Principal's Welcome

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the principal of this extraordinary school community. Sterling is a truly special place where two unique programs, the Sterling Choice Program and the Charles Townes Center Highly Gifted Program, come together around one shared purpose: helping every child discover and develop their fullest potential. Whether you are joining our Griffin family for the first time or returning for another year, I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your child's educational journey.

As an instructional leader, I believe today's schools must prepare students for a future that is constantly evolving. Our responsibility extends beyond helping students master academic standards. We must also cultivate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and character so students are equipped to thrive in careers, opportunities, and challenges that may not yet exist.

At Sterling, our work is grounded in a Whole Child approach to education. We believe every child deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Achieving this vision requires a shared commitment among students, families, educators, and the community. Together, we create an environment where children grow not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and as compassionate members of our community.

While there are countless ways to describe Sterling School, our work can best be captured through three promises that guide every decision we make.

Our Promise to Every Griffin

Every Child is Known.

Meaningful relationships are at the heart of everything we do because we know students learn best when they feel seen, valued, and connected. Our teachers intentionally build relationships with students and families, seeking to understand each child's strengths, interests, challenges, and aspirations. Through personalized learning experiences, morning meetings, collaborative classrooms, and strong partnerships with families, we strive to ensure every Griffin is known… not simply by name, but by heart.

Every Child is Challenged.

We believe every student deserves meaningful opportunities to learn and grow every day. Through rigorous, standards-based instruction, high-impact teaching practices, inquiry, STEM, the arts, and authentic learning experiences, students are challenged to think critically, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and persevere through productive struggle. Our educators collaborate continuously to analyze student learning, refine instruction, and provide the support or extension each learner needs to reach their fullest potential.

Every Child Belongs.

Belonging is more than feeling welcome, it is knowing you are an important part of something bigger than yourself. We are committed to fostering an inclusive school community where every student is respected, celebrated, and empowered to contribute. Whether in the classroom, through the arts, service learning, clubs, leadership opportunities, or everyday interactions, every Griffin has opportunities to discover passions, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive difference.

These promises are made possible because of the extraordinary educators, staff members, families, and community partners who make Sterling such a remarkable place to learn and grow. Together, we are committed to continuous improvement, embracing innovation while remaining grounded in what matters most: ensuring every child is known, challenged, and belongs.

This year, our theme is “Every Day's an Adventure!" We believe each day brings new opportunities to explore, discover, create, serve, and grow. Whether students are entering school for the very first time or preparing for their next chapter beyond Sterling, our goal is to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, character, and compassion to navigate whatever adventures lie ahead.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your partnership, encouragement, and involvement are essential to the success of our students and our school. I am incredibly honored to serve alongside such exceptional educators and families, and I look forward to another wonderful year together.

If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out by email, phone, or in person.

Learning Together,

Josh Patterson, Ph.D.

 

About Our Principal

Dr. Josh Patterson is proud to serve as the principal of Sterling School in Greenville County Schools. Now in his twenty-fifth year in public education, he is passionate about building a school culture where students, educators, and families thrive through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous learning.

A lifelong resident of the Upstate of South Carolina, Dr. Patterson earned his Bachelor of Arts ('02) and Master of Arts ('06) degrees from Furman University before completing his Educational Specialist ('07) and Doctor of Philosophy ('10) degrees at the University of South Carolina. Since 2015, he has also served as an adjunct professor at Anderson University, teaching graduate courses in educational leadership, school finance, and educational research in the Master of Administration and Supervision program. Prior to joining Sterling School in 2017, he served as principal of Oakland Elementary School in Spartanburg School District Two.

Dr. Patterson is passionate about developing schools that intentionally support the Whole Child while fostering high levels of learning for every student. He has served in numerous leadership roles with South Carolina ASCD, including Past President, and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative and on the Advisory Board for the Clemson University Teaching Fellows Program. In addition, he is a graduate of Furman University's Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (Class XX).

His commitment to educational excellence and community leadership has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named an ASCD Emerging Leader ('14), South Carolina PTA Elementary Administrator of the Year ('20), Greenville County Schools Administrator of the Year ('23), the South Carolina Art Education Association Outstanding Administrator of the Year ('23), and the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative's Rubye H. Jones Award ('25).

Beyond his work at Sterling, Dr. Patterson regularly presents and writes on topics including instructional leadership, Professional Learning Communities, Whole Child education, and continuous school improvement. He and his wife, Natalie, are the proud parents of four children and are active members of Grace Church.