The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is a school in unincorporated Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States, near Spartanburg and with a Spartanburg postal address. It was founded in 1849 by the Reverend Newton Pinckney Walker as a private school for students who were deaf.
Serving 40 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Cedar Springs Academy 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 21-39% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21-39% (which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 3:1 is lower than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: <50% (Top 1% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cedar Springs Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Cedar Springs Academy's student population of 40 students has declined by 48% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
40 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Year Founded
1849
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cedar Springs Academy 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 Cedar Springs Academy is 0.69, which is more 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
#894 out of 1118 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
25%
14%
Black
40%
31%
White
30%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)<50%
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
8%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
12%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cedar Springs Academy's ranking?
Cedar Springs Academy is ranked #894 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Cedar Springs Academy often compared to?
Cedar Springs Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Pendergrass Fairwold School, Washington Center by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cedar Springs Academy?
The graduation rate of Cedar Springs Academy is 50%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 85%.
How many students attend Cedar Springs Academy?
40 students attend Cedar Springs Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Cedar Springs Academy students are Black, 30% of students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cedar Springs Academy?
Cedar Springs Academy has a student ration of 3:1, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cedar Springs Academy offer ?
Cedar Springs Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Cedar Springs Academy part of?
Cedar Springs Academy is part of Deaf & Blind School District.
School Reviews
Review Cedar Springs Academy. 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
