Richmond Drive Elementary School (RDES) is proud to present our 2025–2026 State Report Card, highlighting our progress toward ensuring all students develop the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As a Title I school, we serve a highly diverse student population, including the largest multilingual learner community in Rock Hill Schools. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths and informs our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every learner.
At RDES, we are dedicated to providing rigorous, standards-based instruction within general education classrooms while implementing research-based interventions for students who need additional support. We emphasize engagement strategies that empower all students to reach their full potential as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Our highly qualified teachers continuously refine their instructional practices through targeted and differentiated professional development.
Our vision at Richmond Drive Elementary is rooted in fostering respectful relationships and a growth mindset as we strive to encourage, educate, and empower everyone, every day. We are proud of our talented teaching staff and remain committed to investing in their growth through collaboration and ongoing professional learning to better serve our diverse learners.
We are equally committed to maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment. Students participate in daily social and emotional learning where interpersonal skills are explicitly taught to help develop confident, productive citizens.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, we placed a strong emphasis on cultivating a passion for reading. Reading is not only a critical academic skill but also a lifelong habit that needs to be nourished continuously. Our primary focus is to help students discover purpose, hope, and power through reading. This year, all Kindergarten through third-grade teachers, along with special education teachers, interventionists, and administrators, completed Year 2 of LETRS training, strengthening our implementation of the science of reading to ensure students achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade.
Our students also benefit from a wide range of opportunities in academics, physical education, and the arts. We are proud to have the only elementary level school band in the district. Students also had the opportunity to join school clubs and serve on school leadership teams such as: Student Lighthouse Team, Safety Patrol, School Band, Flag Patrol and Girls on the Run. Providing character building opportunities will allow our students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
We deeply appreciate the trust of our parents, families, and the community as we prepare our students for college, careers, and citizenship. Richmond Drive Elementary is focused on helping every student realize their full potential, inspire confidence, and to enrich student’s lives while providing opportunities to solidify a love for learning and leadership.
Robert E. Hamm, Ed.S
Proud Principal
