Brennen Elementary School is a dynamic learning environment that fosters growth for both students and educators. Our school is committed to helping all students develop and sharpen the World-Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Brennen is one of many schools in the Greater Columbia area that serves students from 4K through 5th grade. At the close of the 2025–2026 school year, Brennen's enrollment was 820 students, making it the largest and most diverse school in Richland County School District One.
During the 2025–2026 school year, Brennen continued its tradition of providing quality instruction every day for every child. Led by an experienced and engaged faculty and staff, the school continued its work as a Visible Learning School, focusing on teacher clarity, learning intentions, and the success criteria of daily lessons. In reading, specifically, all students participate in lessons aligned with the research-based practices of Orton-Gillingham, ensuring they receive explicit reading instruction. In addition, to provide professional development and expertise in reading instruction and to allow teachers to hone their instructional skills, teachers in 4th and 5th grades began LETRS training, joining teachers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade who have already completed two years of LETRS training.
Along with a strong academic focus on literacy, significant emphasis is also placed on mathematics. The CRA (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) model provides sequential learning opportunities for students as they develop their understanding of various mathematical concepts and skills.
While individual learning needs are addressed, students’ social-emotional needs are also supported to ensure the development of the whole child. Students participate in the Ron Clark House System and learn to advocate for themselves while supporting their House members. Our school motto remains, "Six Houses – One School," reminding us that although we belong to different Houses, we are all Brennen together. Students also continue to learn and practice the Brennen Commitments—"Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind"—which guide their actions both inside and outside the classroom.
Brennen is in its second year of an annual school-wide read-aloud focused on inclusion and promoting a positive, inclusive learning environment. After reading the selected book, students participated in a culminating art project, creating a collaborative paper quilt. Each student designed an individual quilt square that came together to form a beautiful and unifying work of art.
As a result of student-centered practices and learning, Brennen students continue to demonstrate high academic performance. Universal screeners and common formative assessments are analyzed regularly to guide instruction and align it with students’ needs, fostering continuous growth. In addition to classroom teachers, students who need extra assistance have access to interventionists, academic support tutors, and mentors who believe in the philosophy of "progress, not perfection." During the 2025–2026 school year, additional academic support continued through Top Dog Academy, an after-school program, as well as Paws Pals, an educational mentoring program for students in Kindergarten and first grade.
Our programs support skill development by incorporating the latest technologies and one-to-one devices for students in grades 4K–5. In addition, all classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards and document cameras. Access to this technology allows teachers to implement highly engaging, individualized learning activities during workshop-model instruction. The ability for students to access educational programs from home has also encouraged more meaningful parent involvement.
As our school continues to grow, we will strive to fulfill our mission of developing the academic and social potential of our students so that they embody the characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Brennen's administration, teachers, parents, PTO, and SIC remain committed to continuing our tradition of providing a strong foundation for all students through high academic standards, diverse and collaborative learning experiences, and specialized programs designed to meet the needs of all learners.
Tiffany Ligon, Principal
Mike Harmon, SIC Chair
