McCormick County Schools & Education
McCormick County, South Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
40/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
74.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
74.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.2%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,932
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,165
School Score
40/100
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
#16
of 46 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: McCormick County
School Verdict
McCormick County has average school quality (score: 40/100) with a graduation rate of 74.0%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
McCormick County spends $8,932 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for McCormick County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 22% above the South Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 10.2 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 25% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in McCormick County, South Carolina
An Intimate and Specialized School Landscape
McCormick County features one of the smallest and most specialized school systems in the state, with just four public schools serving 657 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools. Despite the small student body, two separate districts operate here, including a specialized agricultural governor's school.
Above-Average Investment in Small Classes
The county invests $8,932 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $7,165 and reflects the higher costs of maintaining small class sizes. The graduation rate of 74.0% trails the national average, while the composite school score of 49.3 sits just below the state benchmark. This high per-pupil spending represents a significant commitment to student resources in a rural setting.
General Education and Specialized Agriculture
The McCormick 01 district serves the majority of students with three schools and 582 enrolled. The county is also home to the SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, a unique single-school district serving 75 students. No charter schools exist in the county, as the specialized needs of the region are met by these two distinct public districts.
Small-Scale Learning in Rural Settings
Education in McCormick is entirely rural, with all four schools located in quiet, countryside settings. The average school size is remarkably small at just 164 students, providing a level of individual attention rarely seen in larger counties. McCormick Elementary is the largest campus with 241 students, while the Governor's School for Agriculture offers a highly focused environment with only 75 students.
Rural Living with Unmatched School Access
If you are looking for a place where every teacher knows your child's name, McCormick County's small schools are an ideal fit. The presence of the Governor's School for Agriculture makes this a unique destination for families interested in specialized education. Explore local real estate to find a home that offers a peaceful rural lifestyle and an intimate school community.
School Overview
Total Schools
4
in McCormick County
Total Enrollment
657
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in McCormick County
McCormick 01
SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe Scho
4 Public Schools in McCormick County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCormick Elementary | McCormick 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 241 |
| McCormick High | McCormick 01 | 9–12 | High | 188 |
| McCormick Middle | McCormick 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 153 |
| SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe | SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe Scho | 10–12 | High | 75 |
SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe Scho
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,932
State avg $7,165
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in McCormick County rate?
What is the graduation rate in McCormick County?
How much does McCormick County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in McCormick County, South Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in McCormick County, South Carolina?
McCormick County features one of the smallest and most specialized school systems in the state, with just four public schools serving 657 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools. Despite the small student body, two separate districts operate here, including a specialized agricultural governor's school.
How do schools in McCormick County perform academically?
The county invests $8,932 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $7,165 and reflects the higher costs of maintaining small class sizes. The graduation rate of 74.0% trails the national average, while the composite school score of 49.3 sits just below the state benchmark. This high per-pupil spending represents a significant commitment to student resources in a rural setting.
What are the major school districts in McCormick County, South Carolina?
The McCormick 01 district serves the majority of students with three schools and 582 enrolled. The county is also home to the SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, a unique single-school district serving 75 students. No charter schools exist in the county, as the specialized needs of the region are met by these two distinct public districts.
What is the school experience like in McCormick County?
Education in McCormick is entirely rural, with all four schools located in quiet, countryside settings. The average school size is remarkably small at just 164 students, providing a level of individual attention rarely seen in larger counties. McCormick Elementary is the largest campus with 241 students, while the Governor's School for Agriculture offers a highly focused environment with only 75 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in McCormick County, South Carolina?
If you are looking for a place where every teacher knows your child's name, McCormick County's small schools are an ideal fit. The presence of the Governor's School for Agriculture makes this a unique destination for families interested in specialized education. Explore local real estate to find a home that offers a peaceful rural lifestyle and an intimate school community.
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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.