Community Literacy Lab – Helping Kids Shine, Supporting Parents, Building Community

Serving Sumter families since 2019. Sumter’s first nonprofit microschool started in 2025.

Opening

At Community Literacy Lab, we believe learning should feel like home—welcoming, supportive, and full of possibility. Since 2019, we’ve helped families grow through small‑group tutoring, enrichment, and our nonprofit microschool. Whether your child needs a boost in reading, help with math, or a safe place to explore new skills, our doors are open to kids, parents, and lifelong learners. Come learn with us.

Meet the Team

Penny Esterley — President | Co-Founder | Director of Literacy & Learning Initiatives (MLIS)

Penny Esterley is President, Co-Founder, and Director of Literacy & Learning Initiatives at Community Literacy Lab. With an MLIS and training in structured literacy, she specializes in reading intervention, curriculum design, and evidence-based instruction, including Orton-Gillingham and IEW. Penny designs programs, teaches multi-age classes, and mentors tutors, enabling learners to build skills and confidence. She leads the Lab’s microschool model, literacy games, and family supports that connect school, home, and community. Her approach combines explicit, systematic teaching with real-world practice, ensuring skills stick. Guided by the belief that literacy opens doors, Penny builds inclusive spaces where students, parents, and educators thrive.

Quick Guide

Tutoring & Classes

We serve learners of all ages, including homeschool students (over 85% of our students are homeschooled). Our programs include one-on-one and small group sessions (with a maximum of 8 students), adult classes (such as GED, Praxis prep, financial literacy, resume writing, technology, and business skills), and family literacy programs. Classes run Monday–Thursday for consistency and balance.

Tutors are trained in research-based methods, such as Orton-Gillingham, and many hold certificates or advanced degrees. Sessions are 30–45 minutes, usually once or twice a week, and can be customized. We’ll help you switch tutors or programs if needed.

Payments & Policies

Payments are made in advance online by PayPal or credit/debit card. Refunds are given if a teacher cancels or you cancel before the first session; missed sessions without notice are non-refundable. We do not accept cash, Zelle, or Cash App.

Limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees may be available. Tutoring expenses may be deductible if recommended by a doctor for learning disabilities — check with your tax advisor. We also provide invoices, attendance records, and verification letters for reimbursement or taxes.

Student Support & Involvement

We begin with a free consultation and may use diagnostic assessments to understand strengths and challenges. Parents are encouraged to observe or attend progress meetings.

Outside of sessions, we provide resources and practice materials. Our instructors use positive reinforcement, goal-setting, and family collaboration to support motivation and behavior needs.

Books & Literacy

We provide free books through programs, events, and our Free Little Library in Sumter. Families can access early readers, chapter books, nonfiction, educational, and culturally diverse titles — in English, Spanish, and other languages. Books may be new or gently used.

We also gratefully accept book donations in good condition to support our literacy programs and Free Little Library.

Community & Partnerships

Community Literacy Lab welcomes support from individuals and organizations. You can donate to sustain our programs, partner with us through schools or businesses, or contact us about guest teaching if you’re an experienced educator or specialist.