Edgefield County Schools & Education
Edgefield County, South Carolina
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.2%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,273
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,165
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 33/100
State School Rank
#22
of 46 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Edgefield County, South Carolina
Traditional Rural Education in Edgefield
Edgefield County operates 11 public schools for a student population of 3,875 across a single county-wide district. The system includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools. This unified district approach ensures consistent curriculum and administration throughout the county.
Steady Growth and Competitive Scores
With a graduation rate of 85.0%, Edgefield outperforms the South Carolina state average of 84.2%. The county spends $7,273 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average but well below the national mark of $13,000. A composite school score of 51.5 places the county ahead of the state median of 50.8.
One District with Charter Options
Edgefield 01 serves the vast majority of local students, managing eight schools and 3,100 children. Interestingly, two of the 11 schools are charters, representing 18.2% of the local options and providing families with alternative educational paths. This includes Fox Creek High, a prominent charter institution serving 659 students.
A Private-Feeling Public Experience
The county is almost entirely rural, with 10 of its 11 schools located in rural settings and an average size of 388 students. Merriwether Elementary is the largest school at 768 students, while most other campuses offer a very small, personal atmosphere. This rural focus provides students with significant individual attention from faculty.
Build Your Life in Edgefield
If you prefer small school sizes and a rural pace, Edgefield County offers a compelling environment for your next home. Homes near Merriwether Elementary or Strom Thurmond High benefit from the strong community ties typical of a single-district county. Browse local listings to find a property that connects you to these tight-knit schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Edgefield County
Total Enrollment
3,875
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
2
18% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Edgefield County
Edgefield 01
11 Public Schools in Edgefield County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merriwether Elementary | Edgefield 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 768 |
| Strom Thurmond High | Edgefield 01 | 9–12 | High | 748 |
| Fox Creek High | SC Public Charter School District | 9–12 | Charter | 659 |
| Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle | Edgefield 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 387 |
| W. E. Parker Elementary | Edgefield 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 375 |
| Merriwether Middle | Edgefield 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 367 |
| Johnston Elementary | Edgefield 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 254 |
| Douglas Elementary | Edgefield 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 201 |
| Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy | SC Public Charter School District | KG–8 | Charter | 111 |
| Trenton High | Dept Of Correction N04 | 9–12 | Alternative | 5 |
| Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center | Edgefield 01 | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,273
State avg $7,165
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Edgefield County, South Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Edgefield County, South Carolina?
Edgefield County operates 11 public schools for a student population of 3,875 across a single county-wide district. The system includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools. This unified district approach ensures consistent curriculum and administration throughout the county.
How do schools in Edgefield County perform academically?
With a graduation rate of 85.0%, Edgefield outperforms the South Carolina state average of 84.2%. The county spends $7,273 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average but well below the national mark of $13,000. A composite school score of 51.5 places the county ahead of the state median of 50.8.
What are the major school districts in Edgefield County, South Carolina?
Edgefield 01 serves the vast majority of local students, managing eight schools and 3,100 children. Interestingly, two of the 11 schools are charters, representing 18.2% of the local options and providing families with alternative educational paths. This includes Fox Creek High, a prominent charter institution serving 659 students.
What is the school experience like in Edgefield County?
The county is almost entirely rural, with 10 of its 11 schools located in rural settings and an average size of 388 students. Merriwether Elementary is the largest school at 768 students, while most other campuses offer a very small, personal atmosphere. This rural focus provides students with significant individual attention from faculty.
How can I find homes near good schools in Edgefield County, South Carolina?
If you prefer small school sizes and a rural pace, Edgefield County offers a compelling environment for your next home. Homes near Merriwether Elementary or Strom Thurmond High benefit from the strong community ties typical of a single-district county. Browse local listings to find a property that connects you to these tight-knit schools.
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.