For the 2025 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 8,363 students in Laurens County, SC (there are 4 private schools, serving 360 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Laurens County, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Laurens County, SC are Clinton High School, Laurens District 55 High School and Clinton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Laurens County, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Laurens County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Laurens County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Clinton High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
18132 Highway 72 East
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0817
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0817
Gr: 9-12 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Laurens District 55 High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5058 Highway 76 West
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 682-3151
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 682-3151
Gr: 9-12 | 1,540 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Clinton Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 Chestnut Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0812
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0812
Gr: K-5 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #44.
Eastside Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
103 Old Colony Road
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0827
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0827
Gr: K-5 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
Thornwell Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
203 West Calhoun Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 808-0801
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 808-0801
Gr: K-11 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #66.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
10457 Highway 221 South
Waterloo, SC 29384
(864) 677-5610
Waterloo, SC 29384
(864) 677-5610
Gr: PK-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
Summit Classical School
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 East Florida Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 200-0535
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 200-0535
Gr: K-7 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #88.
Joanna Woodson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
510 South Ellis Street
Joanna, SC 29351
(864) 697-6480
Joanna, SC 29351
(864) 697-6480
Gr: K-5 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Clinton Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
800 North Adair Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0807
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0807
Gr: 6-8 | 629 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
163 Neely Ferry Road
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gr: PK-8 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #1111.
Laurens Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
301 Henry Street
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3067
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3067
Gr: PK-5 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1212.
E. B. Morse Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 Parkview Drive
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-7777
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-7777
Gr: PK-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1313.
Gray Court-owings Elementary Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
9210 Highway 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gr: PK-8 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #1414.
Laurens Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1035 West Main Street
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-2400
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-2400
Gr: 6-8 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #1515.
Ford Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
601 Lucas Avenue
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3986
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3986
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1616.
Sanders Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
609 Green Street
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-0354
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-0354
Gr: 6-8 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
625 Elizabeth Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0836
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0836
Gr: PK | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Laurens County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
9210 Hwy 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gr: PK-5 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
9210 Hwy 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2171
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2171
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
163 Neely Ferry Rd
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
163 Neely Ferry Rd
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-4301
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-4301
Gr: 6-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
301 North Bell Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0831
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0831
Gr: 6 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Laurens County, SC?
The top ranked public schools in Laurens County, SC include Clinton High School, Laurens District 55 High School and Clinton Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Laurens County?
17 public schools are located in Laurens County.
What percentage of students in Laurens County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Laurens County are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Laurens County?
Laurens County public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Laurens County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Laurens County include: Clinton High School vs. Laurens District 55 High School, Laurens District 55 High School vs. Clinton High School, Gray Court-owings Elementary Middle School vs. Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School
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.
