Top 10 Best Darlington County Public Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 9,487 students in Darlington County, SC (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,186 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Darlington County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Darlington County, SC are Sc Governor's School For Science And Mathematics, Mayo High For Math Science & Technology and Lamar High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Darlington County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Darlington County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Darlington County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Sc Governor's School For Science And Mathematics
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
401 Railroad Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3902
Grades: 11-12
| 275 students
Rank: #22.
Mayo High For Math Science & Technology
Magnet School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
405 Chestnut Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5050
Grades: 9-12
| 343 students
Rank: #33.
Lamar High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
216 North Darlington Avenue
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 326-5543
Grades: 9-12
| 247 students
Rank: #44.
Hartsville High School
Magnet School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
701 Lewellyn Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3130
Grades: 9-12
| 1,125 students
Rank: #55.
Darlington High School
Magnet School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
525 Spring Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5140
Grades: 9-12
| 990 students
Rank: #66.
Carolina Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
719 West Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 857-3230
Grades: 1-5
| 213 students
Rank: #77.
Butler Academy
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
710 South 5th Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 287-2399
Grades: K-7
| 350 students
Rank: #88.
Lamar-spaulding Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5232 Lamar Highway 401
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 398-6370
Grades: PK-5
| 500 students
Rank: #99.
North Hartsville Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
110 School Drive
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3115
Grades: 1-5
| 473 students
Rank: #1010.
Spaulding Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
400 East Cartersville Highway
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 326-7625
Grades: 6-8
| 209 students
Rank: #1111.
St. John's Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
140 Park Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5130
Grades: PK-5
| 567 students
Rank: #1212.
Darlington Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
150 Pinedale Drive
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5088
Grades: 6-8
| 895 students
Rank: #1313.
Bay Road Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1251 Bay Road
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 398-6300
Grades: PK-5
| 553 students
Rank: #1414.
Brockington Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
413 Brockington Road
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-2500
Grades: 3-5
| 311 students
Rank: #1515.
Hartsville Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1427 Fourteenth Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 857-3121
Grades: 6-8
| 872 students
Rank: #1616.
Rosenwald Elementary Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
508 Church Street
Society Hill, SC 29593
(843) 398-2700
Grades: PK-8
| 65 students
Rank: #1717.
J. L. Cain Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
607 First Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-6220
Grades: PK-5
| 569 students
Rank: #1818.
Thornwell School For The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
437 West Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3127
Grades: 1-5
| 192 students
Rank: n/an/a
Darlington County Institute Of Technology
Vocational School
160 Pinedale Drive
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-4796
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1010 Indian Branch Road
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5070
Grades: PK-2
| 411 students
Rank: n/an/a
1615 Blanding Drive
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3310
Grades: PK-K
| 327 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Darlington County, SC

Darlington County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
400 Wells Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5080
Grades: 3-5
| n/a students
607 First Street
Darlington, SC 29532
(843) 398-5020
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
214 North Darlington Avenue
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 326-7575
Grades: PK-2
| n/a students
204 East Pearl Street
Lamar, SC 29069
(843) 326-7666
Grades: 3-5
| n/a students
325 Washington Street
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 383-3141
Grades: 1-2
| n/a students
214 Clyde Road
Hartsville, SC 29550
(843) 857-3270
Grades: 3-5
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Darlington County, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Darlington County, SC include Sc Governor's School For Science And Mathematics, Mayo High For Math Science & Technology and Lamar High School.
How many public schools are located in Darlington County?
21 public schools are located in Darlington County.
What percentage of students in Darlington County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Darlington County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Darlington County?
Darlington County public schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Darlington County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.