Pickens High School is a high school in Pickens, South Carolina. It is the second largest high school in the Pickens County School District, after its rival, Easley High School.
Serving 1,226 students in grades 9-12, Pickens High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 51% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 86% (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 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 54% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,226 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 86% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Pickens High serves the northern part of its district, covering an area of approximately 303.7 square miles in Pickens, SC. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 11.3 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance area, extending up to 16.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pickens High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Pickens High School's student population of 1,226 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 84 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,226 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
84 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1870
School Rankings
Pickens High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pickens High School is 0.24, 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
#214 out of 1118 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
43%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
86%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
7%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
87%
46%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
81%
83.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)41.4%
25.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Blue Flame
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pickens High School's ranking?
Pickens High School is ranked #214 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Pickens High School often compared to?
Pickens High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Easley High School, D. W. Daniel High School, Liberty High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 86% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pickens High School?
The graduation rate of Pickens High School is 81%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Pickens High School?
1,226 students attend Pickens High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Pickens High School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pickens High School?
Pickens High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 14:1.
What grades does Pickens High School offer ?
Pickens High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Pickens High School part of?
Pickens High School is part of Pickens 01 School District.
School Reviews
Review Pickens 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
