Serving 2,344 students in grades 9-12, Fort Dorchester High School ranks in the top 5% 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% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 88% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher 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 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,344 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 80% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 88% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Fort Dorchester High serves the eastern part of North Charleston, SC, encompassing an area of approximately 14.8 square miles. Most students typically have a short 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 3.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Fort Dorchester High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Fort Dorchester High School's student population of 2,344 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 135 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,344 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
135 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Year Founded
1992
School Rankings
Fort Dorchester High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fort Dorchester High School is 0.71, 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
#33 out of 1118 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Asian
4%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Hispanic
17%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Black
41%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
White
30%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Two or more races
8%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 14-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Graduation Rate
95%
83.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.8%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Red, Silver
School Mascot
Patriot
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Dorchester High School's ranking?
Fort Dorchester High School is ranked #33 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Fort Dorchester High School often compared to?
Fort Dorchester High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ashley Ridge High School, Summerville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 88% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Fort Dorchester High School?
The graduation rate of Fort Dorchester High School is 95%, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Fort Dorchester High School?
2,344 students attend Fort Dorchester High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Fort Dorchester High School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Dorchester High School?
Fort Dorchester High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Fort Dorchester High School offer ?
Fort Dorchester High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Fort Dorchester High School part of?
Fort Dorchester High School is part of Dorchester 02 School District.
School Reviews
Review Fort Dorchester 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
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
