Summary:
Duncan, South Carolina, is home to one large public high school, James F. Byrnes High, which serves grades 9 through 12 and enrolls approximately 2,391 students as part of the highly regarded Spartanburg 05 district.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that James F. Byrnes High is a stable, mid-tier school that performs well in English and history but faces a serious challenge in math. The school has consistently ranked in the 60th–64th percentile statewide over the past three years, earning a 3-star rating. Its graduation rate is strong at 91.2%, matching the district and exceeding the state average by 4.5 percentage points. The dropout rate of 1.8% is also below the state average. In English 1, the school outperforms the state by roughly 5–6 points, and in U.S. History, it holds a 3.5–6 point advantage. However, Algebra 1 is a major red flag: in 2024–2025, only 14.7% of students scored proficient—more than 60 points below the district and state—before jumping to 45.8% the following year, still nearly 19 points below the state. This dramatic swing suggests either a data issue or a significant instructional problem that needs attention.
Another concern is chronic absenteeism, which sits at 23.1%—4 points higher than the district and slightly above the state. This means nearly one in four students is missing substantial instructional time, which may help explain the math struggles despite decent graduation rates. The school spends $11,324 per student and has a 19.1:1 student-teacher ratio, which is on the higher side and could limit individualized support in large classes. Overall, James F. Byrnes High offers solid English and history instruction and a safe graduation outlook, but parents should be aware of the persistent Algebra 1 weakness and the absenteeism issue when evaluating the school.
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