Summary:
The Dillon 04 school district in South Carolina serves about 1,748 elementary students across three schools—Dillon Elementary (PK-3), Lake View Elementary (PK-5), and Gordon Elementary (4-5)—in a district that ranks in the 8th percentile statewide, indicating significant challenges compared to the rest of South Carolina.
If you're looking at school options, Lake View Elementary is the clear standout. It's the only school with a 1-star rating, ranks in the 14th percentile (up from 10th last year), and its 3rd-grade English scores (65.6%) actually beat the state average (64.1%). However, that success doesn't last—4th-grade English plunges to 23.0%, a 42-point drop that suggests a tough transition or a small cohort effect (only about 62 students per grade). On the other end, Gordon Elementary is struggling the most, with a 0-star rating, a 7th percentile rank, and a steady decline over three years. It also has a chronic absenteeism rate of 33.4%—nearly double Lake View's 17.6%—which likely drags down its 4th and 5th grade math scores (27.8% and 22.0% proficiency). Dillon Elementary is the largest school (1,025 students) but has missing rank and absenteeism data, making it hard to fully compare; its 3rd-grade scores (42.4% ELA, 32.4% math) sit below the district average.
Across the board, all three schools trail state averages by 20-28 points in math and 20-26 points in English. Both Lake View and Gordon spend over $13,000 per student, yet performance differs wildly, suggesting that attendance and school culture matter more than funding. The district's grade configuration—where students move from Dillon Elementary to Gordon Elementary—creates a transition point that appears problematic, especially in 4th grade. If you're choosing a school, Lake View offers the best early-grade results, but be aware of the volatility; Gordon needs the most support, and Dillon remains an unknown due to missing data.
Thank you for your feedback!