South Carolina Schools Earn More Top Ratings

New school accountability results show gains in several South Carolina and Virginia communities, alongside mixed performance among individual schools. In South Carolina, 320 schools earned Excellent ratings, up from 270, and fewer than 10% were rated below average or unsatisfactory; the on-time graduation rate reached 87.5%. York School District One had one Excellent-rated school, while several schools improved in upper grades and math proficiency even as two elementary schools dropped a rating level. In Virginia, 12 of 14 schools serving Vienna students or carrying Vienna addresses received the top Distinguished rating, while Prince William County reported nearly two-thirds of its schools met expectations or were distinguished and all remained fully accredited. Alexandria scores rose at 16 of 17 schools, with improved test pass rates and lower chronic absenteeism, though only one school earned Distinguished status.