Dorchester County Schools & Education
Dorchester County, South Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
47/100
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
$6,873
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,165
School Score
47/100
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
#6
of 46 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Dorchester County
School Verdict
Dorchester County performs at an average level with a school score of 47/100 and a solid graduation rate of 91.1%.
Funding Context
At $6,873 per pupil, Dorchester County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Dorchester County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 42% above the South Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 6.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Expansive School System in Dorchester
Dorchester County manages a robust system of 33 public schools that serve nearly 28,690 students. The landscape consists of 18 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and five high schools across three districts. This extensive infrastructure makes it one of the larger educational hubs in the region.
Leading the State in Graduation Rates
The county boasts an impressive 91.1% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 84.2% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,873 remains below the national average of $13,000, the high school score of 53.8 indicates strong academic returns on investment. These metrics suggest a high-performing system that effectively prepares students for the future.
The Dominance of Dorchester 02
Dorchester 02 is the county's primary educational driver, educating 26,135 students across 25 different schools. The county also includes one charter school, which accounts for 3% of the total school portfolio. Smaller districts like Dorchester 04 serve the remaining rural student population.
Suburban Success and Large Campuses
Education here is primarily suburban, with 16 schools in suburban locales and an average school size of 897 students. Massive campuses like Summerville High, which enrolls 3,308 students, contrast with more intimate rural settings in the county's outskirts. Families can choose between large-scale academic powerhouses and smaller, local community schools.
Relocate to Top-Performing Districts
High graduation rates make Dorchester County a premier destination for families focusing on academic excellence. Neighborhoods near Summerville and Ashley Ridge High are particularly popular for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with proven school results. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these competitive districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
33
in Dorchester County
Total Enrollment
28,690
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Dorchester County
Dorchester 02
Dorchester 04
Dorchester 80
33 Public Schools in Dorchester County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerville High | Dorchester 02 | 9–12 | High | 3,308 |
| Ashley Ridge High | Dorchester 02 | 9–12 | High | 2,542 |
| Fort Dorchester High | Dorchester 02 | 9–12 | High | 2,312 |
| Sand Hill Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 1,133 |
| Beech Hill Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 1,101 |
| Oakbrook Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 1,006 |
| Charles B. DuBose Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 950 |
| William M. Reeves Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 914 |
| Fort Dorchester Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 892 |
| East Edisto Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 879 |
| Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 858 |
| Flowertown Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 853 |
| Gregg Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 850 |
| River Oaks Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 849 |
| Joseph R. Pye Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 823 |
| Alston Middle | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 822 |
| Rollings Middle School of the Arts | Dorchester 02 | 6–8 | Middle | 799 |
| Newington Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 758 |
| Alston-Bailey Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 715 |
| Knightsville Elementary | Dorchester 02 | PK–5 | Primary | 699 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,873
State avg $7,165
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Dorchester County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Dorchester County?
How much does Dorchester County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dorchester County, South Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dorchester County, South Carolina?
Dorchester County manages a robust system of 33 public schools that serve nearly 28,690 students. The landscape consists of 18 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and five high schools across three districts. This extensive infrastructure makes it one of the larger educational hubs in the region.
How do schools in Dorchester County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 91.1% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 84.2% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,873 remains below the national average of $13,000, the high school score of 53.8 indicates strong academic returns on investment. These metrics suggest a high-performing system that effectively prepares students for the future.
What are the major school districts in Dorchester County, South Carolina?
Dorchester 02 is the county's primary educational driver, educating 26,135 students across 25 different schools. The county also includes one charter school, which accounts for 3% of the total school portfolio. Smaller districts like Dorchester 04 serve the remaining rural student population.
What is the school experience like in Dorchester County?
Education here is primarily suburban, with 16 schools in suburban locales and an average school size of 897 students. Massive campuses like Summerville High, which enrolls 3,308 students, contrast with more intimate rural settings in the county's outskirts. Families can choose between large-scale academic powerhouses and smaller, local community schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dorchester County, South Carolina?
High graduation rates make Dorchester County a premier destination for families focusing on academic excellence. Neighborhoods near Summerville and Ashley Ridge High are particularly popular for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with proven school results. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these competitive districts.
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.