Florence, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
As the academic year begins in South Carolina, the U.S. News and World Report reveals mixed high school performance in the Pee Dee region. While Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology ranks 6th statewide, nearly half of the schools struggle, with 22 falling into the bottom quartile. In related news, Marlboro County School District is under state oversight due to a budget deficit of nearly $7 million, raising concerns about financial management and stability within the district.
Florence, South Carolina — As the academic year begins across South Carolina, the U.S. News and World Report rankings reveal a mixed performance landscape for high schools in the Pee Dee region, highlighting stark contrasts in educational achievement amidst ongoing challenges. According to the latest rankings, while some schools excelled, a significant number of institutions struggle, with nearly half falling within the bottom quartile statewide.
The rankings were determined using data from numerous reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, College Board, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Key metrics considered in the assessment included student academic proficiency and graduation rates. The standout among local institutions is Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology in Darlington, which achieved an impressive 6th place ranking statewide. It reported an exceptional overall score of 95.93 out of 100, placing it high above approximately 96% of high schools in the state.
However, the performance of other schools in the region was less commendable. For instance, Myrtle Beach High School received a score of 66.54, while Hannah Pamplico High School scored a mere 25.35. U.S. News chose not to rank schools identified in the bottom 25%, categorizing them as having scores below 25. A total of 22 schools in the Pee Dee area fell into this lowest quartile and were not ranked in the listings produced by U.S. News.
The complete rankings for South Carolina high schools can be found on the U.S. News website, providing additional insight into school performance across the state.
Marlboro County Financial Intervention
In a related educational development, the Marlboro County School District faces critical financial challenges, leading state education leaders to intervene in the district’s financial management. The district has reported a substantial budget deficit of nearly $7 million, prompting its designation as being under fiscal watch. Furthermore, the district has been subjected to fiscal oversight for several years, underscoring ongoing financial instability.
Recently, state Superintendent Ellen Weaver has initiated a request for an investigation into the potential mismanagement of purchasing cards within the district, aiming to address internal issues. Under this financial takeover, the local school board will retain some decision-making powers. However, any alterations to budget changes and financial management must be reviewed and approved by the state.
Previous efforts by school board members to raise local property taxes and consolidate under-capacity schools to remedy the budget shortfall proved ineffective. While this state intervention has been deemed crucial by staff and board members, it highlights the urgent need for stable financial management in the district.
The Marlboro County School District serves a student body of approximately 3,200, with a considerable majority of students coming from low-income backgrounds, adding further urgency to the need for improved financial accountability and operational stability. The state will now oversee the district’s budgets, staffing levels, operations, and spending to ensure effective financial recovery and management.
The next meeting of the state Board of Education is set for August 5, where the board will discuss the details surrounding the financial takeover of the Marlboro County School District.
FAQ
What are the U.S. News rankings based on?
The U.S. News rankings are based on data from the Department of Education, state education agencies, College Board, and IB programs, considering factors such as academic proficiency and graduation rates.
Which high school in the Pee Dee region ranked the highest?
Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology in Darlington ranked 6th statewide, achieving a score of 95.93 out of 100.
How many schools in the Pee Dee region fell into the bottom quartile?
A total of 22 schools in the Pee Dee region fell into the bottom quartile and were not ranked by U.S. News.
What is happening with the Marlboro County School District’s finances?
The Marlboro County School District is under state intervention due to a budget deficit of nearly $7 million and has requested an investigation into potentially mismanaged purchasing cards.
What will the state oversee in the Marlboro County School District?
The state will oversee the district’s budgets, staffing levels, operations, and spending to ensure financial recovery.
Key Features of the Pee Dee Region High School Rankings
| School Name | Statewide Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology | 6th | 95.93 |
| Myrtle Beach High School | Not ranked | 66.54 |
| Hannah Pamplico High School | Not ranked | 25.35 |
| Total Schools in Bottom Quartile | N/A | 22 |
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- The Clemson Insider
- Google Search: South Carolina education rankings
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google Scholar: financial management in schools
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: school financing
- WPDE News
- Google News: Pee Dee school district
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
