Luther L. Vaughan Elementary School, the former West End Elementary, moved to its current location with a newly constructed building in the fall of 1975. Mr. B. E. Linder, Jr., the first principal, and 21 certified teachers welcomed the first students in kindergarten through sixth grades to the new school. Boasting a proud tradition, the school was named for the well-respected teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent of Cherokee County Schools, Luther L. Vaughan.

In 1992 Luther L. Vaughan became a Title 1 school, a federally funded program based on the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch. This money was important to meeting the needs of the diverse population of students through innovative technology, supplies and equipment, and teacher training.

With the completion of the district building project including the new Gaffney High School in 2000, Luther L. Vaughan sixth grade students moved to Gaffney Middle School and the school became a kindergarten through 5th grade school.

Today, Luther L. Vaughan Elementary School proudly boasts the slogan, Pride in Diversity, with a population of 311 students. Currently, the school is staffed with 30 certified teachers, 21 support staff members, and a full-time Registered Nurse. It is the belief of all stakeholders including students, parents, faculty and staff, and community that all children learn. Luther Vaughan Elementary School promises safety for children to risk learning and partnership with parents and community to provide quality educational experiences. LLVES children grow as learners and know they are loved.

Honors/Accomplishments:

• 2010-2011 - Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant Recipient

• 2009-2010 - Made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress)

• 2009-2010 - Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant Recipient

• 2006-2009 - Relay for Life South Atlantic Division All Star Team Bronze Level

• 2004-2007 - Three-Year Reading First School/Grant Recipient

• 2005-2006 - Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards Program, Silver Winner

• 2004-2005 - Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards Program, Silver Winner

• 2003-2004 - South Carolina Arts Assessment Program

• Participant/Distinguished Arts Program (DAP)

• 2001-2004 - Three-Year South Carolina Reads Grant Recipient

• 1998-2001 - Three-Year South Carolina Reading Initiative Grant Recipient

• 1990-1991 - South Carolina School Incentive Awards Program Winner

• 1989-1990 - South Carolina School Incentive Awards Program Winner