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, Mount Pleasant, Awendaw, and McClellanville students 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 coastal environment teachers work with classroom teachers to focus on cross-disciplinary science instruction. We align and embed The Ocean Literacy Framework, The South Carolina College and Career Ready Science Standards, 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, and technology. Additionally, students visit the science lab at least once a week.
During the 2023 School Year, our students flourished with the relentless support of teachers, parents, and community members. While our school community has always believed students are the center of our work, the past school year was truly transformational. Student achievement and individual growth exceeded previous years. One of the key factors for the increased performance was that teachers worked collaboratively to fully implement Bridges Math and EL Reading/Writing to provide a solid numeracy and literacy foundation for students at every grade level. More robust implementation necessitated increased planning, strategic scheduling, and team teaching. All of which were bolstered by our parents and volunteers.
Our Social Emotional Learning and school climate also recovered heartily following the pandemic. All measures indicate that our Parent, Student, and Teacher Climate Surveys will show significant increases in satisfaction in areas such as the learning environment, parent relationships with the school, school safety, and the physical school environment.
We are pleased to report that thanks to many stakeholders’ hard work and collaboration, Sullivan’s Island Elementary has moved the needle in student learning and well-being during the 2022-2023 school year.. We look forward to sustained outstanding improvement in 2024!
Susan R. King, Principal
Lee Weatherly, School Improvement Chairperson
