McDonald Elementary

Summary:

McDonald Elementary is a public elementary school located in Georgetown, South Carolina, serving grades PK-5 with a student population of 429. The school is part of the Georgetown 01 school district, which is ranked 44 out of 75 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

McDonald Elementary faces significant challenges, with a student population that is 57.58% African American, significantly higher than the surrounding schools. The school consistently ranks in the bottom 20% of South Carolina elementary schools, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years. Its proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics are around 30-40%, much lower than the state and district averages. Additionally, all students at McDonald Elementary come from low-income households, with a 100% free and reduced-price lunch rate, which is higher than the surrounding schools. While the school spends around $14,000 per student, which is higher than the state average, it is lower than some of the nearby schools, such as Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion, which spends over $27,000 per student.

The performance at McDonald Elementary has been declining over the past several years, and the significant racial and socioeconomic disparities suggest that more targeted interventions and support may be needed. While McDonald Elementary struggles, some of the nearby schools, such as Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy and Waccamaw Elementary, perform significantly better academically, indicating that there may be opportunities to learn from their practices and strategies.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 532 McDonald Road
       Georgetown, SC  29440


(843) 527-3485

District: Georgetown 01

SchoolDigger Rank:
482nd of 638 South Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,215 Help


Students who attend McDonald Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Georgetown Middle
High:    Georgetown High

Student/teacher ratio:  13.0 Help
Number of students:  429

Racial breakdown:

African American:
57.6%
White:
29.4%
Hispanic:
8.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  100% Help


 See top rated South Carolina elementary schools

 Compare McDonald Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details McDonald Elementary ranks worse than 75.5% of elementary schools in South Carolina. It also ranks 5th among 8 ranked elementary schools in the Georgetown 01 School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 24.92. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details McDonald Elementary has the largest elementary school student body size in the Georgetown 01 School District.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at McDonald Elementary is $14,215. 5 elementary schools in the Georgetown 01 School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

McDonald Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks McDonald Elementary 482nd of 638 South Carolina public elementary schools. (See McDonald Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:


Georgetown 01:

SchoolDigger ranks Georgetown 01 44th of 75 South Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for McDonald Elementary?

Rank History for McDonald Elementary

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 44.20 334th 542 38.4%
2004 50.60 303rd 550 44.9%
2005 42.24 360th 557 35.4%
2006 43.97 356th 559 36.3%
2007 49.59 316th 566 44.2%
2008 53.72 288th 577 50.1%
2009 21.25 505th 580 12.9%
2010 26.47 488th 589 17.1%
2011 33.77 444th 597 25.6%
2012 34.84 431st 594 27.4%
2013 18.04 535th 599 10.7%
2014 23.39 541st 630 14.1%
2015 23.12 542nd 638 15.0%
2016 18.37 538th 619 13.1%
2017 24.78 493rd 639 22.8%
2018 18.45 528th 624 15.4%
2019 18.08 543rd 643 15.6%
2021 12.10 554th 622 10.9%
2022 12.73 553rd 625 11.5%
2023 20.82 526th 644 18.3%
2024 24.92 482nd 638 24.5%
See the entire list of South Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.39 514th 588 12.6%
2019 18.77 527th 600 12.2%
2021 13.85 532nd 580 8.3%
2022 13.79 549th 600 8.5%
2023 21.70 501st 608 17.6%
2024 33.69 420th 599 29.9%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 12.70 524th 570 8.1%
2019 13.29 530th 588 9.9%
2021 7.12 536th 554 3.2%
2022 12.94 506th 573 11.7%
2023 17.93 499th 580 14.0%
2024 24.83 434th 565 23.2%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.80 442nd 571 22.6%
2019 22.67 470th 590 20.3%
2021 16.14 476th 561 15.2%
2022 13.13 513th 579 11.4%
2023 24.09 455th 582 21.8%
2024 22.90 448th 568 21.1%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.11 353rd 412 14.3%
2019 31.66 320th 421 24.0%
2021 20.61 314th 350 10.3%
2022 20.89 346th 393 12.0%
2023 32.51 285th 394 27.7%
2024 53.33 157th 369 57.5%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at McDonald Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.65 430th 457 5.9%
2019 11.86 442nd 472 6.4%
2023 28.25 362nd 463 21.8%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: South Carolina Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

McDonald Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: South Carolina Department of Education

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for McDonald Elementary.

