Home > South Carolina > Cherokee County > Gaffney

B. D. Lee Elementary School

401 Overbrook Drive
Gaffney, SC 29341

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

bdl.cherokee1.org

Serving 617 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, B. D. Lee Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).

The percentage of students achieving is 18% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving is 17% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).

The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the South Carolina state level of 14:1.

Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

Grades: Prekindergarten-5
Enrollment: 617 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Minority Enrollment: 81%
: Bottom 50% in SC
: 18% (Btm 50%)
: 17% (Btm 50%)
: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

B. D. Lee Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:

School Overview

B. D. Lee Elementary School's student population of 617 students has grown by 50% over five school years.

The teacher population of 43 teachers has grown by 48% over five school years.

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	B. D. Lee Elementary School
Pre-K	126
Kind	96
1	86
2	85
3	88
4	60
5	76

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students

617 students

View Data

Total Students Trends Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School
2023	607
2022	561
2021	340
2020	411
2019	411
2018	334
2017	334
2016	320
2015	327
2014	343
2013	382
2012	374
2011	401
2010	407
2009	426
2008	439
2007	408
2006	416
2005	445
2004	412
2003	412
2002	406
2001	438
2000	478
1999	445
1998	480
1997	500
1996	511
1995	504
1994	473
1993	446
1992	474
1991	490
1990	486
1989	479
1988	495
1987	495

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers

43 teachers

View Data

Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School
2023	42
2022	46
2021	27
2020	29
2019	29
2018	24
2017	24
2016	24
2015	25
2014	26
2013	27
2012	26
2011	24
2010	24
2009	26
2008	27
2007	40
2006	29
2005	26
2004	29
2003	27
2002	27
2001	27
2000	32
1999	31
1998	32
1997	32
1996	31
1995	31
1994	32
1993	31
1992	31
1991	30
1990	29
1989	29
1988	30
1987	30

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Rankings

B. D. Lee Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,154 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).

The of B. D. Lee Elementary School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

This School

State Level (SC)

#1079 out of 1154 schools
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2011-2022)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School
2022	#1079
2021	#955
2019	#918
2018	#925
2017	#828
2016	#767
2015	#843
2014	#756
2013	#817
2012	#874
2011	#703

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

18%

41%

View Data

Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2022	18%	41%	27%
2021	17%	39%	29%
2019	32%	46%	38%
2018	27%	45%	38%
2017	32%	44%	38%
2016	37%	46%	38%
2015	42%	51%	46%
2014	62%	68%	64%
2013	62%	70%	66%
2012	57%	71%	64%
2011	67%	70%	65%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

17%

52%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2022	17%	52%	42%
2021	17%	48%	40%
2019	27%	48%	42%
2018	27%	45%	38%
2017	27%	43%	36%
2016	32%	46%	38%
2015	22%	42%	33%
2014	62%	72%	63%
2013	62%	74%	66%
2012	57%	72%	62%
2011	62%	71%	63%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

10-14%

50%

View Data

Science Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2021-2022)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2022	12%	50%	37%
2021	10%	48%	35%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Student : Teacher Ratio

14:1

View Data

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	14:1	14:1	14:1
2022	12:1	14:1	13:1
2021	13:1	14:1	13:1
2020	14:1	15:1	14:1
2019	14:1	15:1	14:1
2018	14:1	16:1	15:1
2017	14:1	15:1	15:1
2016	13:1	16:1	15:1
2015	13:1	16:1	15:1
2014	13:1	16:1	15:1
2013	14:1	16:1	15:1
2012	14:1	16:1	15:1
2011	17:1	16:1	16:1
2010	17:1	16:1	16:1
2009	16:1	15:1	15:1
2008	16:1	15:1	14:1
2007	10:1	10:1	10:1
2006	14:1	15:1	14:1
2005	17:1	15:1	14:1
2004	14:1	16:1	15:1
2003	15:1	15:1	15:1
2002	15:1	15:1	16:1
2001	16:1	15:1	16:1
2000	15:1	15:1	15:1
1999	14:1	15:1	17:1
1998	15:1	16:1	17:1
1997	16:1	16:1	17:1
1996	16:1	16:1	17:1
1995	16:1	17:1	17:1
1994	15:1	17:1	17:1
1993	14:1	17:1	17:1
1992	15:1	17:1	17:1
1991	16:1	17:1	17:1
1990	17:1	17:1	17:1
1989	17:1	18:1	19:1
1988	17:1	18:1	19:1
1987	17:1	18:1	18:1

