James B. Edwards Elementary School (JBE). The School of Global Leadership, develops global-ready learners by providing authentic, challenging, and creative experiences within a warm, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff think imaginatively and work tirelessly to maximize each child’s growth, with the goal that every student reads on or above grade level each year.
From kindergarten through second grade, classroom and intervention teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to deliver a multisensory, structured method for decoding and spelling as part of the core program. All classrooms use CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), an English language arts curriculum that ensures students regularly work with complex texts to build strong reading, writing, and thinking skills.
JBE students attend French class once weekly. This schedule supports true language learning rather than mere cultural exposure. Regular study of French strengthens cognitive abilities, deepens understanding of Latin roots, and improves decoding and comprehension. These advantages support early literacy development and academic success across subjects. By the end of fifth grade, we aim for students to reach Novice-Mid to Intermediate-Low on the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards for World Language Proficiency (2019), enabling them to participate in spontaneous spoken or written exchanges using practiced words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions.
Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the school. JBE implements the Second Step curriculum alongside our PBIS framework and Leadership Principles to deliver a consistent, school-wide program in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills. These competencies grow year to year and help students thrive in collaborative, real-world tasks.
Our Greenhouse program gives students hands-on experience in conservation and problem solving as they work with community partners to protect the local ecosystem. Weekly greenhouse sessions spark curiosity and teamwork and have produced meaningful community events, including two annual plant sales, and a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources to plant spartina in local wetlands.
JBE remains committed to providing meaningful, real-world learning that builds confident global leaders with strong character who are ready to serve their communities.
Sheldon Bloomfield, Principal
Robert Ledford, SIC Chair
