South Carolina schools show continued improvement in latest report cards
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 00:02 · Archive
More South Carolina schools earned top ratings in newly released 2026 report cards, with the state's graduation rate reaching 87.5%, its highest level in a decade.
South Carolina's 2026 school report cards show marked improvement, with more schools earning top ratings. The number of Excellent-rated schools increased from 270 to 320 this year, while 357 schools earned Good ratings. This means more than half of all schools now fall into the state's two highest performance categories. A further 491 schools received Average ratings, with just 103 rated Below Average and 24 rated Unsatisfactory.
The state's graduation rate reached 87.5%, its highest level in a decade, and college and career readiness reached nearly 79%. State leaders attribute these gains to years of accountability measures, education reforms and more than $1.5 billion in new investment in public education over recent years. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said the investments have focused on increasing teacher pay, professional development, science-of-reading initiatives and high-quality instructional materials for reading and maths.
Regional gains were also celebrated. In the Lowcountry, the Charleston County School District saw 57 schools earn Good or Excellent ratings, while Dorchester District Two saw 15 schools reach those ratings. Some Title I schools achieved Excellent ratings, a significant milestone given their limited resources. At Meeting Street Schools, leaders stressed that strategic training and the right people are essential to unlock student potential, with Brentwood ranking first statewide among middle schools for student progress.
How it is being reported
- SC school report cards show gains, but officials eye college readiness gapSouth Carolina education leaders say years of increased funding and classroom reforms are translating into stronger student outcomes, as newly released 2026 School Report Cards show more schools earning top ratings and the state’s graduation rate reaching its highest level in a decade.Live5News · 13 Oct, 00:22
- Lowcountry schools celebrate gains in SC report cardsMany Lowcountry schools are celebrating academic milestones following the release of South Carolina School Report Cards.Live5News · 12 Oct, 23:32
- SC school report card shows continued improvementMore South Carolina schools received “good” or “excellent” ratings compared with last year, while the state’s college and career readiness rate reached nearly 79%, according to education officials.WISTV · 12 Oct, 17:14
In this story: South Carolina · Ellen Weaver · Charleston County School District · Meeting Street Schools · Brentwood Elementary & Middle
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