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian

n/a

Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1990-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	1%	2%	1%
2022	1%	2%	1%
2021	2%	2%	1%
2020	2%	2%	1%
2019	2%	2%	1%
2018	2%	2%
2017	2%	2%
2016	1%	1%
2015	2%	2%
2014	2%	2%	1%
2013	2%	2%	1%
2012	1%	1%	1%
2009	2%	3%	1%
2008	3%	2%	1%
2007	2%	1%	1%
2006	2%	1%	1%
2005	2%	1%	1%
2004	2%	2%	1%
2003	1%	2%	1%
2002	2%	2%	1%
2001	2%	1%	1%
1999	1%	2%
1998	1%	2%
1997	1%	2%	1%
1996	2%	2%
1995	1%	2%
1994	2%	1%	1%
1993	1%	2%
1992	1%	2%
1991	1%	2%
1990	2%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic

14%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1995-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	6%	13%	9%
2022	6%	12%	9%
2021	4%	11%	8%
2020	4%	10%	7%
2019	4%	10%	7%
2018	4%	9%	8%
2017	4%	9%	8%
2016	4%	9%	7%
2015	3%	8%	6%
2014	6%	8%	6%
2013	5%	7%	5%
2012	7%	7%	5%
2011	7%	7%	5%
2010	6%	6%	5%
2009	6%	5%	4%
2008	6%	6%	4%
2007	6%	5%	4%
2006	5%	4%	4%
2005	3%	4%	3%
2004	3%	3%	3%
2003	3%	3%	3%
2002	3%	2%	2%
2001	1%	2%	2%
1999	1%	2%	3%
1998	1%	1%	1%
1997	1%	1%	1%
1996	1%	1%	1%
1995	2%	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black

66%

31%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	67%	31%	28%
2022	70%	32%	27%
2021	75%	33%	27%
2020	77%	33%	27%
2019	77%	33%	27%
2018	74%	34%	26%
2017	74%	34%	26%
2016	78%	34%	26%
2015	78%	35%	27%
2014	80%	35%	26%
2013	78%	35%	26%
2012	75%	36%	26%
2011	77%	36%	26%
2010	83%	38%	27%
2009	79%	39%	27%
2008	70%	39%	27%
2007	68%	40%	27%
2006	62%	41%	27%
2005	59%	41%	28%
2004	53%	41%	28%
2003	57%	41%	29%
2002	55%	41%	29%
2001	54%	42%	29%
2000	59%	42%	29%
1999	45%	41%	27%
1998	46%	42%	30%
1997	46%	41%	30%
1996	45%	41%	30%
1995	43%	41%	30%
1994	42%	41%	30%
1993	43%	41%	30%
1992	42%	41%	31%
1991	40%	41%	32%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White

19%

47%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	18%	48%	59%
2022	18%	48%	60%
2021	17%	49%	62%
2020	14%	50%	63%
2019	14%	50%	63%
2018	14%	51%	65%
2017	14%	51%	65%
2016	13%	52%	66%
2015	12%	52%	66%
2014	10%	52%	67%
2013	11%	53%	67%
2012	14%	53%	67%
2011	13%	53%	67%
2010	11%	53%	67%
2009	13%	53%	68%
2008	21%	53%	68%
2007	24%	54%	68%
2006	31%	54%	68%
2005	36%	54%	68%
2004	42%	54%	68%
2003	39%	54%	67%
2002	40%	55%	68%
2001	43%	55%	68%
2000	41%	55%	69%
1999	53%	55%	56%
1998	52%	55%	69%
1997	52%	56%	68%
1996	52%	56%	69%
1995	54%	56%	68%
1994	55%	57%	68%
1993	53%	57%	68%
1992	55%	57%	68%
1991	57%	57%	68%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hawaiian

n/a

Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	8%	6%	3%
2022	5%	6%	3%
2021	2%	5%	2%
2020	3%	5%	2%
2019	3%	5%	2%
2018	6%	4%	1%
2017	6%	4%	1%
2016	4%	4%	1%
2015	5%	3%	1%
2014	2%	3%
2013	4%	3%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

