Union County High

Union County High in Union, SC, serves approximately 1,024 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Union 01 district, and it currently holds a 1-star rating with a statewide ranking in the 14th percentile.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that Union County High is facing significant academic challenges. The school has seen a steady decline in its ranking over the past four years, dropping from the 43rd percentile in 2021-2022 to its current position. Test scores on key end-of-course exams (EOCEP) show proficiency rates well below state averages—for example, only about 45% of students are proficient in English 1, compared to nearly 80% at the nearby Whitmire Community School (High), which is just under 19 miles away and ranks in the 71st percentile. The graduation rate of 83.6% also trails Whitmire's 97%, and the dropout rate of 4.7% is more than double the state average. Chronic absenteeism is a concern, with nearly one-third of students missing significant school days. While the school spends about $12,963 per student, its student-teacher ratio of 21.3:1 is much higher than Whitmire's 11.5:1, suggesting that additional instructional support could be a key area for improvement.

There are a few bright spots worth noting. Graduation rates have improved from 70.8% in 2020-2021 to 83.6% today, and per-student spending has increased by over 20% in recent years. The school also shows relative strength in serving disabled students, who rank in the 40th percentile—the school's best-performing subgroup. However, performance for other groups, including gifted and talented students, has dropped sharply in the last two years. The school serves a predominantly low-income population, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and the data suggests that consistent attendance and instructional quality will be critical areas for families to monitor. While the challenges are real, the recent improvements in graduation rates and funding provide a foundation that the school can build on.