Middle Schools in Anderson 02

The two middle schools in Anderson 02 serve grades 6-8 in a top-ranked South Carolina district (92nd percentile, 5-star rating), offering families two distinct but strong educational options.

Honea Path Middle is the district's consistent top performer, holding a 4-star rating and ranking 75th out of 335 schools statewide (78th percentile). It has stayed in the top quartile for three straight years, peaking at 48th in 2024-2025. The school benefits from a smaller enrollment (278 students), a favorable 11.5:1 student-teacher ratio, and higher per-student spending ($15,695). Its strongest subject is 7th grade, where 70.5% of students are proficient in ELA and 61.4% in math—both well above state averages. However, chronic absenteeism is a concern at 25.7%, more than double the district rate, suggesting that while attending students achieve at high levels, getting them to school remains a challenge.

Belton Middle is the rising star, improving an impressive 48 positions in state ranking over two years—from 131st to 83rd (now 4 stars, 75th percentile). With 455 students, a 13.1:1 ratio, and lower per-student spending ($13,693), it excels in 6th grade (68.9% ELA, 60.7% math proficiency) and boasts a stellar 11.5% chronic absenteeism rate. Its 8th grade math proficiency jumped 24.8 points year-over-year. Both schools achieved a perfect 100% pass rate on the Algebra 1 EOCEP, far exceeding state averages. The key takeaway: Honea Path offers consistent, top-quartile academics with more resources, while Belton is rapidly closing the gap with better attendance and momentum. Families should weigh Honea Path's proven track record against Belton's upward trajectory and stronger student engagement.