Darlington County Schools & Education
Darlington County, South Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
53/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.2%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,295
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,165
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#2
of 46 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Darlington County
School Verdict
Darlington County performs at an average level with a school score of 53/100 and a solid graduation rate of 91.1%.
Funding Context
At $7,295 per pupil, Darlington County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Darlington County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 60% above the South Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 6.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Darlington County, South Carolina
A Diverse School System in Darlington
Darlington County features 21 public schools including 12 elementary and six high schools. This robust network serves 9,587 students across two distinct school districts.
Darlington Leads with High Graduation Rates
The county boasts an impressive 91.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Spending of $7,295 per pupil also exceeds the state average of $7,165.
Specialized Districts and Charter Options
Darlington 01 is the largest district with 9,042 students. The county is also home to the prestigious Governor's School for Science and Mathematics and one local charter school.
From Towns to Suburbs
The school landscape is balanced with eight rural, seven town, and six suburban locales. Hartsville High is the largest school with 1,133 students, while Darlington High serves 1,054.
Top-Rated Education for Your Next Home
With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Darlington County is a prime choice for families. High-performing schools in Hartsville and Darlington make the area a standout for home buyers.
School Overview
Total Schools
21
in Darlington County
Total Enrollment
9,587
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
5% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Darlington County
Darlington 01
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
21 Public Schools in Darlington County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsville High | Darlington 01 | 9–12 | High | 1,133 |
| Darlington High | Darlington 01 | 9–12 | High | 1,054 |
| Hartsville Middle | Darlington 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 921 |
| Darlington Middle | Darlington 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 919 |
| J. L. Cain Elementary | Darlington 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 551 |
| Bay Road Elementary | Darlington 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 540 |
| St. John's Elementary | Darlington 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 535 |
| North Hartsville Elementary | Darlington 01 | 1–5 | Primary | 527 |
| Lamar-Spaulding Elementary | Darlington 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 466 |
| Pate Elementary | Darlington 01 | PK–2 | Primary | 410 |
| Mayo High For Math Science & Technology | Darlington 01 | 9–12 | High | 334 |
| Southside Early Childhood Center | Darlington 01 | PK–KG | Primary | 324 |
| Brockington Elementary | Darlington 01 | 3–5 | Primary | 316 |
| Butler Academy | SC Public Charter School District | KG–6 | Charter | 288 |
| Lamar High | Darlington 01 | 9–12 | High | 269 |
| SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics | Governor's School for Science and Mathematics | 11–12 | High | 257 |
| Carolina Elementary | Darlington 01 | 1–5 | Primary | 228 |
| Spaulding Middle | Darlington 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 204 |
| Thornwell School for the Arts | Darlington 01 | 1–5 | Primary | 181 |
| Rosenwald Elementary/Middle | Darlington 01 | PK–8 | Primary | 130 |
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,295
State avg $7,165
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Darlington County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Darlington County?
How much does Darlington County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Darlington County, South Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Darlington County, South Carolina?
Darlington County features 21 public schools including 12 elementary and six high schools. This robust network serves 9,587 students across two distinct school districts.
How do schools in Darlington County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 91.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Spending of $7,295 per pupil also exceeds the state average of $7,165.
What are the major school districts in Darlington County, South Carolina?
Darlington 01 is the largest district with 9,042 students. The county is also home to the prestigious Governor's School for Science and Mathematics and one local charter school.
What is the school experience like in Darlington County?
The school landscape is balanced with eight rural, seven town, and six suburban locales. Hartsville High is the largest school with 1,133 students, while Darlington High serves 1,054.
How can I find homes near good schools in Darlington County, South Carolina?
With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Darlington County is a prime choice for families. High-performing schools in Hartsville and Darlington make the area a standout for home buyers.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.