0.52

0.67

View Data

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	0.51	0.66	0.57
2022	0.48	0.66	0.56
2021	0.41	0.64	0.55
2020	0.39	0.63	0.53
2019	0.39	0.63	0.53
2018	0.43	0.62	0.50
2017	0.43	0.62	0.50
2016	0.38	0.61	0.49
2015	0.38	0.61	0.49
2014	0.36	0.61	0.49
2013	0.38	0.60	0.49
2012	0.42	0.59	0.48
2011	0.39	0.59	0.48
2010	0.30	0.58	0.48
2009	0.36	0.57	0.47
2008	0.47	0.57	0.46
2007	0.48	0.55	0.47
2006	0.52	0.54	0.46
2005	0.53	0.54	0.46
2004	0.55	0.54	0.46
2003	0.53	0.54	0.46
2002	0.54	0.53	0.46
2001	0.53	0.53	0.45
2000	0.53	0.53	0.44
1999	0.52	0.53	0.45
1998	0.52	0.53	0.44
1997	0.52	0.52	0.44
1996	0.53	0.52	0.44
1995	0.53	0.52	0.45
1994	0.53	0.51	0.44
1993	0.54	0.51	0.44
1992	0.53	0.51	0.45
1991	0.52	0.51	0.44

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Participates in the

Yes

Eligible for

100%

67%

View Data

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2023	100%	67%	86%
2022	100%	60%	80%
2021	100%	59%	79%
2020	100%	58%	77%
2019	100%	58%	77%
2018	100%	64%	80%
2017	100%	64%	80%
2016	100%	55%	75%
2015	98%	50%	64%
2014	85%	51%	63%
2013	82%	51%	63%
2012	87%	50%	62%
2011	86%	48%	62%
2010	86%	47%	57%
2009	76%	45%	54%
2008	69%	44%	52%
2007	70%	44%	51%
2006	66%	44%	49%
2005	67%	44%	49%
2004	55%	43%	47%
2003	55%	42%	45%
2002	59%	41%	45%
2001	48%	39%	39%
2000	52%	40%	41%
1999	49%	39%	38%
1998	50%	42%	42%
1997	47%	40%	37%
1996	51%	40%	35%
1995	48%	40%	35%
1994	41%	39%	38%
1993	42%	38%	37%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for (13-14)

View Data

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2000-2014)
Year	B. D. Lee Elementary School	South Carolina	Cherokee 01 School District
2014	5%	6%	7%
2013	5%	7%	7%
2012	5%	7%	7%
2011	5%	6%	7%
2010	6%	7%	7%
2009	11%	8%	8%
2008	8%	8%	8%
2007	11%	8%	8%
2006	13%	8%	10%
2005	10%	8%	8%
2004	13%	8%	9%
2003	13%	8%	9%
2002	11%	8%	9%
2001	11%	8%	8%
2000	12%	7%	8%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing

View Education Department Test Scores

School District Name

Cherokee 01 School District

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is B. D. Lee Elementary School's ranking?

B. D. Lee Elementary School is ranked #1079 out of 1,154 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.

What schools are B. D. Lee Elementary School often compared to?

B. D. Lee Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northwest Elementary School, Limestone-central Elementary School, Blacksburg Elementary School by visitors of our site.

What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?

18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% SC state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).

How many students attend B. D. Lee Elementary School?

617 students attend B. D. Lee Elementary School.

What is the racial composition of the student body?

66% of B. D. Lee Elementary School students are Black, 19% of students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.

What is the student:teacher ratio of B. D. Lee Elementary School?

B. D. Lee Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the South Carolina state average of 14:1.

What grades does B. D. Lee Elementary School offer ?

B. D. Lee Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).

What school district is B. D. Lee Elementary School part of?

B. D. Lee Elementary School is part of Cherokee 01 School District.

School Reviews

Review B. D. Lee Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities

Recent Articles

June 10, 2025

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.

June 10, 2025

What is an Online High School

Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.

June 10, 2025

“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide

We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.

Quick Stats (2025)

Grades: Prekindergarten-5
Enrollment: 617 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Minority Enrollment: 81%
: Bottom 50%
: 18% (Btm 50%)
: 17% (Btm 50%)
: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education