History:
On the Three and Twenty Creek, four miles from Pendleton, land was bought in 1836 for the location of a yarn mill and homes for its workers. The mill was ready for operation in 1838, but no provision was made for a school to educate the employees' children since they went to work in the mill at a very early age. It was not until the early 1900's that arrangements were made for a public s
chool in the village which was then known as Auton (named after the president of the mill Colonel Augustus J. The first classes in the Auton school were held in the church building on the south side of the creek. There was only one teacher and the students were not placed in specific grades. It wasn't until 1915 that Miss Clara Newton became the school's teacher and decided to divide the children into seven grades. The first grade numbered thirty students, the second grade numbered thirty-five students, and the third grade numbered forty students. Enrollment in the other grades remains unknown. By 1917, it became evident that Miss Newton needed some help and a second teacher was employed. About 1925, a frame building used by the high school in Pendleton was carried to a site located near the church. By this time, the mill had changed ownership and was now La France Industries. The newly remodeled high school building became known as La France Elementary. Four teachers were employed with one serving as the school's principal. To encourage the pupils to stay in school, the principal planned a graduation program and issued seventh grade certificates so that students could be accepted into Pendleton High School for additional training. In 1939, a brick building was erected in a new location on the east side of the creek. The building was constructed as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to provide jobs for Americans suffering through the Great Depression. This facility served the community well until it was replaced in 1997. Today, La France Elementary continues to offer students in the community a quality education. Four-year-old kindergarten through sixth grade are housed in a modern facility completed in the fall of 1997. Our staff of 58 teachers, administrators and support personnel serve just under 500 students. La France Elementary is known for its strong tradition of academic excellence in all areas of the curriculum with many extra-curricular offerings such as Grade Level Family Nights, ROAR, Arts Exploration Day, Science Exploration Day, Accelerated Reader Program, Chorus, Walking Clubs, Archery Team, and Track Teams. La France Elementary has received several awards including two Anderson School District Four Incentive Awards, a South Carolina School Incentive Award, and the South Carolina Exemplary Writing Award. Students and staff utilize our two twenty-five station computer labs, mobile labs, and smart boards and projectors in the classrooms to enhance learning. From past to present, there are certain ideals that continue to make La France Elementary one of the best schools in the state and nation. Community members and business leaders place education as one of its top priorities. Parents support the school and take pride in its history and place in the community. Students strive hard to do their best and become responsible citizens. Teachers nurture the best in the children and challenge them to accomplish their goals and reach their dreams.
