The Colleton County School District Board of Trustees voted during tonight’s board meeting to restructure the district’s elementary schools to include 6th grade beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Under the new structure, all elementary schools in the district will add an additional grade level, expanding to serve students through 6th grade.
The decision was made as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to strengthen student retention and provide families with strong educational options within the school district.
Superintendent Jessica Williams noted that the transition point between elementary and middle school is often when families consider alternative educational options.
“When students leave the district, funding for the district decreases. By adding 6th grade to our elementary schools, we hope to provide a smoother transition for students and encourage families to continue their child’s educational journey with us.
There are many educational choices available for families, and choices matter. Our goal is for families to Choose Colleton, as our district continues to make tremendous gains in student achievement and opportunities for students.” said Williams.
District leaders say the adjustment is intended to provide a smoother transition for younger students while allowing the middle school to focus specifically on the academic and developmental needs of seventh and eighth graders. District leaders believe the restructuring will help maintain continuity in students’ educational experiences while supporting the district’s broader goals for academic growth and stability.
The mission of the Colleton County School District is to prepare every child to be college and/or career ready so they can be competitive for their chosen college and/or career path. District leaders view this restructuring as another step toward strengthening the educational foundation for students across the community.
Additional details about the implementation of the new grade configuration will be shared with families and staff in the coming weeks as the district prepares for the transition.