnerships with families and the community as we support our students in becoming lifelong learners and soaring to SUCCESS!
Monica Smalls, Principal
Alexandra Balcom, SIC Chair
