Kenneth Gardner Leadership Academy is committed to helping all students develop world class skills of the South Carolina graduate by providing our scholars with an innovative curriculum in a positively influenced school environment, through maintaining high expectations for student learning and achievement, supporting our teachers, and establishing positive parent and community relationships. We are ensuring that our scholars are college and career ready by infusing researched-based best practices, skills, and strategies that promote collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Our faculty and staff members are vested in exploring the talents and skills of every single scholar, with a detailed lens to ensure we maximize on instructional opportunities for each learner. We are dedicated to improving student achievement and developing well-rounded, lifelong learners, and great leaders.
During the 2025-2026 school year, our staff used data to facilitate informed decisions that drove instruction and implemented a rigorous curriculum across the content areas. Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), grade band planning, and cluster meetings were provided for our teachers and administrators. They participated in meaningful, ongoing data-driven, collaborative, and researched-based professional development for curriculum and assessment alignment, data analysis, lesson planning, inclusion and support for all types of learners, student engagement, and instructional delivery methods. We implemented a six-week SC Ready Blitz rotation where all scholars participated in intentionally planned rotations in small groups based on winter diagnostic data, with a focus on the South Carolina standards for ELA and math. Additionally, our scholars participated in school and community-based activities, clubs, recreational sporting events, competitive dance, musical productions, and community service projects, all in an effort to support the total development of each scholar.
We believe in positive interactions among scholars, staff, parents, and community members and have worked to create a climate that supports that belief. Scholars and staff are recognized for attendance, improved test scores, academic achievement and positive character. We are thankful for the support provided from our parents, community partners, local businesses, churches and civic organizations. Our community partners were instrumental in helping to provide incentives, services, and resources for our scholars and staff.
As a cornerstone of the community, Kenneth Gardner Leadership Academy is committed to reaching our goals, and look forward to continued partnerships with our School Improvement Council, parents, and community partners.
Empowering our scholars to LEAD as they prepare for college, careers, or the workforce, continues to be our mission.
Keyanna C. Hampton, Principal
