May 21, 2025

Greenville County Schools Achieves Record Graduation Rate

News Summary

Greenville County Schools celebrated a record graduation rate of 88.7% for the 2023-24 academic year, a 3.6-point increase from last year.

Greenville – Greenville County Schools celebrated the start of its high school graduation ceremonies with a remarkable achievement; the district has announced a record graduation rate of 88.7% for the 2023-24 academic year, a 3.6-point increase from the previous year. The graduation ceremonies kicked off on May 20, starting with Wade Hampton High School at 8 a.m. and continuing throughout the week at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, where the events are available for live and on-demand viewing.

Graduation Schedule

The graduation schedule for the week is as follows:

Tuesday:

8 a.m. – Wade Hampton
11:30 a.m. – Berea
2:30 p.m. – Mauldin
6:30 p.m. – Carolina High & Academy

Wednesday:

8 a.m. – Greenville
11:30 a.m. – Blue Ridge
2:30 p.m. – Woodmont
6:30 p.m. – Southside

A clear bag policy is enforced for attendees at each ceremony to ensure security.

Record Graduation Rates and Performance Metrics

The increase in graduation rates indicates a solid commitment to student success, with 88.1% of the graduating class meeting College and Career Readiness markers, reflecting an improvement of 6.4% over the past year. Additionally, nearly 90% (88.4%) of schools within the district received ratings of Excellent, Good, or Average according to the South Carolina Department of Education’s annual report card, with 31.4% of schools achieving the highest rating of Excellent.

Greenville County Schools’ performance is significantly above the state average, surpassing it by 18.4%. This achievement is largely attributable to the district’s Graduation Plus initiative, designed to help students earn their diplomas while also obtaining college credits and industry certifications.

School-Specific Graduation Rates

Individual school graduation rates provide an insightful look at where achievements are being made:

Woodmont High School: 95.5%
Riverside High School: 95.3%
Mauldin High School: 94.7%
Hillcrest High School: 92.8%
Eastside High School: 90.5%
J.L. Mann High School: 89.8%
Greenville High School: 87.9%
Wade Hampton High School: 85.6%
Travelers Rest High School: 85.3%
Blue Ridge High School: 84.1%
Greer High School: 83.4%
Southside High School: 78.6%
Berea High School: 78.4%
Carolina High School: 77.9%

Background Information

The increase in graduation rates has been a focal point for Greenville County Schools, particularly as the district emphasizes preparing students for future academic and career opportunities. The Graduation Plus initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing education, has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape, helping students achieve not only their diplomas but also additional credentials that enhance their employability.

The combination of significant graduation rate improvements and strong school performance ratings underscores Greenville County Schools’ dedication to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and prepare for successful futures.