Best High Schools in Zip Code 29803

Zip code 29803 in Aiken, SC is home to two public high schools serving grades 9-12 within the Aiken 01 school district, which ranks in the top half of South Carolina districts, and together these schools educate over 2,100 students.

South Aiken High is the larger school with 1,349 students and holds a 3-star rating, ranking 99th in the state (60th percentile). It has improved its state ranking by 20 positions over the past three years, showing a clear upward trajectory. This school excels in English coursework, with an impressive 88.22% proficiency rate in English 2—well above both the district and state averages—and a solid 61.59% in English 1. Its graduation rate of 86.2% is strong, though its dropout rate of 3.5% exceeds state norms. Silver Bluff High, the smaller school with 756 students, holds a 2-star rating and ranks 127th statewide (48th percentile). Despite the lower overall ranking, Silver Bluff is a standout in mathematics, achieving an exceptional 85.29% proficiency in Algebra 1—20.7 percentage points above the state average and 13.6 points higher than South Aiken. It also performs well in U.S. History (68.96% proficiency). However, Silver Bluff faces challenges with a 26.3% chronic absenteeism rate and a graduation rate of 80.4%, both of which trail district and state averages.

These two schools offer complementary strengths: South Aiken is the consistent, higher-ranked choice with strong English programs and improving performance, while Silver Bluff is a potential "hidden gem" for students with strengths in math and social studies, offering a more intimate learning environment. Both schools, however, struggle with dropout rates above the state average (2.1%), and Silver Bluff's chronic absenteeism is a notable concern. Interestingly, Silver Bluff spends $817 more per student ($13,005 vs. $12,188) yet hasn't translated that investment into a higher overall ranking. Year-over-year trends show both schools improved in Algebra 1, but Silver Bluff experienced a dramatic 12.65-point drop in English 2 proficiency, which may warrant attention. For parents, the choice largely depends on a student's academic focus: South Aiken for humanities and overall consistency, Silver Bluff for mathematics and a smaller school setting.