If you have first-hand knowledge about McDonald Elementary, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for McDonald Elementary

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 324 364 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 689
1989 280 356 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 636
1990 299 348 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 647
1991 255 361 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 618
1992 229 372 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 604
1993 221 380 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 601
1994 213 382 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 596
1995 204 363 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 567
1996 204 363 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 567
1997 188 354 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 542
1998 190 351 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 541
1999 184 372 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 557
2000 202 413 0 2 1 n/a n/a 0 618
2001 184 431 1 5 0 n/a n/a 0 621
2002 184 374 0 8 1 n/a n/a 0 567
2003 184 374 0 8 1 n/a n/a 0 567
2004 176 352 0 11 1 n/a n/a 0 540
2005 199 339 2 10 0 n/a n/a 0 550
2006 223 341 5 17 0 n/a n/a 0 586
2007 219 323 4 24 0 n/a n/a 0 570
2008 207 343 3 26 0 n/a n/a 0 579
2009 214 345 2 31 1 n/a n/a 0 593
2010 197 323 3 30 0 n/a n/a 0 553
2011 173 324 0 28 0 0 4 0 529
2012 154 312 0 23 0 0 5 0 494
2013 151 303 0 15 0 0 9 0 478
2014 167 320 0 27 1 0 9 0 524
2015 174 304 0 36 0 0 6 0 520
2016 155 303 0 37 0 0 11 0 506
2017 143 298 0 34 0 0 18 0 493
2018 136 312 0 28 0 0 6 0 482
2019 135 300 0 27 0 2 8 0 472
2020 136 294 0 33 0 1 9 0 473
2021 116 270 0 36 0 0 8 0 430
2022 117 263 3 41 0 0 8 0 432
2023 126 247 4 37 0 0 15 0 429

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at McDonald Elementary

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 689 43.8 15.7 n/a
1989 636 39.9 15.9 n/a
1990 647 39.1 16.5 n/a
1991 618 36.2 17.0 54.9
1992 604 37.0 16.3 61.1
1993 601 36.9 16.3 51.6
1994 596 44.0 13.5 64.8
1995 567 46.0 12.3 72.7
1996 567 46.0 12.3 72.7
1997 542 50.0 10.8 79.2
1998 541 50.0 10.8 82.4
1999 557 54.0 10.3 78.6
2000 618 53.0 11.7 81.2
2001 621 55.0 11.3 75.8
2002 567 52.5 10.8 79
2003 567 52.5 10.8 79
2004 540 51.0 10.6 82.2
2005 550 46.7 11.8 82.4
2006 586 46.7 12.5 77.5
2007 570 73.0 7.8 77.7
2008 579 44.7 13.0 78.9
2009 593 42.7 13.9 76.9
2010 553 37.0 14.9 84.8
2011 529 36.0 14.6 78.1
2012 494 37.0 13.3 88.9
2013 478 36.5 13.0 89.7
2014 524 37.0 14.1 87.6
2015 520 37.0 14.0 90.2
2016 506 38.0 13.3 100
2017 493 37.0 13.3 100
2018 482 37.0 13.0 100
2019 472 36.0 13.1 100
2020 473 36.0 13.1 100
2021 430 35.0 12.2 100
2022 432 33.0 13.0 100
2023 429 33.0 13.0 100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio McDonald Elementary

