Scott's Branch Middle

Scott's Branch Middle in Summerton, SC, is a small school serving 145 students in grades 6-8 as part of the Clarendon 06 district. It's the smallest middle school in its area—about one-third the size of nearby Manning Junior High—and has seen significant ups and downs in its state ranking over the past four years, most recently dropping to its lowest point yet.

The school's biggest challenge is chronic absenteeism, with 35.3% of students missing significant school time—that's 53% higher than the state average and a persistent issue that hasn't improved. Academically, math is the most critical weakness, with proficiency rates hovering around 20-24% across all grade levels, roughly half the state average. Reading scores are stronger, coming closer to state benchmarks. There's also a notable gender gap: in 2024-2025, boys performed in the 50th percentile statewide while girls were in the 22nd percentile, though this pattern shifted the following year. One bright spot is the school's work with its African American students, who ranked in the 71st percentile in 2024-2025—a strength that stands out against the overall school performance.

Compared to Manning Junior High in the same district, Scott's Branch spends less per student ($11,615 vs. $14,200) and has a higher student-teacher ratio, which may impact resources. Meanwhile, C.E. Murray Middle in the Williamsburg 01 district spends 73% more per student and achieves nearly double the math proficiency. The school's small size means individual classes can dramatically shift results from year to year, creating both instability and the flexibility to implement targeted interventions quickly.