Sullivan’s Island Elementary is helping students develop world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment.
Nestled just behind a maritime forest and directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, our school is a Constituent Magnet with the school-wide theme of Coastal Environment Studies. The neighborhood attendance zone includes Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Goat Island, and DeWees Island. Additionally, students from Mount Pleasant, Awendaw, and McClellanville may apply for available seats in grades K - 5.
At Sullivan's Island Elementary, our staff provides a student-centered learning experience by implementing our school’s vision: To grow inquiry-based learners equipped with the skills to explore and contribute as stewards of the world and our environment.
Students learn about the coastal environment through authentic math and science experiences in the science labs, the adjoining nature trail/beach, and the school garden. Students regularly create models, work in groups to solve problems and share their ideas through speaking, writing, drawing, and technology.
Our two coastal environment teachers work with classroom and special area teachers to focus on cross-disciplinary science instruction. We align and embed The Ocean Literacy Framework, The South Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators in Science, and National Science Teachers Association Science and Engineering practices across all grade levels.
Special Area classes at Sullivan’s Island Elementary include a Spanish Exposure program, art, music, physical education, coastal environment, and technology.
Our school navigated through numerous challenges during the 2019-2020 school year due to the COVID pandemic. We began with most students learning remotely, transitioned to a hybrid model, and worked with over 90% of our students in person by November. Some students remained remote learners and were part of a cohort with four other elementary schools. Throughout this time, both remotely and in-person, our children continued to learn. While some facets of our program were not as robust as typical (collaboration, science lab, opportunities for physical movement, hands-on learning), we steadfastly focused on student growth in key subject areas and creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.
One of our favorite quotes is “Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.” by Satoro. During the 2020-2021 school year, we worked together to maintain our learning environment even with many limitations. Through that challenging process, students, parents, and teachers found new ways to work together to achieve learning goals. As we move forward, we will work to apply our new learnings and further enhance the educational experience that our school provides.
Susan R. King, Principal
Heather Galloway, School Improvement Chairperson