Bluffton High School is listed among South Carolina’s Top 10 high schools in 2020 rankings released last week by U.S. News and World Report magazine. Three of the district’s high schools are ranked in South Carolina’s Top 25, and all six are ranked in the state’s top half.
U.S. News compiles its annual rankings based on student test scores, on-time graduation rates and how well schools prepare students for college (college Advanced Placement courses).
“Our teachers and students put so much effort into our academic programs, and it’s wonderful for them to see their hard work rewarded,” said Bluffton High Principal Denise Donica.
Out of 245 high schools across South Carolina, U.S. News ranked Bluffton High No. 8, Hilton Head Island High No. 20, May River High No. 24, Beaufort High No. 40 and Battery Creek High No. 56.
Whale Branch Early College High was ranked No. 96 despite the fact that its students take college-level courses – and earn two-year college degrees – through a partnership with the Technical College of the Lowcountry rather than through the Advanced Placement classes that represent 40 percent of the U.S. News ranking metrics.
Top 10 South Carolina High Schools for 2020, as ranked by U.S. News
School (county)
Academic Magnet High (Charleston)
Charleston School for the Arts (Charleston)
Wando High (Charleston)
Palmetto Scholars Academy (Charleston)
Spring Hill High (Lexington/Richland District 5)
Dreher High (Richland District 1)
Fort Mill High (York District 4)
Bluffton High (Beaufort)
St. James High (Georgetown)
Nation Ford High (York District 4)
