South Effingham High School is one of two public high schools located in Effingham County, Georgia, northwest of Savannah. The school was created in 1996 when Effingham County High School was split. The school is known for its excellent academic programs, award-winning band program, and successful athletic programs.
Serving 1,900 students in grades 9-12, South Effingham High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is higher than the Georgia state average of 37%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is higher than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Georgia state average of 65% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,900 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Effingham High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
South Effingham High School's student population of 1,900 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 118 teachers has grown by 32% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,900 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
118 teachers
Year Founded
1996
Colors
White, Silver
School Rankings
South Effingham High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,204 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Effingham High School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#515 out of 2204 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
37%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
12%
19%
Black
15%
36%
White
65%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mustang
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Effingham High School's ranking?
South Effingham High School is ranked #515 out of 2,204 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are South Effingham High School often compared to?
South Effingham High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Effingham County High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 37% GA state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Effingham High School?
The graduation rate of South Effingham High School is 95%, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 84%.
How many students attend South Effingham High School?
1,900 students attend South Effingham High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of South Effingham High School students are White, 15% of students are Black, 12% 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 South Effingham High School?
South Effingham High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Effingham High School offer ?
South Effingham High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Effingham High School part of?
South Effingham High School is part of Effingham County School District.
School Reviews
5 7/3/2013
excellent curriculum, caring teachers.
Review South Effingham High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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