Dreher High School

Serving 1,144 students in grades 9-12, Dreher High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80% (which is higher 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 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,144 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 66%
  • : 88% (Top 50% in SC)
  • : Top 10%
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : 80% (Top 20%)
  • : 65% (Top 20%)
  • : Dreher High serves the west part of Columbia, SC, covering an area of approximately 24.4 square miles. Most students live within a 10-12 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 4.1 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 6.8 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Dreher High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Dreher High School's student population of 1,144 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 78 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,144 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
78 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1938

School Rankings

Dreher High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dreher High School is 0.64, 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)
#62 out of 1118 schools
(Top 10%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

80-84%
43%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

80%
52%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

65%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
2%
2%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
9%
15%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Black
49%
31%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
34%
46%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
6%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
66%
0.64

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

88%
83.8%

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
30.2%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
6%

Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
White, Royal blue
School Mascot
Blue Devil
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dreher High School's ranking?
Dreher High School is ranked #62 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Dreher High School often compared to?
Dreher High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like A. C. Flora High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Dreher High School?
The graduation rate of Dreher High School is 88%, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Dreher High School?
1,144 students attend Dreher High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Dreher High School students are Black, 34% of students are White, 9% 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 Dreher High School?
Dreher High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Dreher High School offer ?
Dreher High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dreher High School part of?
Dreher High School is part of Richland 01 School District.
In what neighborhood is Dreher High School located?
Dreher High School is located in the Heathwood neighborhood of Columbia, SC.

School Reviews

2   10/10/2025
Aside from the prostitution going on in the bathrooms and drug dealing in the parking lot, this is a great school for privileged white people.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - 64405
5   10/10/2025
Great place to learn and thrive.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Mina

Review Dreher High 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,144 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 66%
  • : 88% (Top 50%)
  • : Top 10%
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : 80% (Top 20%)
  • : 65% (Top 20%)
  • : Dreher High serves the west part of Columbia, SC, covering an area of approximately 24.4 square miles. Most students live within a 10-12 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 4.1 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 6.8 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links