Greenville, SC, August 21, 2025
News Summary
U.S. News & World Report has recognized five high schools in Greenville County, marking a significant achievement for the district. Riverside High School is ranked No. 13, with Wade Hampton, Mauldin, Greenville Senior, and J.L. Mann high schools also making the top 25. Additionally, the Community Eligibility Provision has expanded, benefiting 81 schools and providing free lunch to students in need. Amid concerns about safety, the School Board approved a $24 million artificial turf project aimed at enhancing athletic facilities.
Greenville, SC – U.S. News & World Report has recognized five high schools in Greenville County as part of its 2025-2026 Best Public High Schools in South Carolina list, marking a significant achievement for the district. Riverside High School leads the pack at No. 13, followed closely by Wade Hampton High School at No. 15, Mauldin High School at No. 16, Greenville Senior High Academy at No. 24, and J.L. Mann High Academy at No. 25.
Fountain Inn High School, which opened in 2021, was not included in the rankings as it does not yet meet the eligibility criteria for the assessment.
In addition, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) has expanded in South Carolina, enabling 81 schools in Greenville County to participate in a free lunch program for the 2025-26 school year. This expansion now includes students enrolled in Medicaid benefits, assuring that these schools will remain part of the program for at least the 2026-27 school year due to a four-year eligibility period. The CEP allows schools to serve free meals to all students without requiring an application process for individuals.
The status of the CEP is determined by the percentage of students from households receiving government benefits. This program is expected to significantly benefit the student population in Greenville County, alleviating food insecurity for many families.
In other news, a former aide and part-time coach at Hillcrest Middle School, Ceisean Tucker-Grimes, was arrested following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. The incidents reportedly took place off-campus. Following the arrest, Tucker-Grimes has been terminated from his position at Greenville County Schools.
Furthermore, the Greenville County School Board has voted 7-5 in favor of a major initiative to install new artificial turf fields across the county’s high schools. This project, anticipated to exceed $24 million, is aimed at enhancing the quality of athletic facilities across the district. Wade Hampton and Greenville High Schools are scheduled to be among the first to receive the new turf in winter 2025.
Concerns have been raised by parents regarding the allocation of funds, particularly regarding safety measures and athletic facilities. Supporters of the turf project emphasized the necessity for well-maintained athletic facilities to remain competitive in sports. The funding for this project will come from the unassigned general fund and is not expected to raise taxes.
The district’s analysis revealed that maintaining current grass fields would cost approximately $4 million annually, in contrast to $1 million for artificial turf. However, some parents expressed apprehension about potential injury risks associated with turf fields. The order of turf installation will be based on school usage and additional factors, including the absence of tracks at particular schools.
Health concerns regarding the materials used in synthetic fields were also discussed during the school board meeting, prompting further dialogue about the safety of athletic facilities and their impact on student health.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Top Ranked Schools | Five high schools ranked in the top 25 in South Carolina |
| Riverside High School | Highest-ranked at No. 13 |
| Community Eligibility Provision | 81 schools qualify for free lunch program |
| Artificial Turf Project | $24 million investment across high schools |
| Current Grass Field Maintenance | Costing $4 million annually |
FAQ
Which high schools in Greenville County are ranked among the top 25 in South Carolina?
The five high schools are Riverside High School, Wade Hampton High School, Mauldin High School, Greenville Senior High Academy, and J.L. Mann High Academy.
What is the Community Eligibility Provision?
The CEP allows schools in South Carolina to provide free meals to all students without individual eligibility applications, benefiting schools with a high percentage of students receiving government assistance.
What concerns have been raised about the artificial turf project?
Parents have raised concerns regarding the risks of injury associated with turf fields and the use of funds for athletic facilities versus safety measures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenville Enhances Safety Measures for Augusta Circle Students
Simpsonville Assistant Coach Arrested for Sexual Battery
Greenville Hosts Fundraiser to Combat Rising Insurance Costs
Former Hillcrest High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Battery
Former Coach Charged with Sexual Battery in Simpsonville
Former School Aide Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges
Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Top High Schools in Greenville County
- Wikipedia: Public School
- Greenville Online: Free Lunch Programs in Greenville County
- Google Search: Free School Lunch Program
- WSPA: Teacher Arrested for Sexual Battery
- Google Scholar: Teacher Arrested Inappropriate Relationship
- Fox Carolina: High School Graduations and Traffic Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Graduation
- Greenville Journal: Watch Live High School Graduations
- Google News: Greenville County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville 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 Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . 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 Greenville 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.
