Palmetto Scholars Academy

Summary:

Palmetto Scholars Academy is a public charter high school located in North Charleston, South Carolina, serving 507 students in grades 6-12. This high-performing school consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state, with exceptional academic outcomes that set it apart from its peers.

Palmetto Scholars Academy's academic excellence is evident in its consistently high test scores, with students significantly outperforming their peers at the district and state levels in standardized tests. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates in Algebra 1, English 1, U.S. History, and English 2 were 86.37%, 88.41%, 84.29%, and 98.49%, respectively, compared to the School Public Charter School District's 72.25%, 70.65%, 58.09%, and 92.73%, and the state's 72.5%, 62.89%, 58.77%, and 85.83%. The school's strong performance extends across various student subgroups, including female, male, white, and low socioeconomic status students, demonstrating its commitment to equity and inclusion.

When compared to nearby schools, Palmetto Scholars Academy stands out as a high-performing institution. It outperforms the nearby Learn4Life High School-Charleston and Lowcountry Acceleration Academy, both public charter schools within the same district, in various academic metrics. Additionally, the school's diverse student population, with significant representation of African American, Hispanic, and Asian students, contributes to a rich educational experience for all learners.


Detail:

Public, Charter 6-12

 7499 Dorchester Road
       North Charleston, SC  29418


(843) 300-4118

District: School Public Charter School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
16th of 235 South Carolina High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,727 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  14.9 Help
Number of students:  507

Racial breakdown:

White:
55.2%
African American:
20.9%
Hispanic:
10.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  14% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Palmetto Scholars Academy ranks better than 80.6% of middle schools in South Carolina. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 77.29. (See more...)
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Compare Details Palmetto Scholars Academy ranks better than 93.2% of high schools in South Carolina. It also ranks 3rd among 8 ranked high schools in the School Public Charter School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 86.58. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (55.2%), African American (20.9%), Hispanic (10.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 14% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Palmetto Scholars Academy is 14.9, which is the 3rd best among 8 high schools in the School Public Charter School District. (See more...)
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Compare Palmetto Scholars Academy employs 34 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Palmetto Scholars Academy is $10,727, which is the 3rd highest among 8 high schools in the School Public Charter School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Palmetto Scholars Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Palmetto Scholars Academy 63rd of 325 South Carolina public middle schools. (See Palmetto Scholars Academy in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Palmetto Scholars Academy 16th of 235 South Carolina public high schools. (See Palmetto Scholars Academy in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
White students:


School Public Charter School District:

SchoolDigger ranks School Public Charter School District 25th of 75 South Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Palmetto Scholars Academy?

Rank History for Palmetto Scholars Academy

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Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2011 96.67 4th 269 98.5%
2012 93.30 7th 271 97.4%
2013 95.98 5th 276 98.2%
2014 96.59 4th 291 98.6%
2015 98.39 3rd 301 99.0%
2016 96.95 7th 303 97.7%
2017 96.82 9th 317 97.2%
2018 97.81 9th 303 97.0%
2019 96.90 14th 315 95.6%
2021 91.28 25th 311 92.0%
2022 87.31 34th 310 89.0%
2023 81.91 54th 325 83.4%
2024 77.29 63rd 325 80.6%
See the entire list of South Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.69 1st 280 99.6%
2019 91.79 22nd 289 92.4%
2022 89.35 23rd 300 92.3%
2023 60.49 97th 313 69.0%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.82 8th 281 97.2%
2019 96.00 12th 296 95.9%
2021 84.28 36th 279 87.1%
2022 84.32 41st 290 85.9%
2023 67.60 80th 299 73.2%
2024 74.23 63rd 294 78.6%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Gifted and Talented students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 60.58 84th 179 53.1%
2022 45.20 124th 182 31.9%
2023 45.90 125th 185 32.4%
2024 54.81 111th 183 39.3%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.06 10th 284 96.5%
2019 97.44 11th 296 96.3%
2021 94.04 16th 279 94.3%
2022 85.65 41st 292 86.0%
2023 87.40 31st 303 89.8%
2024 77.68 55th 294 81.3%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.36 8th 250 96.8%
2019 93.55 16th 258 93.8%
2021 89.10 22nd 244 91.0%
2022 83.87 32nd 249 87.1%
2023 79.33 44th 260 83.1%
2024 61.21 92nd 255 63.9%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for White Students!

