Beaufort County Schools Celebrate Record Achievements in 2023-24 Report Cards
Beaufort, SC – Beaufort County schools marked a significant milestone with the release of their 2023-24 report cards on Tuesday, indicating notable improvements across the district. For the first time since 2018, no schools were ranked as unsatisfactory, a development that highlights the efforts of educators and students alike.
Improved Ratings Across the Board
According to the school district’s news release, more than half of the schools in Beaufort County earned ratings of Good or Excellent, with 56% achieving these ratings compared to just 44% last year. The data showed that only three schools remained in the Below Average category, a reduction in stagnant performance.
Specifically, eight out of the nine middle schools in the district either improved their ratings or held them steady. In addition, the report revealed that 82.8% of high school seniors were deemed college or career-ready. The district’s graduation rate reached an impressive record high of 88.6%, reinforcing the idea that students are being adequately prepared for their future endeavors.
Plans for Expansion and Support
Looking ahead, the Beaufort County school district plans to expand its North of the Broad Magnet School Assistance program to Hilton Head Island Schools, funded by a $14.9 million federal grant. Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stratos highlighted this initiative as a way to widen educational options for students in the region.
Furthermore, the district aims to enhance extended learning opportunities for its nearly 4,500 multilingual learners through a $2.3 million Catalyst Grant. The intention is to provide additional support and resources needed for these students to thrive academically.
Rating Breakdown
For the 2022-23 academic year, the state’s report indicated that the performance of schools in the district was mixed, with three schools listed as Below Average or Unsatisfactory. The breakdown of school ratings is as follows:
- Excellent: Bluffton High School (71), May River High School (67), Riverview Charter School (62), Pritchardville Elementary (69)
- Good: Hilton Head Island High School (61), Whale Branch Early College High School (61), River Ridge Academy (59), Red Cedar Elementary (58)
- Average: Beaufort High School (55), River Ridge Academy (53), H.E. McCracken Middle School (44)
- Below Average: Battery Creek High School (49), Lady’s Island Middle School (34), Port Royal Elementary (34)
Acknowledging Achievements
The increase in the number of schools earning higher ratings serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers, students, and the entire school community. The emphasis on ensuring that no schools fell into the unsatisfactory category showcases a focused effort towards improving educational standards.
As Beaufort County schools continue to embrace change and seek new funding avenues, the future looks promising for all its students. The district has been diligent in adopting strategies that cater to the diverse needs of its learners, paving the way for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
