Sterling School is dedicated to helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate within a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. The 2023-2024 academic year was a banner year for the Sterling School community, underscoring the commitment of our staff, the unwavering support of our families, and the active engagement of our community members. Together, we create opportunities that empower our students to achieve their utmost potential and prepare for their future endeavors.
At Sterling School, we cultivate a vibrant learning atmosphere embracing a Whole Child approach. Our educational philosophy centers on student-directed learning, integrating arts, STEM, and technology to provide a comprehensive academic experience. Housing both the Sterling Program and Charles Townes Center, we cater to diverse learners with differentiated instructional methods and a unified educational philosophy. Emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, alongside real-world applications, we foster collaboration across our programs. By leveraging shared resources and fostering intentional unity, we cultivate an inclusive community where students are empowered to excel and emerge as leaders in their world.
We are thrilled to announce several notable achievements for the 2023-2024 academic year. Sterling School was recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award School, celebrating our dedication to academic success and student achievement. Additionally, Sterling School was named a 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary AND Best Middle School, underscoring our exceptional educational programs and supportive learning environment. Moreover, we were honored to be named the 2024 South Carolina PTA Outstanding Local Unit of the Year and finalist for the 2024 Dick & Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence, highlighting our collaborative efforts and community engagement. Over the past five years, Sterling School has consistently maintained an EXCELLENT state report card rating at both the elementary AND middle school levels, reflecting our ongoing commitment to educational excellence and student growth. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, supportive families, and talented students who continue to inspire us each day.
This year, our students achieved remarkable success across various disciplines. Academic highlights include 40 students scoring PERFECT on at least one section of SC Ready. Our Lego Robotics team advanced to the World Festival in Houston, TX, and another team competed at the WPI Open in Massachusetts. In competitive math, our school placed 2nd overall at the Chapter MathCounts competition, with one student achieving 1st place at the State level and advancing to Nationals. In the 2024 SC Academy of Science Contest, our students earned 3 school, 10 regional, 11 state, and 8 grand winner titles. Our middle school Battle of the Books team secured 1st place in the District competition.
Throughout the year, our students excelled in both the visual and performing arts. In music, 18 band students achieved All County recognition, with 17 students advancing to Regionals and 1 reaching the prestigious All State level. Similarly, our orchestra saw 17 students named to All County, 12 to Regionals, and 3 achieving All State status. Both programs garnered top honors with the Band earning an Outstanding Performance Award and the Orchestra receiving a Gold Outstanding Performance Award. In visual arts, 5 students claimed first place in the district's Middle School Art Show, while in the PTA Reflections program, 3 students were honored with the state Award of Excellence and 5 with the Award of Merit.
Several members of our faculty and staff received recognition during the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Beth Beard (Technology/GTT) was honored as Sterling School’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Anreale Pickens (5th Grade) received the WYFF Golden Apple Award. Mrs. Ashleigh Ledford (Band) was acknowledged as a 2024 Upstate Parent “Educator Who Makes a Difference.” Dr. Josh Patterson (Principal) was named the 2023 S.C. Art Education Association Outstanding Administrator. Additionally, faculty members presented at various conferences including NCTE, PSLA, PSSCA, SCASCD, SCASL, and SCCTE.
At Sterling School, we are extremely grateful to our parents and members of our community. Our ongoing success as a school is due to the continued collective efforts and support of our School Improvement Council (SIC) and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). As a result of this year’s work from our SIC, we added more members to our monthly meetings, involved parents from both programs to enhance curricular initiatives, and provided opportunities for students that encouraged a greater sense of belonging. Our PTA was integral in providing and supporting many events throughout the year such as Fall Festival, International Night, and April Arts. Through fundraising efforts, our PTA purchased a new lighting system for our stage and supported improvements to our student playgrounds with the installation of a disc-golf course, pickleball courts, basketball nets, and four square courts. PTA also awarded $10,000 in Teacher Grants to meet classroom needs that address our school’s Whole Child mission.
At Sterling School, we are fulfilling our mission by preparing students for “tomorrow’s world,” believing that everyone shares the responsibility of nurturing our students—#WholeChild, #WholeSchool, #WholeCommunity! On behalf of the Sterling School faculty and staff, we express gratitude to our families and community members for your continued commitment and support. We eagerly anticipate continuing our journey of academic excellence and community partnership at Sterling School.
Dr. Josh Patterson, Principal
Catherine Schumacher, SIC Chair