Pleasant Knoll Middle

Pleasant Knoll Middle in Fort Mill, SC, is a high-performing school serving 916 students in grades 6-8 within the top-ranked York 04 school district.

This school consistently ranks among the best in South Carolina, holding a 5-star rating and placing in the 95th percentile or higher statewide for several years. What truly sets Pleasant Knoll apart is its remarkable success with all student groups. It ranks #1 in the state for English Language Learner students and #3 for both African American and Disabled students, demonstrating that its strong teaching strategies benefit every child, not just a select few. The school also achieves near-perfect results in Algebra 1, with 100% of students scoring proficient in recent years—a full 10 points above the district average. Additionally, chronic absenteeism is exceptionally low at just 5.7%, far below the state average of 22.3%, which signals a welcoming and engaging environment where kids want to be. While the school's overall state ranking dipped slightly from #11 to #17 this year, this is a minor change and the school remains a top-tier choice.

Compared to nearby schools, Pleasant Knoll is a strong performer. It outperforms Banks Trail Middle and Springfield Middle, which have higher absenteeism rates and lower test scores. However, Gold Hill Middle, just 1.5 miles away, consistently ranks slightly higher. Notably, Pleasant Knoll achieves its excellent results while spending less per student ($12,759) than several district peers, indicating efficient use of resources. For parents seeking a school that combines academic excellence with strong support for every student, Pleasant Knoll Middle is an outstanding option.