Sterling School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate within a safe, supportive, and academically challenging environment. The 2025–2026 school year was another banner year for Sterling School and a remarkable chapter in #OurStoryInTheMaking—marked by academic excellence, student growth, meaningful engagement, and continued collaboration among our students, staff, families, and community partners. Together, we remained committed to supporting the Whole Child while providing meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for success both in and beyond the classroom.
At Sterling School, we proudly serve students across 11 grade levels through two unique programs of excellence: our Sterling Elementary program and the Charles Townes Center (CTC) for highly academically gifted students. As Greenville County Schools’ only full school of choice, Sterling School brings together a diverse community of learners united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and student growth. Through authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences, arts integration, STEM opportunities, project-based learning, and a Whole Child approach, we strive to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and a strong sense of belonging while preparing students for success as learners, leaders, and citizens both in and beyond the classroom.
Our school’s excellence continues to be recognized at the district, state, and national levels. This year, Sterling School was recognized as the Highest Performing School in Greenville County Schools — the first time in school history receiving this distinction. Sterling also earned an “Excellent” state report card rating at both the elementary and middle school levels for the fifth consecutive year and was designated a Palmetto Gold High Performing School by the South Carolina Department of Education. At the national level, U.S. News & World Report ranked Sterling as the #1 middle school and #4 elementary school in South Carolina, while Niche ranked Sterling as the #1 public elementary school in Greenville County. These recognitions reflect our continued commitment to academic excellence, equitable opportunities, and high-quality teaching and learning experiences across both programs.
Sterling School students consistently excel across academics, leadership, arts, and innovation. This year, 61 students achieved a perfect score on at least one section of SC READY. Students earned honors through a variety of academic and enrichment competitions, including a 2nd Place Overall finish in the MathCounts Chapter Competition, a 4th Place state finish in Science Olympiad, and three First Place state winners in the Math Kangaroo Competition. At the State Jr. Beta Convention, students represented Sterling with distinction, including three First Place winners. Sterling students also demonstrated exceptional artistic talent, with two middle school students earning First Place honors in the annual district art show. Additionally, Sterling’s band and orchestra programs received Outstanding Performance Awards from their respective state organizations.
Our dedicated faculty and staff continued to shine both in and beyond the classroom. Mrs. Julianne Wade was named Sterling School’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year, while Mrs. Ashleigh Ledford earned recognition as a 2026 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence. Mrs. Angie Feltman was honored as the 2026 Greenville County Schools Support Staff of the Year, and Mrs. Jennifer Matthews was recognized as a 2026 Teachers of Tomorrow South Carolina Teacher of the Year recipient. Additional honors included Ms. Deborah Foulkes receiving the 2026 Pillar of South Carolina PTA School Site Employee Award and Ms. Mignona Hall being named a finalist for the 2026 BOLD Leadership Network Educator of the Year Award. Mrs. Emily Hendon was also selected as a 2026 PEP All-Star Teacher. Collectively, these recognitions reflect the exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication of Sterling School’s faculty and staff.
Sterling School continues to benefit from strong family and community engagement through the collaborative efforts of our School Improvement Council (SIC), PTA, community partners, and families. Throughout the year, SIC and PTA worked together to strengthen school-community connections, support student and family engagement, and enhance the overall school experience across both the Sterling and CTC programs. Our PTA played a tremendous role in supporting students, staff, and families by raising nearly $69,000 and reinvesting more than $55,000 directly back into the school through teacher grants, student programs, campus improvement projects, family events, and school support initiatives. Sterling School also continued to strengthen partnerships with organizations including the Nicholtown Child & Family Collaborative, Public Education Partners, LiveWell Greenville, Furman University, and others. Together, these partnerships continue to strengthen Sterling School’s commitment to supporting the Whole Child and building a connected, engaged school community.
Sterling School remains committed to preparing students for “tomorrow’s world” through a collaborative, student-centered approach that values and supports the whole child. We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership of our families, faculty, staff, and community members. As we reflect on all that was accomplished throughout #OurStoryInTheMaking, we look ahead with pride, gratitude, and excitement for the future of Sterling School.
Dr. Josh Patterson, Principal
Dr. Sarah Frick, SIC Chair
