Serving 603 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 proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than 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 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 603 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SC
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: B. D. Lee Elementary serves the western part of Gaffney, SC, covering an area of approximately 9.5 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 2.4 miles to the edge of the attendance area.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Overview
B. D. Lee Elementary School's student population of 603 students has grown by 77% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 48% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
603 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
B. D. Lee Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of B. D. Lee Elementary School is 0.54, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1089 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
9%
15%
Black
65%
31%
White
19%
46%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.9%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B. D. Lee Elementary School's ranking?
B. D. Lee Elementary School is ranked #1089 out of 1,118 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 Limestone-central Elementary School, Northwest Elementary School, Blacksburg Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% 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?
603 students attend B. D. Lee Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of B. D. Lee Elementary School students are Black, 19% of students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 5% 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 15:1, which is higher than 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.
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