COLUMBIA, S.C. — The 2025-2026 South Carolina School Report Cards were released Monday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m., and are available online at www.screportcards.com.  

State law mandates the creation of annual school report cards with key data on student and school performance, as well as report cards that assist in “addressing the strengths and weaknesses” within schools.  

*For the 2025-2026 school year: 

• 317 schools received an overall Rating of Excellent, an increase from 267 the previous year; 
• 357 schools were rated Good, an increase from 353 the previous year. 
• 491 schools were rated Average, an increase from 485 the previous year 
• 103 schools were rated Below Average; a reduction from 145 the previous year 
• and 21 schools were rated Unsatisfactory, a reduction from 28 the previous year. 

*State-operated schools that serve special populations of students (for example, Governor’s Schools), are not included the above counts, and 17 schools did not receive ratings. 

A detailed look at the historical ratings by indicator can be found in the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee's Summary of SC School Report Cards Overall Ratings and Indicators.

“There is much to celebrate in this year’s school report cards, and we applaud the students, educators, families and communities whose hard work is producing results. The goal for South Carolina students is clear: 75% of students meeting grade-level standards by 2030. We should celebrate how far we've come but there is more work to be done to achieve the state’s goal,” stated EOC Chair April Allen. “Meeting the state’s goals helps ensure that more South Carolina students graduate prepared to pursue meaningful opportunities beyond high school.” 

The Education Oversight Committee, along with a broad-based group of stakeholders, determines the criteria by which public schools are held accountable. The EOC also establishes the criteria by which schools receive performance ratings. The SC Department of Education, a critical partner in the work, is directed to publish the report card for each school year pursuant to Section 59-18-930 of the SC Code of Laws.  

Per the law, schools receive overall performance ratings of Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average and Unsatisfactory. Overall performance ratings are determined from indicator ratings which include Academic Achievement, Student Progress, High School Student Success and Graduation Rate. (For the complete list of report card indicator ratings, visit expectmoresc.com/sc-report-card) 

Allen noted the EOC recently completed its review of the state’s accountability system which was published in December 2025. The system’s review is a cyclical examination that is statutorily required every five years.   

“As we review South Carolina's accountability system, we are guided by a simple principle: students and families deserve an honest and meaningful picture of educational success. A diploma should carry value, and a designation of college or career readiness should reflect genuine preparation for what comes next,” Allen noted. “As an honest broker, the EOC has a responsibility to continually examine and strengthen the system to ensure it delivers on that promise. Our ultimate accountability is to the students and families we serve.” 

Allen points to the committee’s “Beating the Odds Investigative Study", an in-depth qualitative study of South Carolina schools serving high concentrations of students living in poverty while achieving strong academic outcomes. 

“Now in it’s third year, we are looking beyond the numbers to better understand the practices, leadership, school cultures, and strategies that contribute to their success. Our goal is not simply to recognize these schools for their accomplishments, but to identify lessons that can be shared and applied across the state,” stated Allen. “By learning from schools that are succeeding despite significant challenges, we hope to turn research into meaningful action that expands opportunities for more South Carolina students.” 

Allen added the annual release of the school report cards provides another opportunity for all stakeholders to “turn information into action on behalf of young people.”