Beaufort, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties report substantial improvements in SC READY scores for reading and math, signaling educational recovery following pandemic disruptions. Beaufort County’s Language Arts scores are near state average, while Jasper County shows lower results. Charleston County also celebrates historic gains. Despite challenges in science performance, South Carolina schools aim for 75% of students to test at grade level by 2030.
Beaufort, South Carolina — In a positive development for education in South Carolina, Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties have shown significant improvements in their SC READY scores for reading and math as announced by South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver on September 2, 2025. These scores reflect the ongoing recovery and adjustments in educational methods following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The SC READY scores for students in grades three through eight indicate that Beaufort County students scored between 77.1% to 85.6% in Language Arts, with most schools achieving results at or near the state average. Jasper County, however, showed a lower range of 51.1% to 61.1% for the same subject. In terms of Math, Beaufort County and Hampton County generally maintained alignment with the state average; however, some grades in Hampton County reported scores dropped below 50%. In Jasper County, only 33.2% to 58.2% of students met or exceeded Math expectations.
Despite the challenges, many parents in Jasper County remain optimistic, indicating a belief in the gradual educational improvements occurring, signified by slow but steady rises in scores. Beaufort County has particularly seen a five-year consistent increase, with ten schools reporting score enhancements of up to 20 points and eighteen schools making gains of ten points.
Nevertheless, across the assessed counties, fourth and sixth graders fell short of the state average in science, with only 39.9% of fourth graders and 44% of sixth graders in Jasper County meeting expectations. The overarching goal across South Carolina’s school districts is to achieve at least 75% of students testing at or above grade level by the year 2030.
Other districts in the area have also demonstrated noteworthy results. Charleston County School District reported “historic gains,” surpassing state averages across all subjects assessed. For instance, 65% of students in Charleston County read on or above grade level, well above the state average of 59.6%. Furthermore, the district achieved a math proficiency of 54%, significantly higher than the state average of 43.9%, and scored 54.5% in science, again exceeding the state average of 48.7%.
Berkeley County School District celebrated a 6.3% rise in English Language Arts (ELA) scores, accompanied by a notable reduction in the number of third graders not meeting grade-level expectations. Dorchester District 2 reported robust English Language Arts percentages, consistently above the state average, while Dorchester District 4 had a mixed performance. Meanwhile, Colleton County Schools highlighted a 12% growth in ELA scores, though Williamsburg County Schools performed below state averages across the board.
Although Georgetown County Schools made progress, their ELA scores remained below state averages across all grade levels, indicating areas still needing attention. In Beaufort County, while there was a dip in sixth-grade English Language Arts scores, there were improvements noted among fourth and fifth-grade math proficiency percentages.
The SC READY assessments reflect broader changes in teaching practices across the state, particularly the adoption of a phonics-focused approach to reading instruction. This shift is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching methods, updating curriculums, and providing more extensive support for students who are struggling academically. The gains noted in the 2025 SC READY test results suggest a rebound in reading scores compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating that South Carolina schools are steadily progressing toward their ambitious goal of educational excellence by the end of this decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the SC READY scores?
The SC READY scores assess the academic performance of students in grades three through eight in subjects including language arts, mathematics, and science.
What is the goal for student performance by 2030?
The goal for South Carolina school districts is to have 75% of students testing at or above grade level by the year 2030.
Which counties showed improvements?
Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties displayed academic improvements in their SC READY scores for reading and math.
How is Beaufort County performing compared to state averages?
Beaufort County’s scores are generally at or near the state averages in language arts and math, with some grades showing significant improvement in scores.
What changes have contributed to improved scores?
Changes in educational methods, including a phonics-focused approach to reading, curriculum updates, and additional support for struggling students have contributed to the improvements.
Key Features of the Article
| County | Language Arts Scores | Math Scores | Science Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaufort County | 77.1%-85.6% | State average | Below average |
| Jasper County | 51.1%-61.1% | 33.2%-58.2% | 39.9% (4th), 44% (6th) |
| Hampton County | Some grades above state average | Some grades below 50% | Below average |
| Charleston County | 65% (above average) | 54% (above average) | 54.5% (above average) |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Lowcountry Schools SC READY Scores
- Island Packet: Local Education News
- Post and Courier: Test Scores Improvement
- Google Search: South Carolina education improvements
- SC Daily Gazette: Student Math Scores
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- Bluffton Today: Lowcountry Schools Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
