Tyger River Elementary

Tyger River Elementary in Duncan, SC, is a mid-sized school serving 473 students in grades PK through 5 within the highly regarded Spartanburg 05 district, which ranks in the top 16% of districts statewide.

One of the most remarkable things about Tyger River is its success with specific groups of students. The school ranks in the 96th percentile statewide for African American students and the 88th percentile for Hispanic students—both earning 4- and 5-star ratings. It also ranks in the 84th percentile for students from low-income backgrounds. This means the school is doing an exceptional job of supporting students who often face the biggest challenges, and it's a true model for closing achievement gaps. The school also shines in upper-grade math: by 5th grade, 69.1% of students are proficient, which is 20 points above the state average and nearly 7 points above the district. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.5—lower than nearby River Ridge Elementary (13.7) and Lyman Elementary (13.2)—students likely get more individual attention.

That said, the picture is a bit mixed. While 5th-grade reading is strong (73.5% proficient, beating both the district and state), 3rd- and 4th-grade English Language Arts scores (63.2%) lag behind the district average (around 68%). This suggests early literacy is an area to watch. Compared to its closest neighbor, Lyman Elementary, Tyger River comes out ahead in 5th-grade math and reading, though Lyman edges it out in 4th-grade math. And while River Ridge Elementary posts higher 3rd-grade scores, Tyger River's overall record—especially its equity-focused successes—makes it a strong, caring choice for families who value a school that helps every child thrive.