Emerald High

Emerald High in Greenwood, SC, serves approximately 887 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Greenwood 50 school district. The school has made remarkable strides recently, jumping from the 24th percentile to the 49th percentile in statewide rankings—its best position in nearly a decade—while serving a student body where 100% qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The most exciting news for parents is the dramatic improvement in outcomes for Hispanic students, who moved from the 16th percentile statewide to the 72nd percentile in just two years—now placing them in the top quartile of schools across South Carolina. English 2 proficiency is also a standout, with 84% of students scoring proficient, beating both district and state averages. The dropout rate has plummeted from 6.3% to just 0.5%, now well below the state average of 2.1%. Male students have also shown strong progress, moving from the 25th to the 50th percentile. The school now outperforms its larger district counterpart, Greenwood High, in overall ranking (124th vs. 169th) and English 2 proficiency, while benefiting from a lower student-teacher ratio and higher per-student spending.

However, challenges remain. Algebra 1 proficiency sits at just 67.87%, below district and state averages, and this has been a persistent weakness. Chronic absenteeism, while improving, remains elevated at 23.6%—above the state average and dramatically higher than Ninety Six High School just 9.5 miles away, which reports only 7.5%. The graduation rate of 81.7% is improving but still trails the state average of 86.7% and nearby schools like Abbeville High (95.3%) and Dixie High (92.4%). Support for students with disabilities also needs attention, with outcomes consistently in the bottom 20% statewide. Despite these hurdles, the school's upward trajectory and targeted investments suggest a promising path forward.