New $55 Million School Set to Open in Lexington School District One
South Lake Elementary School: A Beacon for Educational Excellence
LEXINGTON, S.C. — The latest jewel of Lexington School District 1 is gearing up for its grand opening in no less than six weeks. South Lake Elementary School, a $55.1 million project, emerges from the $365 million bond referendum passed by the district in 2018. The newly constructed school is one of the last projects of the referendum and is set to accommodate approximately 850 students ranging from pre-K to 5th grade.
In preparation for the upcoming academic year, the district reshaped its attendance lines, subsequently placing a number of students from Saxe Gotha and Carolina Springs within the auspices of South Lake. A meticulous attention to detail sets the school apart, with each wing tailored to suit the needs of its corresponding grades— including lowered sinks, specialized classrooms, and grade-specific playgrounds.
A Strong Emphasis on STEM Education
Among the many attractive features of the school, Principal Jennifer Stanley reserves her highest excitement for the dedicated STEM classroom. This space will grant students a weekly opportunity to dive deep into STEM concepts—namely science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—through a variety of experiments, inventions, and hands-on learning experiences.
Beyond the specialized STEM classroom, South Lake Elementary boasts a catalogue of student growth opportunities. From counseling services to special education provisions, the school is primed to foster multi-dimensional learning. At South Lake Elementary, every week becomes an avenue for exploration, an innovation hub where young minds can venture unreservedly.
Creating a Safe Learning Environment: Principal Stanley’s Approach
Stanley holds a strong bond with her student body, referring to them as ‘friends’ to instill a sense of belonging and care. While the journey of the school’s creation has been challenging, including the arduous task of interviewing over 200 potential staff, Stanley insists that a dedicated and top-tier educational team is non-negotiable. In her words, the staff at South Lake are more than educators—they are caregivers who strive to mold the students into responsible citizens.
The Principal further disclosed that the district is grappling with a teacher shortage — a scenario that is unfortunately not rare in many districts nationwide. As part of her three-year vision, Stanley hopes to bridge this gap by establishing strategic partnerships with local universities or colleges. This alliance aims to provide aspiring educators from these institutions with a practical platform for professional exposure and experience at South Lake Elementary.
An Investment in Public Education
According to Stanley, investing in high-quality educators is synonymous with investing in strong public education. She highlights the need for principals and school leaders to further lend their support to higher education for the sake of fostering a fertile ground for future educators. As South Lake Elementary School braces for its imminent opening, all eyes are on what promises to be an educational powerhouse within Lexington School District 1.
