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

Community Literacy Lab Microschool is a nonprofit, veteran-founded learning center in Sumter, South Carolina, serving learners in 3rd grade and up, with younger learners accepted for individual tutoring only. Over 85% of our learners are homeschool students, and we provide a structured, small-group environment that supports academic growth and independence.

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 & Social Discovery Lounge

Our programs include one-on-one and small-group instruction (maximum of 8 learners), focused on reading, writing, math, and skill development, using research-based methods such as Orton-Gillingham. Many of our tutors hold certifications or advanced degrees.

Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes long, held once or twice per week, and can be customized to meet each learner’s needs. Families may request changes in tutors or programs to ensure the best fit.

We also offer our Social Discovery Lounge, a guided space where learners can collaborate, explore interests, and apply skills through independent or group projects in a structured environment.

Community Literacy Lab is not a daycare or drop-in space.
All learners must be enrolled in a scheduled session or supervised by a parent, tutor, or guide.

Payments & Policies

Payments are made in advance online via PayPal or credit/debit card. A session is reserved only after payment is received. Refunds are available if a session is canceled before it begins or by the instructor. Missed sessions without notice are non-refundable.

We do not accept cash, Zelle, or Cash App. Limited scholarships or sliding-scale options may be available. Families may request invoices, attendance records, or verification letters for reimbursement or tax purposes.

Student Support & Involvement

We begin with a small fee consultation and may use diagnostic assessments to understand each learner’s strengths and needs. Parents are encouraged to observe sessions or participate in progress meetings.

We provide resources and practice materials to support learning beyond sessions. Our instructors use positive reinforcement, goal-setting, and family collaboration to support both academic progress and motivation.

Books & Literacy

We provide free books through programs, events, and our Little Free Library in Sumter. Families have access to early readers, chapter books, nonfiction, and culturally diverse titles in multiple languages.

We also welcome donations of new or gently used books to support our literacy programs and community outreach.

Community & Partnerships

Community Literacy Lab welcomes support from individuals, schools, and local businesses. You can donate to help sustain our programs, partner with us, or connect with us about guest teaching opportunities if you are an experienced educator or specialist.