North Central High School is a public high school located in Kershaw, South Carolina. It is governed by the Kershaw County School District. It serves students in the North Central area of Kershaw County and has a student population of approximately 500. The principal of NCHS is David Branham.
Serving 598 students in grades 9-12, North Central High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (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 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 598 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
North Central 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
School Overview
North Central High School's student population of 598 students has grown by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
598 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1979
Colors
Green, Gold
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Engage, Empower, Equip
School Rankings
North Central 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 North Central High School is 0.55, 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
#80 out of 1118 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
12%
14%
Black
19%
31%
White
63%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Central High School's ranking?
North Central High School is ranked #80 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are North Central High School often compared to?
North Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lugoff-elgin High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of North Central High School?
The graduation rate of North Central High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend North Central High School?
598 students attend North Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of North Central High School students are White, 19% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of North Central High School?
North Central High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does North Central High School offer ?
North Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is North Central High School part of?
North Central High School is part of Kershaw 01 School District.
School Reviews
Review North Central 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
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.
