Summary:
The Saluda 01 district in South Carolina consists of 5 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, serving a diverse student population with significant socioeconomic challenges. While Hollywood Elementary stands out as the highest-performing school in the district, ranking 312 out of 638 elementary schools statewide, the other schools, especially Saluda Elementary, which ranks 547 out of 638, lag behind in terms of academic achievement.
The district as a whole struggles with test scores, with most schools performing below the state average in English Language Arts and Mathematics. For example, in 2023-2024, Saluda Middle had only 20.6% of 8th graders proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to the state average of 30.2%. This is likely due to the significant socioeconomic challenges faced by the district, as all of the schools have very high free/reduced lunch rates, ranging from 79.75% at Saluda High to 100% at Saluda Primary and Hollywood Elementary.
The racial diversity of the student population, combined with the socioeconomic challenges, raises questions about equity and whether all students are receiving the resources and support they need to succeed. However, the district's low performance compared to state averages also presents opportunities for targeted interventions and support to help improve student outcomes, especially in core academic areas like English Language Arts and Mathematics.
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