McColl Elementary/Middle School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by educating and enabling all students to achieve their highest potential. Our vision is to partner with families, businesses, and communities to develop the next generation of responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders. We are guided by several core beliefs.

First, that all children can learn given opportunities that maximize their learning potential. Also, that all students, parents, and staff will treat each other with respect. We believe in continuous, high-quality professional development, which is essential to teaching and learning. To have a rigorous curriculum that is vital to effectively developing students with critical thinking, problem solving, and real word skills and to have a safe and orderly environment which will provide diverse learning opportunities for all students.

Finally, we believe in having a highly skilled and dedicated staff that will produce responsible citizens and life-long learners and that all stakeholders are important for the success of all students. McColl School serves through an extended school year calendar, approximately 679 students in grades Pre-K through eighth, with a certified staff of 52 and 28 support personnel. Instruction is the focus of McColl School. Through a data driven program, emphasis on state standards, best practices, interventions, after school programs, 21st century technology, and engaged students, everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

McColl School continues to improve instructional practices through new initiatives and programs. This school year all grades were taught utilizing the South Carolina College and Career Readiness Standards, which provided more rigorous instruction. The Imagine Learning program, for struggling students in grades K– 8, was fully implemented with significant gains recorded. The school is looking forward to continuing our work with “Capturing Kids Hearts” to increase positive staff and student behaviors, as well an E3 grant to help promote and retain quality teachers this coming year.  We will continue using the Adept evaluation system for teachers.  Students at risk of retention are also provided a summer school program in kindergarten and grades 6 – 8 for promotion. Student involvement is a priority. Students were recognized in several areas of academic performance. Thirteen students were recognized as Duke Scholars through its Talented Identification Program (TIP). One student was recognized as Junior Scholars. Students also won awards in essay, art, spelling, and reading contests and science fairs. A strong parent involvement program provides a support for the community and the school. Strong collaboration is consistent throughout the school year with administration working with our School Improvement Council (SIC) committee and the current chairperson Gretchen Carlson. Parents are welcome and programs provide parenting skills to help their children succeed. McColl School is accredited by AdvanceEd. All instructional standards are met and have received an “all clear" rating for 2018-2019.

Joy Rankin, Principal