Greenville County Schools Unveils New Student Assignment Boundaries Ahead of Reedy Laurel Elementary Opening

Greenville County Schools Announces Changes to Student Assignment Boundaries

Greenville, South Carolina – Greenville County Schools (GCS) is set to implement significant changes to student assignment boundaries to accommodate the newly constructed Reedy Laurel Elementary School, located at 61 Isbell Lane. This strategic move aims to manage the district’s growing student population and will affect approximately 900 students when it takes effect.

Details of the Boundary Changes

The district’s recommended plan includes a total of 24 school boundary changes across elementary, middle, and high schools. GCS estimates that around 600 of the affected students will be reassigned to Reedy Laurel Elementary School upon its opening in August 2025.

The boundary changes are designed to address the geographic areas—a concept referred to as attendance zones—that dictate which school students will attend based on their residential location. According to Tim Waller, the director of media relations for GCS, school attendance areas are evaluated as needed, particularly when new schools are established or existing ones are expanded.

Specific Reassignments

As part of these changes, students currently attending Mauldin Elementary, Pelham Road Elementary, and Sara Collins Elementary will be reassigned to attend Reedy Laurel Elementary. When the new school opens, it will cater to students in grades K5 through 2nd grade initially. The district plans to gradually add another grade each academic year, with the goal of being fully populated from K5 through 5th grade by the 2028-29 school year.

Feeding Schools and Attendance Islands

Students attending Reedy Laurel Elementary will continue their education at various middle and high schools, including Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle, Beck International Academy, J.L. Mann High Academy, and Southside High School. The recommended assignment plan also aims to eliminate 18 attendance islands—areas that are not connected to the main attendance zones of a school.

Logistical Considerations

The boundary changes take several logistical factors into account, such as building capacity and the transportation distance between students’ homes and schools. Some of the new boundary adjustments will even include areas that currently have no GCS students enrolled, further optimizing school assignments.

Inclusive Education

It is important to note that the GCS Special Education Department will continue to manage individual assignments for students with disabilities, ensuring all learners have the support they need.

Community Involvement and Timeline

Families impacted by these changes will receive direct notifications from the district. For parents or guardians who have inquiries regarding the adjustments, they can reach out via email at planning@greenville.k12.sc.us by September 24.

Furthermore, GCS plans to hold public meetings to discuss the assignment changes, allowing community members to voice their opinions and gain clarity on the adjustments. The feedback gathered will be instrumental in finalizing the plan, which is set to be submitted to the Committee of the Whole on October 8. The Board of Trustees will review the recommendations on October 22.

As Greenville County Schools prepares for these changes, they aim to create a more organized and effective educational environment for all students, ensuring that Reedy Laurel Elementary School serves as a beneficial addition to the district.