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 689 43.8 15.7 n/a
1989 636 39.9 15.9 n/a
1990 647 39.1 16.5 n/a
1991 618 36.2 17.0 54.9
1992 604 37.0 16.3 61.1
1993 601 36.9 16.3 51.6
1994 596 44.0 13.5 64.8
1995 567 46.0 12.3 72.7
1996 567 46.0 12.3 72.7
1997 542 50.0 10.8 79.2
1998 541 50.0 10.8 82.4
1999 557 54.0 10.3 78.6
2000 618 53.0 11.7 81.2
2001 621 55.0 11.3 75.8
2002 567 52.5 10.8 79
2003 567 52.5 10.8 79
2004 540 51.0 10.6 82.2
2005 550 46.7 11.8 82.4
2006 586 46.7 12.5 77.5
2007 570 73.0 7.8 77.7
2008 579 44.7 13.0 78.9
2009 593 42.7 13.9 76.9
2010 553 37.0 14.9 84.8
2011 529 36.0 14.6 78.1
2012 494 37.0 13.3 88.9
2013 478 36.5 13.0 89.7
2014 524 37.0 14.1 87.6
2015 520 37.0 14.0 90.2
2016 506 38.0 13.3 100
2017 493 37.0 13.3 100
2018 482 37.0 13.0 100
2019 472 36.0 13.1 100
2020 473 36.0 13.1 100
2021 430 35.0 12.2 100
2022 432 33.0 13.0 100
2023 429 33.0 13.0 100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for McDonald Elementary

Help

YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,229 (10.7%) $471 (4.1%) $1,700 (14.8%) $8,656 (75.4%) $1,117 (9.7%) $9,773 (85.2%) $11,473
2020 $958 (8.6%) $574 (5.2%) $1,532 (13.8%) $8,835 (79.6%) $739 (6.7%) $9,574 (86.2%) $11,105
2021 $1,095 (7.8%) $740 (5.2%) $1,836 (13.0%) $11,043 (78.2%) $1,241 (8.8%) $12,284 (87.0%) $14,120
2022 $1,163 (8.5%) $1,401 (10.2%) $2,564 (18.6%) $10,261 (74.6%) $931 (6.8%) $11,192 (81.4%) $13,757
2023 $1,842 (13.0%) $1,010 (7.1%) $2,852 (20.1%) $10,291 (72.4%) $1,072 (7.5%) $11,363 (79.9%) $14,215

Data source: South Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on McDonald Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 543rd of 643 Elementary schoolsRanks 526th of 644 Elementary schools
 2.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (McDonald Elementary)31.429.5
 1.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Georgetown 01)47.445.7
 1.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)49.753.5
 3.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (McDonald Elementary)25.827.9
 2.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Georgetown 01)54.445
 9.4%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)57.753.6
 4.1%
4th Grade Science (McDonald Elementary)32.533.9
 1.4%
   4th Grade Science (Georgetown 01)40.935.9
 5%
   4th Grade Science (South Carolina)5246.6
 5.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (McDonald Elementary)33.842.3
 8.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Georgetown 01)4649.9
 3.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)51.357.2
 5.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (McDonald Elementary)2635.6
 9.6%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Georgetown 01)41.840.1
 1.7%
   4th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)50.547
 3.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (McDonald Elementary)27.231.4
 4.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Georgetown 01)31.646.4
 14.8%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)4155.2
 14.2%
5th Grade Mathematics (McDonald Elementary)18.629.9
 11.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Georgetown 01)32.936.9
 4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)45.444.6
 0.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students472429
 9.1%
African American300247
 17.7%
American Indian00
Asian04
Hispanic2737
 37%
Pacific Islander20
 100%
White135126
 6.7%
Two or More Races815
 87.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients100%100%


Schools Near McDonald Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about McDonald Elementary

McDonald Elementary ranks in the bottom 24.5% of South Carolina elementary schools.

Students at McDonald Elementary are 58% African American, 29% White, 9% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 429 students attended McDonald Elementary.

Students who attend McDonald Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Georgetown Middle
High : Georgetown High


Rate McDonald Elementary!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for McDonald Elementary!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 50 milliseconds.