South Carolina releases 2026 school report cards showing academic gains

South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver has released the 2026 school report cards, detailing what officials describe as historic progress across the state. The number of schools rated as ‘Excellent’ rose from 270 to 320, and the state’s on-time graduation rate reached 87.5%, the highest in at least a decade.

Statewide SC READY assessment results showed 61.3% of students met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts and 47.9% in math. Weaver attributed these gains to increased teacher salaries, paid parental leave, and partnerships between the General Assembly and the Governor’s office.

In the Georgetown County School District, performance varied by location. While Waccamaw High School and Waccamaw Middle School maintained ‘Excellent’ ratings, district-wide data indicated a need for intervention in specific areas. The district reported a math proficiency rate of 38% on state standardized testing, leading officials to recommend expanded math coaching and early-grade interventions.