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 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). 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 Facts (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 50%
- Math Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- 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
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 Motto
Make every moment count because every student matters.
School Rankings
South Effingham High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,192 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
#675 out of 2192 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
39%
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 #675 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% 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?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% 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:
- 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.