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

Rank History for Palmetto Scholars Academy

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Compare

Rank History for all high school students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 99.43 1st 203 99.5%
2015 90.40 6th 232 97.4%
2016 92.49 5th 231 97.8%
2017 85.27 8th 223 96.4%
2018 84.89 6th 216 97.2%
2019 79.94 14th 225 93.8%
2021 80.83 20th 227 91.2%
2022 90.44 10th 226 95.6%
2023 89.27 13th 237 94.5%
2024 86.58 16th 235 93.2%
See the entire list of South Carolina High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 84.92 6th 217 97.2%
2022 90.55 9th 220 95.9%
2023 94.57 6th 226 97.3%
2024 88.05 13th 229 94.3%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.67 8th 210 96.2%
2019 75.76 19th 213 91.1%
2021 73.60 33rd 213 84.5%
2022 86.02 13th 220 94.1%
2023 86.74 16th 223 92.8%
2024 78.34 26th 225 88.4%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Gifted and Talented students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 65.37 58th 156 62.8%
2024 57.89 89th 157 43.3%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 88.25 6th 213 97.2%
2019 85.15 11th 218 95.0%
2021 87.50 15th 215 93.0%
2022 92.61 8th 224 96.4%
2023 96.28 5th 229 97.8%
2024 92.62 8th 228 96.5%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools SC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.34 8th 185 95.7%
2019 76.36 19th 191 90.1%
2021 84.71 14th 189 92.6%
2022 90.81 6th 192 96.9%
2023 89.88 8th 197 95.9%
2024 85.47 14th 196 92.9%
See the entire list of Best South Carolina High 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.

Palmetto Scholars Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: South Carolina State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.9)
67%

0%

11%

0%

22%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Friday, February 26, 2016

Open Quote This school is not what it says. It claims to be a gifted school tailored to the gifted learner, but has evolved into something else entirely. Most of the students aren't gifted, and most of the classes are your typical middle school classes. Nothing above and beyond like the school says. As a student who has been identified as gifted, it frustrates me how slow, repetitive, and poor maintained each class is. The work is not challenging to me and most of the school is made up of kids from homeschools and Montessori schools. If you are thinking about sending a gifted child here, try somewhere else, like an actual magnet school.

Most teachers in the school are okay, but there are some that like to cause drama and leave school for long periods of time. One incident involved an English teacher deciding to leave for two weeks just because they were upset by a conference with the Principal. Another teacher would just leave her class for weeks at a time, due to an extra-curricular activity that they supervised.

The school's organization is very messy. Often things like Progress Reports and Report Cards will not be given to some students, schedules will be messed up, and the Office will add a couple "unexcused absences" to your record. Though the Principal is very nice and tries to keep the school running smoothly, the Vice-Principal tries to take control over everything, even the duties of the Principal.

The atmosphere is good; there are few bullying problems, but it is not what you would expect of a gifted school. Most students have no zest for learning, and have no desire to do anything but stare at their phones.

My biggest disappointment with this school is the amount of parents trying to climb the school's ranks (by carving out a career for themselves in the school, when they haven't anything better to do) and the amount of favoritism given to children of these parents. Most of these parents start out as substitute teachers and then try to get into the front office, before trying to become an actual teacher.

And finally, the school cannot use its resources. Instead of teaching kids and inspiring them, and having kids excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts, they seem to think that having connections to colleges and organizations will get the school somewhere. The reason this school isn't well known, is that it doesn't have anything to be known for. The academics are sub-par, the athletics department is small and the main sports team (basketball), isn't even that good. As far as the arts go, the only major things are band and chorus, which again aren't ever heard of. If this school wants to prosper, then they should start with the students. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Open Quote In today's society it is difficult to find a school that meets the needs of gifted students. A previous parent posted that this was a school for students needing "adderall." Well, that parent obviously does not understand gifted children (and that parent should not be within such a school community with gifted kids)! Gifted kids who are bored are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD--and that's exactly why they need a school like Palmetto Scholars! My child attends Palmetto Scholars Academy, and for the first time he is challenged academically! He comes home discussing the cool, hands-on, inquiry-based stuff he's worked on. He loves school, he loves his teachers, and he loves his peers. Palmetto Scholars Academy has a phenomenal faculty that is dedicated to its students. I am constantly amazed by the above and beyond efforts made by teachers who make unique activities and opportunities available to their students! Potential parents should look into all of the award winning academic activities they offer. Better yet, visit the school and see all the amazing things these teachers do with their students in their classrooms. My son has found his niche among a group of academically likeminded peers at PSA. We're so glad we found this gem of a school! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Open Quote The house system is a waste of time and the design of the worthless Vice Principle. Hopefully the new principal will get the school to the level it should be. The previous temporary principal ran the school into the ground. Overall it is a very good school with high teacher turnover of inexperienced lazy teachers. They advertise to direct toward the gifted student although I have not seen that at all. They seem to only give consideration to kids taking adderall. The parent Facebook page is monitored so only positive comments can be posted. If you have a problem in school and want to know if other parents are experiencing the same problem, they delete your post. It is not a public site. The design was for parent interaction. Mr. Gott has his work cut out for himself. He needs to clean house for that to happen. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, August 11, 2013

Open Quote This is a school where teachers and students alike care about what they are doing. As an educator for over twenty years, I have never seen such an amazing group of teachers than I have seen at Palmetto Scholars Academy. They challenge all the students to be the best they can be, and the students accept those challenges. My son is entering his junior year of high school here, and has attended the school since his freshman year. We have seen the school grow and expand to one of the best schools in South Carolina. This is truly a one of a kind school, and I absolutely recommend your consideration for your child to attend PSA. Close Quote


by a student
Friday, June 21, 2013

Open Quote Advancing toward its 4th year (and my third year), Palmetto Scholars Academy has grown immensely to one of the best schools around. 100% of the faculty and staff are excellent, and the school will continue to grow and expand. Communication between the faculty and staff with the students and parents is incredible. If you're looking for a challenging and awesome school, this is the place to go. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Palmetto Scholars Academy

