Years of intentional literacy instruction are producing impressive results at Starr Elementary School, with student achievement extending beyond reading into math and science.
Starr Elementary School recently welcomed educators and representatives from Reading Horizons into its classrooms for a firsthand look at the instruction behind the school's continued academic success.
On October 6, visitors observed 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, met with teachers and school leaders, and learned how Starr's commitment to structured literacy has helped strengthen foundational reading skills while supporting achievement across multiple subjects.
The visit highlighted a journey that began in 2019, when Starr educators first received training in Reading Horizons, a research-based approach to foundational literacy instruction. Classroom implementation followed during the 2020–2021 school year, establishing a consistent approach to teaching students how to read.
Building a Foundation for Success
The impact of that work is reflected in Starr Elementary's academic performance.
In 2018–2019, before the implementation of Reading Horizons, 57.7% of Starr's third-grade students met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts (ELA) on SC READY, while 73.1% met or exceeded expectations in mathematics.
By 2023–2024, the first group of third graders to receive Reading Horizons instruction since kindergarten demonstrated substantial growth:
81.4% met or exceeded expectations in ELA.
85.9% met or exceeded expectations in mathematics.
That success continued as the same group of students advanced to fourth grade in 2024–2025:
83.6% met or exceeded expectations in ELA.
87.7% met or exceeded expectations in mathematics.
66.2% met or exceeded expectations in science.
Starr's success in science has continued to grow. On the 2025–2026 SC READY assessment, 79.3% of fourth graders met or exceeded expectations in science, placing Starr Elementary first among Anderson 3 elementary schools, second among elementary schools in Anderson County, and 36th out of 652 South Carolina schools with reportable fourth-grade science results.
These results demonstrate the importance of developing strong readers early, as students increasingly rely on reading comprehension to understand complex concepts, interpret information, and solve problems across all academic subjects.
A Closer Look Inside the Classroom
During the October 6 visit, representatives from Reading Horizons had the opportunity to see the school's literacy instruction in action.
Teachers demonstrated how explicit, systematic instruction helps students develop the foundational skills necessary to become confident, independent readers. Visitors also observed students actively applying those skills in their daily learning.
The visit provided an opportunity for Starr's educators to share the instructional practices, collaboration, and consistency that have contributed to the school's academic progress.
Among those sharing their experiences were second-grade teacher Stephanie Harbert, Principal Ashlea Hatcher, and reading coach Jamie Davis. Francine Lawson, Partner Consultant with Reading Horizons, also participated in the visit, providing an opportunity to connect Starr's classroom practices with the broader principles of effective structured literacy instruction.
For Starr Elementary, the progress represents years of intentional work by teachers and school leaders to refine instruction and build a strong academic foundation for every student.
Built on Purpose, Driven by Results
Starr Elementary's literacy journey reflects Anderson School District 3's commitment to building meaningful, sustainable academic success through intentional instruction.
With approximately 525 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade, Starr continues to demonstrate that a small, close-knit school community can achieve exceptional results.
The school earned an Excellent rating on South Carolina's School Report Card and continues to rank among the state's highest-performing elementary schools.
As Starr Elementary continues to build on its success, its focus remains on providing high-quality instruction, strengthening foundational skills, and preparing students for success in every classroom.
The October 6 visit offered an opportunity to celebrate that progress while recognizing the dedicated educators whose daily work continues to make a difference for Starr's students.
