History

H. E. Corley Elementary School is located in the heart of Irmo, SC. We are a neighborhood school serving New Friarsgate and Waterford subdivisions. Our families come from many walks of life which gives an enriching and diverse environment for our children to begin their learning journey.

HEC serves approximately 630 students from pre-school 3-year olds to fifth grade. We have aprroximately 65 certified faculty members, from new college graduates to seasoned professionals who keep up with the latest research and trends through continuing education courses. Many of our teachers have the honor of being National Board Certified. 

Each of our pre-school through kindergarten classes has one or more assistants to help the classroom teacher with this lively age group. We have an outstanding Child Development program which assists those students who may be in need of an earlier emphasis on acquiring the foundation needed to be successful in school. Also, our students have the opportunity to work individually and in small groups with specially trained interventionists should more intense personal help be needed through the early school years.

Our school has exceptional academically gifted, art, performing arts and foreign language classes. We also strive to encourage the physical health of our students by building their awareness for the need for physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Corley opened its doors in 1990 as the eighth elementary school in our district. Originally, it housed kindergarten through sixth grade until all district sixth graders moved to CrossRoads in 1992. The school was named in honor of Dr. H.E. "Hap" Corley whose career in education spanned 41 years with 29 of those as superintendent of Lexington-Richland District Five.
    
Over the years, H. E. Corley Elementary School has received numerous awards, including the Palmetto Gold Award; South Carolina Governor’s Council of Physical Fitness School Award; Exemplary Writing Hall of Fame; and the Palmetto Silver Award; and we have twice earned the honor of being a Red Carpet School. 

During the 2018-2019 school year, H. E. Corley Elementary was certified and named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education.   

We are proud to be HEC!