BCSD posts gains on state tests; ELA improves as math inches up
Beaufort County School District students continued to improve on statewide assessments, with record results in English language arts and modest gains in mathematics, according to 2024–2025 data released by the South Carolina Department of Education.
Districtwide, 59% of students in grades 3–8 met or exceeded expectations in ELA, up from 53.4% in 2024 and 44.7% in 2021. Math proficiency rose to 45%, a two-point increase over last year. Science scores, measured in grades 4 and 6, also improved compared with 2023, when 44.2% of students met or exceeded expectations; the state did not administer the science test in 2024.
“These results are a powerful reflection of what’s possible when dedicated educators, focused and supportive leadership, and engaged families come together with a shared mission,” said South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “South Carolina recently distinguished itself on The Nation’s Report Card as one of the few states where students both maintained and moved forward.”
BCSD serves more than 21,000 students, with multilingual learners making up 23% of those tested — more than double the statewide rate. Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said that context underscores the progress made.
“Our SC READY scores indicate that our early interventions are working,” Rodriguez said. “ELA continues to be strong and steady, our math continues to rise. Of course, there is still work to be done.”
Schools nearing or surpassing 75% proficiency
- The number of schools meeting or nearing the district and state’s 75% proficiency goal increased by 33% this year. Among them:
- Bluffton Elementary: Grade 4 ELA nearing 75%.
- Coosa Elementary: Surpassed 75% in grades 3–5 ELA; grades 3–4 math nearing 75%.
- Lady’s Island Elementary: Grade 5 ELA and grade 4 math nearing 75%.
- Pritchardville Elementary: Grades 3–5 ELA nearing 75%; grade 5 math surpassed 75%.
- Okatie Elementary: Grades 3–5 ELA and grades 3, 5 math nearing or surpassing 75%.
- Red Cedar Elementary: Grades 3–5 ELA nearing 75%; grades 3–4 math nearing 75%.
- River Ridge Academy: Grades 3–5 ELA nearing or surpassing 75%; grade 3 math surpassed 75%.
- Riverview Charter: Grades 3, 5, 7 and 8 ELA nearing or surpassing 75%
Eighteen schools, including Beaufort Elementary, Broad River Elementary, Lady’s Island Middle, Mossy Oaks Elementary and Whale Branch Middle, also posted double-digit gains in at least one grade level.
End-of-course and career readiness
On End-of-Course Examination Program results, BCSD exceeded the state in Biology and U.S. History overall, though course-level pass rates varied. Algebra 1 pass rates declined from 53% in 2024 to 46% this year, a drop officials linked to enrolling 400 more students ahead of a statewide course-sequence change. English 2 remained essentially flat at 70%, while U.S. History improved to 50%.
Career Readiness Assessments showed declines in math (60% to 52%), data (71% to 67%) and reading (73% to 68%), while soft skills rose slightly from 70% to 71%. The district said it performed at or above the state overall but acknowledged more progress is needed to reach the 75% target.
High schools nearing or meeting the benchmark included:
• Data: Beaufort, Hilton Head and Bluffton nearing 75%.
• Reading: Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head and May River nearing 75%.
• Soft skills: Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and May River at 75%.
Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stratos said BCSD continues to expand career pathways. “We have had great success with our credentialed students finding immediate employment upon graduation,” she said.
Weaver emphasized literacy as a foundation for growth. “Reading is the foundation of all other learning, so I’m especially encouraged by the strong gains in early literacy,” she said. “This is clear evidence that when we align our efforts from the Statehouse to the schoolhouse, we move the needle for kids.”
Full SC READY results are available at:
https://ed.sc.gov/data/test-scores/state-assessments/sc-ready/
