Summary:
The Georgetown 01 school district in South Carolina serves about 7,500 students across 19 schools—10 elementary, 5 middle, and 4 high schools—spanning coastal Pawleys Island to the inland communities of Andrews, Hemingway, and Georgetown. The district overall earns a 2-star rating, but that average hides a dramatic split: the four Waccamaw schools form a pipeline of excellence, while several inland schools struggle at the bottom of state rankings.
For parents, the standout choice is the Waccamaw cluster. Waccamaw Middle ranks in the 97th percentile statewide with 85% ELA proficiency, while Waccamaw High boasts a 94.5% graduation rate and has climbed steadily in rankings for three years. Waccamaw Elementary and Waccamaw Intermediate also lead the district in every subject, with the lowest chronic absenteeism rates (11-15%). In contrast, Andrews High ranks in the 5th percentile with just 26.6% English 1 proficiency, and Sampit Elementary sits in the 4th percentile with only 13.6% science proficiency. Maryville Elementary has declined sharply over two years.
Notably, spending doesn't predict success—Plantersville Elementary spends $32,548 per student (the highest in the district) but has no test data, while Waccamaw High spends the least ($13,730) yet performs best. A bright spot: Algebra 1 scores at Georgetown Middle (95%) and Rosemary Middle (100%) far exceed state averages, though general math proficiency remains low. Chronic absenteeism is a strong warning sign—schools like Andrews High (31.2%) struggle, while Waccamaw schools keep attendance above 85%. For families, the district essentially offers two very different educational experiences depending on location.
Thank you for your feedback!