Dorchester 02

The Dorchester 02 school district in South Carolina encompasses 25 schools, including 15 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 3 high schools. The district is known for its diverse student population and a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools, reflecting the socioeconomic diversity of the broader community.

Among the standout schools in the district are Rollings Middle School of the Arts, which consistently ranks among the top middle schools in the state with exceptional test scores, and Beech Hill Elementary, which is also a top performer, ranking in the top 25 elementary schools in South Carolina. Another high-achieving school is Sand Hill Elementary, which ranks in the top 100 elementary schools in the state.

While the Dorchester 02 district generally performs above the state average on standardized tests, there are significant disparities in academic achievement between the top-performing and lower-performing schools. This appears to be correlated with socioeconomic factors, as schools with higher poverty levels, such as Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary, tend to have lower test scores. Additionally, the data suggests that factors beyond just funding, such as school culture and community engagement, play a significant role in driving student success.