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2011 140 33 7 6 0 0 4 0 190
2012 163 52 5 9 0 1 2 0 232
2013 179 88 6 9 0 1 0 0 283
2014 211 77 11 14 1 1 1 0 316
2015 234 73 18 22 0 1 2 0 350
2016 281 82 23 26 0 2 3 0 417
2017 323 91 22 27 0 2 7 6 478
2018 345 91 29 34 0 1 9 0 509
2019 363 79 26 39 1 1 9 0 518
2020 360 81 29 47 1 1 9 0 528
2021 326 93 29 53 0 2 13 0 516
2022 292 97 37 45 1 1 18 0 491
2023 280 106 37 55 0 0 29 0 507

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 Palmetto Scholars Academy

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2011 190 11.0 17.2 0
2012 232 14.8 15.6 16.4
2013 283 17.9 15.8 23.7
2014 316 21.6 14.6 19.6
2015 350 23.0 15.2 11.4
2016 417 26.0 16.0 11.5
2017 478 29.5 16.2 6.3
2018 509 28.5 17.8 9.2
2019 518 28.5 18.1 12.9
2020 528 29.0 18.2 16.1
2021 516 29.7 17.3 15.5
2022 491 34.5 14.1 12
2023 507 34.0 14.9 14

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 Palmetto Scholars Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2011 190 11.0 17.2 0
2012 232 14.8 15.6 16.4
2013 283 17.9 15.8 23.7
2014 316 21.6 14.6 19.6
2015 350 23.0 15.2 11.4
2016 417 26.0 16.0 11.5
2017 478 29.5 16.2 6.3
2018 509 28.5 17.8 9.2
2019 518 28.5 18.1 12.9
2020 528 29.0 18.2 16.1
2021 516 29.7 17.3 15.5
2022 491 34.5 14.1 12
2023 507 34.0 14.9 14

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 Palmetto Scholars Academy

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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 $27 (0.4%) $12 (0.2%) $38 (0.6%) $4,586 (66.7%) $2,250 (32.7%) $6,836 (99.4%) $6,874
2023 $734 (6.8%) $300 (2.8%) $1,035 (9.6%) $7,388 (68.9%) $2,305 (21.5%) $9,693 (90.4%) $10,727

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Palmetto Scholars Academy

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 14th of 315 Middle schoolsRanks 54th of 325 Middle schools
 12.2%
Ranks 14th of 225 High schoolsRanks 13th of 237 High schools
 0.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade Science (Palmetto Scholars Academy)8267.5
 14.5%
   6th Grade Science (School Public Charter School District)49.646.8
 2.8%
   6th Grade Science (South Carolina)47.143
 4.1%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Palmetto Scholars Academy)77.870.2
 7.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (School Public Charter School District)46.961.4
 14.5%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)41.153.4
 12.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Palmetto Scholars Academy)7555.4
 19.6%
   6th Grade Mathematics (School Public Charter School District)45.437
 8.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)43.936.7
 7.2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Palmetto Scholars Academy)80.656.8
 23.8%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (School Public Charter School District)50.657.8
 7.2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)4450.1
 6.1%
7th Grade Mathematics (Palmetto Scholars Academy)76.439.8
 36.6%
   7th Grade Mathematics (School Public Charter School District)36.835
 1.8%
   7th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)35.331
 4.3%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Palmetto Scholars Academy)71.674.3
 2.7%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (School Public Charter School District)51.361.3
 10%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (South Carolina)44.553.1
 8.6%
8th Grade Mathematics (Palmetto Scholars Academy)6037.2
 22.8%
   8th Grade Mathematics (School Public Charter School District)34.435.9
 1.5%
   8th Grade Mathematics (South Carolina)36.631.6
 5%
End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (Palmetto Scholars Academy)7580
 5%
   End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (School Public Charter School District)64.272.3
 8.1%
   End of Course Algebra 1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2 (South Carolina)68.668.3
 0.3%
End of Course Biology 1/Applied Biology 2 (Palmetto Scholars Academy)95.379.8
 15.6%
   End of Course Biology 1/Applied Biology 2 (School Public Charter School District)72.566.6
 5.9%
   End of Course Biology 1/Applied Biology 2 (South Carolina)67.259.1
 8.1%
End of Course English 1 (Palmetto Scholars Academy)94.7100
 5.3%
   End of Course English 1 (School Public Charter School District)85.989.3
 3.4%
   End of Course English 1 (South Carolina)78.984
 5.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students518507
 2.1%
African American79106
 34.2%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian2637
 42.3%
Hispanic3955
 41%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White363280
 22.9%
Two or More Races929
 222.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients12.9%14%
 1.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Palmetto Scholars Academy

Students at Palmetto Scholars Academy are 55% White, 21% African American, 11% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 6% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 507 students attended Palmetto Scholars Academy.

Yes. Palmetto Scholars Academy ranks in the top 6.8% of South Carolina high schools.


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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.





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